The train is running slow.I checked the connections everything is where it should be. I am using it around the christmas tree for the first time. Does the trach size matter. Is it maybe going over the 5 amp load cause of a short track? I want to make it go faster again. This has never happened before

FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT I'm not a professional train builder .. but i am an old kid a heart and i've had electric trains at Christmas all my life. as far as track is concerned it shouldn't make any difference how much track you have... the electricity remains constant in the tracks and is only expended at the point where the train contacts it .. a poor connected track can cause a slow down or stoppage so if it happens again check individual track pieces for a poor connection, dirt, corrosion, loose connections where the tracks slide together .. it's probably a loose track connector that happens a LOT you can run a jump wire across a loose track connection (if you know how) .. don't use pliers to crimp them that only makes it worse .. i've made that mistake. you can get into trouble by adding too many additional powered items like another train or another electric station beyond what it came with.. when you do that you can stress the transformer.. in which case buy another transformer for all your stations and only use your original stuff with the old transformer... but yeah have fun with it string as much track as you want.. Merry Christmas

Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches. Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well. When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree

Yes, but before I took the set to a model train dealer I would check the basics. Depending how the unit is stored I would assume that corrosion(oxide) has built up between the electrical components.

This is so common that it can be assumed to be a normal maintenance activity.

The connections from the power to the track, between the tracks and between the engine wheels and the track.

Setting up on a table top allows for convenient troubleshooting.
A voltmeter provides a good tool for efficient analysis of the electrical circuit.

Using a soft cloth rub/polish the rails to eliminate oxide/grime built up.
Use an eraser to scrub the connections between the rails,

I've included several links to provide you with examples of problems and solutions.

Merry Christmas

Hope this helps?



Troubleshooting Ready To Run Lionel Train Sets
Setting Up Your Lionel Train Set
How To Fix Problem With Lionel Fastrak With Voltage Drop Fastrack Connection Pin Fix

Darice Embossing Folder - (A2 size) - Christmas Tree-4.25 x 5.75 inch Embossing Folder - These value-priced embossing folders are perfect for all of your paper crafting, card making and scrapbooking projects and can be used in a variety of popular em.

Check out these Lionel Customer Service Videos.


http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/service-documents/video.cfm?documentID=6334


http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/service-documents/video.cfm?documentID=6337

Check to see if you picked up any fibers on the wheels or axles from your carpet running. Also check to be sure the pilot truck can swing freely from side to side and is not bent. There is also a light coil spring on the front truck pivot pin. Be sure that the spring is there and is not damaged. Another thing to check is the drawbar between the locomotive and tender. Your front wheels may be getting lifted off the track because the rear of the locomotive is getting pressed down. This a soft carpet may compensate for this but not a hard surface. Run your train at a speed where it derails and look closely at the locomotive to see if the rear is being pressed down.

I have a 3 piece Everstar 7/12 slim pine and here are the plug portion of the assemblly instructions . "1) connect the plug(A1) of string with the end cord (B1) of string. 2) Insert the plug (B2 & C1) of string into the wall outlet. 3) After the plugs are plugged into the wall outlet your entire tree should be lit. If some bulbs do not light, search for any loose plugs, broken, loose or missing bulbs that may have caused the problem."
My illustration shows the A1 in the top section of the tree while B1 is in the middle section. Both the middle section and bottom section get plugged into the wall or extension cord. Hope this helps

I exchanged it for a new one:-)

Hmmm, some of the Disney train sets had on/off switches It may have involved pushing the smoke stack like a button or adjusting a bell on the train. I would have thought that would have been in the instructions if applicable. But to answer your question, as the set is expensive and collectible, I'd have one that worked. And take very good care of the box. If looking for oil for the smoke stack, 3 in 1 oil or 3 to 5 drops of Marvel oil should work.