Final update. First, recap: After sitting on the shelf for a few years, unused, I pulled it down at my grandson's request and it ran very slowly and couldn't pull any cars. Then, this thread. As I mentioned doing everything suggested improved performance but I still had 'slow spots' on the outer loop. After cleaning the motor, swapping out LED lights, cleaning the track, the outer loop performance issue remained, then a head slap of the obvious. Run it on the inner loop and see what happens. It ran great. So, I added 2 more power drops at places on the outer loop where it slowed as suggested by Jeff. As demonstrated in the videos when it crosses from the inner loop to the outer loop it no longer slows down. Bottom line, it runs about as well as I think one can expect. I'm very happy knowing I have an engine that's nearly 25 yrs. old with the first significant technology change in the hobby. Here's the proof:
Problem, it slowed down entering the outer loop and often stopped on that outer loop turn:
Then the 'head slap'realization: run it on the inner loop...if it runs well, it's not the engine...well, it was not the engine!
Added power drops on outer loop...!!!
Slow speed because of Throttle setting not track power... She's a beautiful engine/set and I'm so pleased I can show it off. Thanks again for your help.
