Howdy George Gipping!
Tender powered engines, like Murdoch, are hard to come by in very good condition; that could possibly explain the stuttering that happens. I personally recommend running each engine every few weeks, as the lubricant inside the motor can harden and prevent optimal operation.
As for the derailing, the locomotive himself might just be a bit too light; that is one cause for consistent derailment for these engines who receive their motion from a powered car or tender.
Tender powered engines, like Murdoch, are hard to come by in very good condition; that could possibly explain the stuttering that happens. I personally recommend running each engine every few weeks, as the lubricant inside the motor can harden and prevent optimal operation.
As for the derailing, the locomotive himself might just be a bit too light; that is one cause for consistent derailment for these engines who receive their motion from a powered car or tender.
Residential train-afficionado in training, and Thomas & Friends fan.