Thanks Paul.  If I keep it to 4 passenger cars, it looks like I will  be okay.  I will keep the maintenance up to snuff.

Another in the series of my dumb beginner questions.  What is the recommended maximum number of cars for a generation 4, 5 and Annie 10-wheeler to pull?  Snow is still deep so I continue to plan the track and buy more big hauler cars.  I will be using 10-foot diameter curves and zero nominal grade. (I am considering changing my log on to zero degrees with zero experience)  Thanx in advance!

Okay, I am clear about buying used Big Haulers - no warranty.

When I buy new on the internet, do I have to ensure the seller is an authorized Bachmann dealer so that the warranty applies?

I started buying my first large scale, Bachmann Big Haulers, last November.   They were a flee market cash purchase -- no receipt.  I subsequently made internet purchases of some Annies from authorized retailers -- with receipt.
Does the Bachmann warranty apply to the second-hand non-receipted locomotives?

E-mail that is submitted via "forms" often disappear in cyberspace -- because the programming at the hub is inadequate.

I tried to provide info using the Customer Service "form" and was ignored.
Assuming the cyberspace loss problem, I used my regular e-mail and addressed it to CS@bachmanntrains.com and received a response the next day.  Just make sure you include all the information that has been requeste in the Bachmann Trains form.

My hat's off to Bridget at customer service.  Prompt, thoughtful and concise.

Tin is good for tomato juice cans.  It flavours the juice as it mutates.

I am new to LG trains, but have decades of experience with R/C planes.  We tried some tin connectors and rekitted planes because of it.  Tin is BAD for low voltage electical contacts -- it oxydizes due to humidity -- prevents constant electrical flow -- creates radio noise interference -- wreck radio receivers and ruins electronic speed controllers.

For electrical connectors in LG trains, my experience indicates that the only viable electrical connector is gold.  Like Ft Knox, use the GOLD standard.

In brass HO engines, we have used childrens' plasticene putty to dampen the resinated noise within boilers. 
Now, the home construction industry has introduced a plasticene-like putty  that is hand moulded around electrical boxes to dampen sound between rooms.
Strategically place under the seating, it would be invisible, lower the center of gravity and at very least reduced some amount of unwanted resinated sound.
NOTE: This is all in theory -- because we like the sound in our trains.

The Control Master 20 has two settings 0-20 and 0-14 VDC and is capable of 5.5 amps.  The layout will start with a box of 51 inch straight and a 10 foot diameter cicle of aristocraft brass track to run 4-6-0 Big Haulers and Annie locomotives.
I have read other posts that recommend restricting the maximum power to 16 VDC for Bachmann locomotives. 
Should I only use the lower (0-14 VDC) setting a) with 1 locomotive, b) with 2 or more loco's?

One last word about JD Miller's snow plow. 

Got it. Installed it. Ready to roll. 
Two screws out - two screws in.  A perfect fit.

I will never solder again.  Brass HO will be collecting dust.

Thanx to all and expecially J D Miller.  Sound advise.

JD sent pictures of his loco with plow.  WOW - his stuff ain't toys - At first I did not realize the pictures were not of a prototype. 

Bye, bye HO.  Hello garden scale.  I am starting a new adventure

Just watched a plastic Snow Plow for a Bachmann 4-6-0 sell for more than a new Annie.  Are detail parts that difficult to get?

That does help!  5-versions & then Annie.  Annie's the best.  Identify Annie by metal side rods.
Thanx so much Steve.

As I read about the Annie, it seems there are variations in the drive mechanism among those in sets and those bought individually.  Is there differences and which is better - more reliable?

Thanx for the guidance.  I will try both sources.

Just bought EK jr engine and some matching cars for the grankids.
Where can I buy parts - trucks, steel wheels, knuckle couplers, etc.