If going from block 1 to block 2 and both blocks are fully connected to the same cab there should be no stall or hesitation because the exact same power should be going to both sides of the two insulated rail joiners, so to speak. It almost sounds to me like you have blended common rail and non-common rail in your wiring. I believe Atlas components for example assume common rail. Unfortunately it seems Kalmbach no longer publishes a book on DC cab control wiring unless I am missing something, The Linn Westcott and Andy Sperandeo books are still seen at swap meets.
Dave Nelson
Oops! The topic came up on the current list for some reason. Never realized I was replying to a posting from long ago!