I am doing N gauge and I have a KATO transformaer and track, it is new and I wonder if it is the track, transformer or engine causing my train to slow down at 5 diferent spots. My layout is 3’ by 4’. I hope someone can help me.
I would check to make sure you tracks are joined and make sure the track is clean. that would be the two biggest reasons for a power drop issue.
It could be low voltage there…you’d have to meter the tracks to satisfy yourself that the voltage is about even all the way along your tracks. It could be dirt, it could be tight gauge (especially if it is slowing on curves).
As long as the engine keeps moving we know it isn’t bad contact. If contact were broken the engine would stop. That it keeps moving says the contact, even if only through two wheels, is passing whatever voltage the rails are able to supply at that location. So I would be looking at voltage, gauge, or rubbing/friction in the mechanism when the trucks are turned somewhat.
Crandell
If you haven’t soldered your track joints, check your rail joiners for tightness and make sure there is no non-conducting gunk (glue, ballast, and paint are the most common culprits). down between the pieces of rail.
Likely a combination of the track and the loco. People think just because the track is new it’s clean. The reverse has more truth. After machining and finishing the track has all kinds of stuff on it that stays on it right through packaging and to you. I also found that sometimes the loco wheels have oil on them right out of the box and need to be cleaned right off. Clean the track, clean the loco and make sure the track connections are tight.