Help with simple O Layout

Some sparking is OK, normal for a lot of O gauge operation.  Some of the mid-1970s sets with basic engines had just 4 wheels and the spacing of the wheels for the running rails and the rollers for the center rail are not in agreement with the rail breaks for the newer FasTrack crossings.

You can "lock" the train in one direction by switching "off" the reverse unit lever while running in the desired direction or before powering up again, and the train will probably coast through the brief power interruption over the crossing.

"X M A S" was replaced by asterisks in your post due to the rules of the forum host...  there is a common misconception that the word stems from a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas by taking the "Christ" out of "Christmas".  The term, a popular shortened form of the word "Christmas" that originates from the use of the Greek letter chi to represent "Christ" (Χριστός, Xristos), has been a particular topic of controversy among Christians unfamiliar with the historical roots of the term.

See that, you learn something new every day, if you pay attention.  I'm talking about the reason or origin of the abbreviation for the word Christmas.  Thanks Rob,  I never knew that.  Now, I'm going to tell my wife.  Even though she thinks she knows everything I KNOW she doesn't know that.

Rick

Make sure the wheels and rails and center rail pickups are all clean. Can you tell us what loco you have? (numbers off the side). It might be that one of the center-rail pickups is not working, or wheels dirty. If it's a basic loco with only four drive wheels and one wheel has a rubber traction tire, the electrical pickup may be marginal.

Thanks for the advice.  I never guessed that a newly refurbished locomotive would have picked up enough dirt on the contacts to hinder operations, but some cleaning did the trick and it is full-steam ahead.  Jay

Jay, even brand new track is not really clean. it has a residue from machine work that will attract dust and debris, this ends up on your wheels and pickups.

Bottom line: Have Fun !!!