Is there a steam locomotive doctor in the house?

[R L Smith]

As a follow up and closure, I gave the switcher some more run time yesterday.  First, a couple of laps around at medium speed in the opposite direction, just to verify that I didn't transfer the bind from one side to the other when I did all the poking and prodding.  Then back to the counterclockwise direction with all the right hand turns.  Two laps at speed step 8 required almost 35 minutes, and no stalling or hesitation. 

Whatever was in there (as Randy noted - potential ballast or similar) is gone and I consider this a reliable steamer again.

Thanks for your input!

RLS

[Englewood]

I can't count how many times I've had a problem with something mechanical, taken it apart to see what's wrong, found nothing, put it back together, and the problem disappears. I guess the gremlins just wanted out.