My son has a Lionel Thomas the Train set and it's running very rough. I've spent quite a bit of time cleaning the track, wheels and pickups and it's still having problems. The engine runs very jerky, the engine will stop, and the whistle will sound all on it's own. It seems to me that it's doing this because of power interruptions. The track has been jostled around quite a bit and I'm wondering if damaged connections could be the problem. I would welcome your opinions. Thanks.
When it happens look at the light on the transformer to see if its blinking which is a short. If not you can try connecting a pigtail on to a section of track furthest away from the terminal track to see if it’s the track. You only need some small spade connecters from RadioShack connected to some 16 gauge wire. Just be sure the inside connection is connected to same side of transformer as the other track connection. Note at 1st look the spade connector may look too big for the track terminal, but it will fit.
fastrack I have had problems with fastrack back when i used a Lionel 30 watt controller. The engine would stop and it seemed like the power would cut at a certain section each time. I had sound problems with atlaso engines randomly sounding the horn and random crew sounds using the same power pack. After upgrading to an AtlasO 80 watt controller I haven't had any track problems or cut outs so may be the powerpack itself.
I just assumed you had a CW-80 Transformer, but I just looked it up and I believe you have a PowerMax transformer. I’m not that familiar that transformer at all, but if the transformers not so good well you may need to upgrade. If the train runs better near the connection then I would try running more wires. If it does not make any difference where on the track, then you need to look for an upgrade.
