MTH Hudson Steam Engine Stops Suddenly

Maybe check out that  the side rods and eccentric crank are not loose.  Are all the 1/2 moons in the same position. 

  OK you've had it apart , try  turn the flywheel by hand for any signs of binding.  

Sounds similar to some of my woes.  Check the pick up connections inside the body.  I have had some screws inside loosen on the either the ground or the pickup roller. On one engine, I had wires break going to the truck that gave weird action as it would stop in some corners or some track sections at random.  

It also could be a loose wire going to the PS2 wire connection.  My PS3 steamer is down currently do to this issue. It would just stop, but everything else would just work - lights, steam, sound - but no movement.

Bill   

Gregg, I checked tie rods and one was in fact loose. It must have been binding up occasionally. I tightened it up and the engine is running fine now. Thanks for your suggestion