Train slows at connection

I have an conventional train on a simple loop of 8 x 12 with a CW80 transformer. My problem is the train slows down as it nears the the track connection and appears to run faster at the opposite side of the loop. At this spot I do have a section of isolated tracks that trips the Gateman. Could this be why it slows?

John

Is the gateman powered off of track power or does it have its own power feed?

Chuckn,
I have fed it from another power source.

John

How much track are we talking about and how many power feeds to you have going to it? Have you tried running a second power feed to the track on the far side of the loop?

Not on the far side but I do have one about 7 feet down from the first one.

If you take out the insulated sections (I know this means the gateman won’t work but this is to try and diagnose what’s going on) does the train behave “normally”? The gateman is being powered by a different power supply or the accessory outputs of the CW-80?

Gateman is being powered from a different transformer. I also have a mix of FasTrack and ‘O’ gauge track but I don’t know if that would mater.

Also the gateman is off when this occures.

“I also have a mix of FasTrack and ‘O’ gauge track but I don’t know if that would mater.”

It might. To eliminate any issues with track type, I’d try running seperate feeds each time the track switches type. The differences in track type might be affecting continuity.

Its the common trying to bridge. Add some jumpers. Does the same when two switches are back to back.