To the original question, fixing the joints between track sections and adding power drops will probably solve the power problems.
While many suggested good circuit breaker options, the TVS diodes are the important thing for running modern engines with postwar transformers. There are lots of good threads that can give you exact part numbers if you use the search engine here on the forum for 'TVS'. You don't need a DCS system to get this protection, 50 cent parts will do just fine. The simplest use on a ZW is to just wrap a lead between the U post and the other around the lettered post right above it.
JGL
