Thanks Bill-

1.) It will immediately start back up again if I push down or slightly lift up- every time
2.) When I fist ran it there was no hesitation on the track
3.) Version 5 chassis
4.) I can get a volt meter, but probably not until tomorrow.

Quote from: Loco Bill Canelos on December 02, 2020, 11:10:21 AM
Hi T,

Based on the latest info, I feel that the problem may not be the power supply.  So first the middle drivers have no flanges so the locomotive can go around tighter curves, but this is not the problem.  So let go back to basics. First check to make sure the arrow under the front small truck is facing forward. Second make absolutely sure each section of track is tightly connected to each other and that there are no kinks. be sure to use those track clips between each section.  Next use a good quality track cleaner and thoroughly clean the track. You can use mineral spirits, or even WD-40. Do it with a soft cloth and clean until no more black residue appears on the cloth.  Then do the same with all the wheels on the loco.  I use a Q-tips saturated in the cleaner and do each wheel until the Q-tip is clean.  I say this because the sparking you are seeing is often due to dirty track and dirty wheels.  You may not see any dirt on the rails or wheels but clean them anyway. Try these things and post back with how it goes!  I know you said you did some of these things, but do it again.  Also we could do other tests if you had a voltmeter.  Also I am wondering if you have the track set up flat on the floor?

Hang in there.

Bill

Ok I cleaned it up and it started out great for about 30 mins.
It's back to running- not struggling nearly as bad and definitely no more sparks- but after maybe 7-8 trips around the tree it's shutting back off. Light on train going off as well.

Bill- one thing on the track "tightness". I am using an oval shape around the tree and I can't get a snug fit on ALL of the track. Yes, I am using the clips on every location where the tracks come together, but I can't get an "exact" or perfect fit on all of the connections. There is maybe a millimeter or two that I see black plastic.
It is on a flat hardwood floor

Thanks Bill!

I will do all of those things (clean the track and wheels) and report back tonight! And yes- the arrow is pointing in the right direction 

Hi Bill,

Thanks so much for the reply!
More oberservations this morning:
The light flickers as it struggling along the track and when the loco stops, the light shuts off.
ALSO- 1.) it seems as if the middle left wheel is not touching the track when I put it on the track
2.) The back left wheel sparks from time to time as its going around
3.) if it stops- i can push down on the loco and it will start going around again- struggling of course.

thanks again,
T

Hi all,

Just for reference I am a totally newbie when it comes to model trains- this was my first purchase and I know very little- sorry.
I purchased the Night Before Christmas Large G scale train last November. I ran it under my Christmas tree with what I thought pretty much no issues, although the problem I'm having this year did happen right out of the box.
The train runs sporadically and then will just stop. I have checked all the connections- made sure every piece of track is locked in and all connectors are secure.
If I hold the locomotive and barely touch the track the wheels turn fast and normal like it should. When I set it down, or start with it in its normal position it is very hard to run. And now this year it just won't stay running- maybe will go around 1-3 times then shuts off. I tried it alone with no cars/caboose and also with the cars and same issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.