Yes I have the skill set to dis-assemble and inspect. I was just hoping someone else had experienced the same issue and would be able to steer me in the right direction. Thanks ,I will post results of inspection.

It ran about one foot on a 36 inch section of powered flex track . It did not cross any joiners.

on a section of the track that is connected to the transformer.

Not sure I understand questions, ,,, on the track, transformer hooked up and track tested with other ho scale locos. This loco moves about one foot before it stops running, light comes on, but will not move at full throttle. I am running DC only. It tests fine if I turn loco upside down and put in a cradle and introduce power directly to wheels. Just wont run on my track. Track is new and clean. Continuity test on track checks out fine with ohm-meter. Power to track 16V.

Will this run on a straight dc track. If so why does mine run about 1 foot and stop? What voltage does it require? Amps?
Thanks.