I have had this set for about 10 years. A couple of years ago it stopped reversing. When I push the direction button on the controller it pauses and then continues going in the same direction when I release the button. I thought the small plastic controller that came with the set was the issue so I bought a CW-80 but it does the same thing. I saw some other posts about using a lighted car - I have a lighted caboose on the train right now. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Sounds like you are talking about AC powered three-rail trains such as Lionel. Kalmbach has a forum specifically focused on those trains where you may find more knowledgable help:
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/95.aspx