Proto-type Express cars use  36" wheels . those are what need. J2.

Just got off the reynauld website .  They are still located at Elburn , IL .   I googled  rotary  plows  , they had a nice selection .  Their  Ratische  Bahn  plows retail  for between  $800 to $900 .  I don't think  Bachmann is going  invest the kind of  money to build anything comparable .   They do look impressive . john2.

To  Terry Toenges :   You are probably correct in your assessment  about the price not being aware near $100 .   I wonder what the cost is of the Maerklin version  ?     I may have to stop in at their hobby shop next time I feel like taking a drive . They are about  30 Miles south of Marengo  ,  I have been in the store  twice .  They have some interesting  displays . John2.

To Scout  :  I agree with Lens suggestion  regarding using   NWSL   motorized  trucks to use for powering your  car bodies .  They seem to have a wide range of types to accomplish  what you require .   Chicago elevated  cars were also originally  towed by steam locos . The World's Fair was linked to the city by an extension  of the elevated system .  Later the system was electrified .  Third rail power was used for most sections , but overhead catenary was also used in outlying areas .  Some was still used in the Sixties . The Skokie Swift which was part of an interurban line originally  transitioned from  rail to catenary  North of Howard  Street .   Good  Luck on your project  it appears to be doable .   John2.

To Wiley209 & J3a-314 : that  building is  Mt Vernon Mfg Co,  and was available as a Life-Like product  .   I own 3 units  myself and they are definitely suitable for kit-basing .  John2.

To  Fred Lundgren :   Thank You  I found that interesting   as  I am a chocaholic .  Is that infrastructure  still functional  and being used ?  John2.

The hardest parts to find  seem to be the pockets for the  NEM 362 couplers  .  Does any body in North America  sell them ? They would make it much easier to do conversions.   J2.

To Jonathon :  Looks good and is a good Idea  .   I have an Acela set  on order   , and will probably   order  the NEM  couplers as well .   I used a set to modify some  Maerklin   Harry Potter   passenger cars to be able  to run on DC  .   May have to consider  modifying  my  Bachmann  Harry Potter cars that way as well it would make them  more flexible to run  with North American  Locomotives.   John 2.

To bbmiroku :   X2F  couplers  were never  "standard" especially for  John Bull era  locomotives  that preceeded  the development of "Knuckle" couplers  by many decades .  Your best bet would be to contact  Kadee directly   and ask their advise .  J2.

To trainman203 :   For most of us  who actually have tools this would be simple . We also usually have a supply of washers , screws , and other assorted hardware available .  But for many people  repairing any thing is a challenge in our throw-a -way society .   Sad but true . J2.

Bachmann UK might have been a help but their website is down for rebuilding .  The loop couplers  that bachmann uses varied the Harry Potter Couplers were not compatible with the larger couplers that were used on the "Thomas" Line of trains . Most recent European trains use the NEM couplers that Bachmann does make make parts for . Regarding  repairs you are going to have to call the Hobby shop stores to see who do service railroad Equipment . There is a jig that is used to Quarter wheels for steam engines .  You are going to have to get books to help you to fix your Railroad.   Good Luck in your search . Also do a search on this site for information , this has been discussed before .  John2.

Might eventually see some around the Chicago Area as we have some Electric powered train lines . Will not see any near the house though , line across the street is  UP former CNW .  Was hoping for AMTRAK service but that dolt of a governor screwed that up as well as a lot of other stuff ,cannot wait till he is on the un-employment line . A whole term of nothing accomplished . J2.

The beams were spaced at  one centimeter intervals so it would make sense to make the cuts at 4 or 5 centimeters and offset the next row by one centimeter.
since the end points should be nailed to center on the beams . I am not sure what would have been the length of pre-cut  or standard lumber at that point in time and at that place . John2.

Viper :   Is this a DC or a DCC loco ? In any event  , you going to have to disassemble the loco to determine  whether you have loose connections . I assume that  your track was clean . Have your loco's wheels been cleaned and checked for foreign material ? John2 .

to ThelokieRoo :Note that there is more variety  in the Nickel-Silver EZ track line .  All model railroad track has to meet National Model Railroad Association standards  .   Go to their web site for more information .  John 2.