HI - I got my empire builder set , put it together and plugged it in, etc.

The power pack is plugged into a live wall jack, as far as I can tell, the track is assembled properly. The powerpack is black and has a red light in the upper left corner.

I'm having an awful time getting all 16 wheels of the engine to sit properly on the track. I even put on an 8 wheel engine I have from atlas. Both trains seem to be rolling smoothly, but when I turn the power up slowly, nothing happens. 
How can i be sure the track is getting current? I don't have an electrical tester. Very frustrating, as the kids are clamboring for the train to run. 
Any help?

I have an Empire builder set in bound from an online retailer, and have some questions.
As a little background:
I have never run model trains before - I am pursuing the hobby because of my two young sons, and some related interest on the part of the grandparents. We have long range plans to convert my basement space to a larger layout based on the Central Vermont lines focused on the Bellows Falls junction. My Father in law has done trains for a long time but doesn't have space to do a layout. I am getting the Empire Builder set as something to play with until a more comprehensive track plan can come together.

So here are my questions:

Do the easy track sections come apart easily, or are they pretty much staying together after they are snapped together?

Are There other layout plans that can be made with the track in the package besides the basic oval listed on the back of the package? Are there websites that I could be directed to that give plans, or part of this forum?


My father in law has some Central Vermont locos made by Atlas, and decoder equipped. Should I expect these locos to run on the easy track, with the supplied power pack?
Any other tips and suggestions will be appreciated!