Well Larry, what do they say? Fix one thing and something else becomes the weakest link? So I took off that little wire that was soldered to the base and it made no difference, so all was well I thought. No power loss areas on the track! Consistent speed all the way around. Again, I've got 4 curved pieces each side and one straight piece between them to form a small oval around the tree. Now, the train (once warmed up), just stops then starts again after a moment right at the area of the new lockon as well as a area almost directly across from it. I removed the old lockon to see if it made a difference and it did not. Using either both or just the new one makes no difference. Now I'm thinking it was another issue all along that is highlighted with more/better power. What else could this be? Contact with track was my first suspicion and I did see a small flash at the same point each time it goes around near the new lockon. I know my inquiry is now only expanding possibilities of the issue, but I am not knowledgeable on these things. I just get it out and turn it on every year and it runs. Thanks for any additional advise and help.