Power issue with track, engine problem or foreign debris?

[ReadyPlayerOne2024]

I hope I am in the correct forum for this issue. If not, please point me to the correct one.

I have a Kato, N-scale, Amtrak P42 engine running it on an oval track (nothing fancy).
As the engine travels the loop, the headlight flickers a fair amount while it stutters in its movement.
Sometimes, I have to lightly push down on the unit to get it moving again.

I put together a long stretch of straight track and ran the engine back and forth on it with no issues, light flicker, etc.

I am looking for suggestions of possible causes and things to check. I have verified that the track pieces are connected. I had a couple of black plastic isolation couplers that I was not aware of and replaced them. Otherwise, I don't see anything that could be causing this

 

[migalyto]

First thing I would do is clean the track good. I use a old piece of cloth and mineral spirits and give it a good scrub. It may not look dirty, but it will amaze you how much gunk can be on it.

Next clean the locomotive wheels. I use a paper towel wet with the mineral spirits draped over the track. Do one set at a time. Let the rear set get contact from the track so they all spin and let the wheels run over the paper towel. Doesnt take much and use a slow speed step so you dont shred the paper towel. Reverse and repeat.

That will more than likely solve your issues. May want to add some more feeders to the track as well if you don't already have a fair amount.

 

[timlange3]

Goo Gone works too, just be sure to dry the rails and wheels when done cleaning.

 

[Canalligator]

I have one particular locomotive that fails easily, it is my canary in a coal mine. When it starts to do a DCC reset, I clean all the tracks and the wheels of locomotives.

 

[ReadyPlayerOne2024]

I have one particular locomotive that fails easily, it is my canary in a coal mine. When it starts to do a DCC reset, I clean all the tracks and the wheels of locomotives.

Interesting you mention that. I have a Kato ALC-42 that has been giving me a lot of fits. I did the reset CV8 on it. I finally got it to respond. However, it runs a lot slower than my two P42s. I will give it a good cleaning now that it is playing nice with my Digitrax DCS52.

 

[ReadyPlayerOne2024]

Goo Gone works too, just be sure to dry the rails and wheels when done cleaning.

I ordered the "Bachmann Industries Trains Track & Rail Cleaner (6 fl.oz)" and "Bachmann Industries Hand-Held Track Cleaner" yesterday and should be here today. I am going to give them a try. I will keep the Goo Gone in mind if Bachmann stuff doesn't do the job. Thanks!