A simple, basic question about track power..... please help!

Where is the loose connection? Middle rail?

I think you have two loose connections.

3 Rail O Gauge does not require a continuous loop of track for power delivery. However, a full loop can provide "redundant" electrical paths. The loop of your Fastrack likely has more continuity issues than redundancies when one section is disconnected. Fastrack is known to not have the most reliable electrical joints. You can read more on this all in these other posts that cover the topic:

• https://ogrforum.com/...nel-cs-you-tube-page
• https://ogrforum.com/...lectrical-connection
• https://ogrforum.com/...ack-bent-center-pins
• https://ogrforum.com/...onnecting-pins-issue

@John H posted:

I think you have two loose connections.

I think John is right, one loose connection on a full loop would not stop the presses.

Thanks for the responses. Excellent video. I wish all of life's problems were so easy to fix.

@bmoran4 posted:

3 Rail O Gauge does not require a continuous loop of track for power delivery.

True enough, but neither does 2 rail...in any scale, correct? For example, a short straight section on the workbench for testing...

Mark in Oregon

“..a mere loose connection…”

I believe that’s where you went of the track😁

usually on a loop of track, there is more than one power feed…which compensated for the loose connection  

@Michael Hokkanen posted:

If I can put a out-n-back "U" shaped track on my layout and run trains back and forth or use bumper trolleys without failure, why does a mere loose connection between two sections of Fastrack in an oval stop and engine dead in its tracks????

All of my loops are connected in 4 equidistant locations.

@Michael Hokkanen posted:

All of my loops are connected in 4 equidistant locations.

You can still have multiple loose/poor connections between any two of the drops.