Pennsylvania Flyer not moving

[Campfire]

Hi guys, brand new here.     I was hoping for some insight into my issue.    I have a Pennsylvania Flyer O gauge set I bought about 15 years ago.     In the last few years, the train ran intermittently.    Now it does not move at all or the engine does a single "jerk".      I have run the engine at the hobby store.   Zero issue there.    I just had the hobby store run my transformer on their set up.    Zero issues.    

I bought all brand new track (just a Christmas Tree setup so very short) at that store and set it up.     Train does not move.      The track is tight.   No gaps.    

I am perplexed because I tested the engine and transformer at the hobby store.    They both work.     The track is brand new so that should rule out that issue.     

Let's pretend I know nothing about these trains or how they work (I really don't)....why does the train not work?

[fifedog]

If you didn't purchase a new terminal track section, I would start there.

[Flintlock76]

If the engine and transformer checked out OK at the hobby shop and the track is new are the wire leads from the transformer to the track OK?  Are they locking on to the track with no problems?  Are they frayed or damaged in any way?  Your problem could be there. 

If memory serves, the Pennsylvania Flyer set came with a CW-80 transformer.  Make sure your wire leads are connected to terminals "A" and "U," that's where your track power comes from.

Oh, and  aboard!  

PS:  What kind (brand) of track are you using, Lionel Fastrack or another brand?

Here's the Pennsylvania Flyer owner's manual.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/6346730174250PennsylvaniaFlyer.pdf

[ADCX Rob]

Start with the basics...  

How to Assemble Your Train Set

How to Set Up and Operate Your Train

How to Use Your Transformer

How to Use Automatic and Operating Cars

How to Use Track, Layouts and Switches

How to Use Operating Accessories

How to Care For Trains and Equipment

How to Use Lighted Accesories

How to Use Automatic Signals and Blocks

 

[Campfire]

Thanks Fife, I will do that.    Why is that section (terminal track with the power cable notch) so important when every piece of track has electrical connector tabs on the bottom?    

[Campfire]

Thanks!    I am using fast track.    I am not familiar with "A and U".   I will research that.   My wire lead from the transformer is original so I will replace that too.    Now that I think about it, the hobby shop used their power lead on my transformer.    I used my needle nose to make the wire lead fit tighter.    Thanks for the troubleshooting help.     

Additionally, thanks for the newbie guides.    I know my questions are incredibly basic but the old adage, "you don't know what you don't know", is ringing all to true right now.     

[fifedog]

With the older FasTrack, the terminal section isn't important. You can attach the wires underneath, just as well. With the newer LionChief - plug and play trackage, I would be more inclined to use the ports, as delivered.

[BigAl 956]

Since you have eliminated everything else try replacing the power leeds. Visit the local hardware store and pick up a package of female spade and ring connectors. Crimp them on the ends of a length of 16 or 18 AWG wire. The female spade connectors will push onto their male counterparts that are founfd on the bottom of sections of Fastrack. If you have a large tree you may need to daisy chain an aditional wire to the far side of the track.