Thanks for your reply Larry. Is that really all it could be? Part of what I inherited is a 250 wt type Z transformer (1950/1960 era) which is currently out for repair (to check and replace some old/bad wiring)...so help is on the way! I also inherited the aforementioned transformer which is all i have to work with right now...i'll probably use it to exclusively run the switches and such once I get the 250 wt back.
Is it odd that the Western Maryland 8915 runs just fine on ~12-13 watts whereas the SF 8263 is so weak? Granted the 8915 has two motors and the 8263 has just one...but if I run the 8915 all alone it will roll off the track on a turn it goes so fast! I have to attach some cars to slow it down ;-)

Thanks,

Greg