Thomas problem

[rogruth]

My grandson's Thomas Has operated just fine for a year and a half. This past week he went on strike. Would move a short distance and stop .This was with the CW-80 transformer and Fastrack .When put on a loop of older O-27 with an older small transformer, it ran fine. The very cheap K-Line GP7 had no problem with the Fastrack/CW-80. Any explanations ?

[MartyE]

If you have a lighted car, put it on the fasttrack with the CW80 and see if Thomas runs.  If so contact Lionel and they should send you a free piece of track with a light on it.  Seems there is a loading issue with Thomas and the 80w transformer.

[rogruth]

He has the lighted track section, I don't understand why this happened after a year and a half.

[sanman0516]

Try cleaning the pickup rollers and the out side wheels.

Also try lube the gears. It just my need oil. clean the track with a rag and some  rubbing alcohol. After a year or 1&1/2 years it may need  TLC

                                            Jack

[ModelTrainLover]

and if ALL else fails get a new Thomas, this should be your last option if the cleaning does not work. but still keep it though

[DCmontana]

Clean the track!  I have found with my son's Thomas that you really have to keep the track clean, the rollers clean, and Thomas lubed, oiled, etc.  But, I can't emphasize too much, CLEAN THE TRACK!

[ModelTrainLover]

well.. I could use some of that track cleaning magic for my layout

[dwiemer]

Make sure you have good contact with the rollers and the wires attaching them.  Lionel has had a few engines that had loose connections., Also, the above cleaning would be a good idea.  Make sure that the brushes and commutator end have not been oiled.  You may want to give them a good cleaning.

Dennis