Atlas Premier P42 Genesis #175 problems

maybe a broken wire that causes one truck or pickup not to function when needed over a dead area

Have you ever cleaned and lubed the engine?

I do have a similar problem with my Atlas O Premier P42 Genesis. Ran great for months, then started randomly powering down at various points on my layout (no switches, by the way).  Originally I assumed dirty track was the culprit, but several cleanings did not solve the problem. Then I tried cleaning the wheels with Bachmann EZ Lube, but the problem continued. Finally I tried something suggested by Gunrunner John on this forum, namely, scrubbing the wheels with Purple Scotch Brite pads. This eliminated the problem, but I do have to clean the wheels on a regular basis as the become crud-covered again fairly quickly.