Seeing Sparks -- What am I doing wrong?

Anyone have any thoughts on this?  Coming from the HO/N scale world, I NEVER saw sparks, so I'm afraid I have something connected wrong or shorting out.

You could have a shorted track section. Run your hand along the track feeling for hot spots.

Thanks, I will try this. 

IMO, you should have the track power turned off when putting a car on the track. You could do major damage to an engine if you cause a short. It eliminates one potential problem and we all know how Murphy's Law works.

Have fun and enjoy your new layout.

I agree: ALWAYS turn the power off BEFORE placing a piece of rolling stock on the track! 

As previously posted, it's best to have power off when putting cars on the track to avoid shorts.

The other aspect to this question is the amperage we typically have on hand in the "O" gauge operating realm in relation to what we typically see in the HO & N kingdom. Most of us have power on tap from six amps on up to 20+; that's into welding territory so it's best to watch what you do in "O" compared to what we can sneak by with in HO & N. Remember, most house wiring is protected by 15 amp breakers.......

Check the wiring polarity.  Make sure the same color wire is going to the center rail.