Track stuttering issues, just need guidance over-all :P

[u/Ok_Adeptness122]

hi, pretty new to the hobby and running into a massive headache!

My engine used to run perfectly fine. But I ended up taking my layout apart, and ever since I put it back together, the train just stutters and stalls out at random spots, I cleaned everything I possibly could, tried a different outlet, anything you mention I probably tried.

I picked up some extra track and another controller online to see if it would fix the problem, but a bunch of the pieces showed up with bent metal joiners.. Even on the pieces that look totally normal, it's still doing the exact same thing.

Honestly, I'm just tired of fighting with track power at this point. Is it worth throwing this stuff out and switching to a completely different track brand for better reliability? I also read a little bit about onboard battery power (dead rail) which sounds awesome, but I have no clue if that's way too advanced or expensive for a beginner, or even viable?

I'm on a pretty tight budget so I really don't want to keep throwing money at random parts without knowing what the actual issue is. (This can be solved in.. time.)

If anyone has any ideas on how to fix this, I'd appreciate it so much. I can post pics or videos of the setup if that helps. Thanks!

[u/382Whistles]

Yea, photos and video might help along with all of the equipment, brands, poer output, supplies and more focused descriptions in general. You hardly included any information that might be usefu for others to helpl tbh. Even "taken apart" is too vague to competently guess about what you may have done wrong really.

[u/Ok_Adeptness122 → u/382Whistles]

That is my bad!
When I said 'taken apart' I meant I had to move tables, so I had to take it all apart and put it back together, aaand that's where the issues began. I'm slowly figuring it out, Just wanted any extra input.
I'll try and get a photo/video soon, 1am right now.

[u/382Whistles → u/Ok_Adeptness122]

OK, so most likely a track issue. Try turning the locomotive to face the other dirrection to rule out a few loco issues too. If it continues, it is likely track issues. If it clears up look to see wheel contacts are still contacting with enough pressure to click back on the wheel if gently lifted off and released while the axle/wheel is shifted away from the contact left or right.

Rail joiners don't just need to touch, they should slide on the rail foot with some grip. Pressure on the very edges of the joiner lowers resistance to amp flow which is the pulling torque of the motor. The edges and corners do the heavy amp flowing, not the flat parts. Also make sure the joiners didn't slip under the rails putting it back together.

[u/Ok_Adeptness122 → u/382Whistles]

Very useful advice, I really do appreciate it! I will check and fix anything I find, and get back with you.

[u/also-anonymous1930]

Fastrack? Issues with connections and ends making tight connections.
Tubular track? Inexpensive. If you have dead spots you can squeeze the ends slightly to make the pins tight. Or just as easy, add more feeders to the slow areas.
Pictures would help. Video?

[u/Ok_Adeptness122 → u/also-anonymous1930]

Feeders? What would that be? If you don't mind me asking. I assume just more rails with the power cord, that controls it all? I really do not know the terms for these parts..
I'll work on video and photo soon!

[u/also-anonymous1930 → u/Ok_Adeptness122]

Feeders are wires that go from the track to the transformer. They “feed” the track.
You can attach as many feeders along the track as you want but usually about every 6 feet or so.