Thanks Terry.
Yes I use the snow and it has been an issue.
I have used tweezers etc to remove those threads.
It just runs better in reverse for some reason.
I have found that it is bearable with less cars so I'll run with that for now.

I am brand new to this board so I apologize for my inexperience. A quick search has not given me any answers.
I have On30 Santa's express that I only set up for Christmas. I have been slowly having issues over past years with running, but this year is the worst.
The locomotive will run fine in reverse, but in forward it continually stalls out and runs maybe at 50% with the controller at 100.
I have seen a bit of info on gear issues but not sure if that is what I am looking at. The train is probably about 8 years old.
Thanks in advance for any help.