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. 

Thanks Larry, I'll try that, using the caboose with the light to test power drop. Ken

Hi All, first post here.  I don't know what that thing is called where you clip on the power source to two sections of the track--where the wires from the controller go to the track.  I have a 1948 Lionel and have track nailed down to a board all around my Christmas tree.  For many years now, the train loses power as it is going away from this power clip but regains power as it gets nearer to it/returns to it.  I have checked all the track connections, they are all snug and before I remounted this many years ago I crimped tight any loose holes where the pin from the track inserts into the next section, so I would hope that the electrical connections are good. I have cleaned the track with acetone and have removed any build up of dust, etc from the track and the contacts underneath the engine.  Running under load or just the engine itself this slowdown/loss is still noticeable but less so when only the engine running.  Any help in diagnosing this issue is appreciated!  Thx, Ken