lionel coal tipple

Cut power to the tipple, then reapply power.  The tipple should reset back to starting position and release the car.  My best guess is the car lost contact with one of the micro switches in the track.  When this happens the tipple stops.  There are two micro switches in the track.  The wheels press on the switches when in the correct position so the tipple can be activated.  If the car moves at all during the process, you get what happened to you.