It is so cool to see it come alive. You didn't say much about making the basement area into a train room. I recall the early photos. You put a lot of time into that.
You may want to start running with one connection for track power. If the train slows in an area, check the track tabs first. Mike of Lionel has a "continuity with FasTrack" video on youtube that shows how to slightly bend the track tabs.
If that doesn't fix it, then add a drop.
If 18awg is what you have, that's fine, but 16awg is tried and true.
Thanks for update.
