Thanks for all of the replies.  I will look at all of the options.  We just want ones that will lock up and stay connected.

Is one type/brand better than others? One thing about the True Scale are their cost.  That could get expensive very quickly.  What are the regular knuckle couplers vs the magnetic style?  Are the magnetic ones basically what you would find with the wooden child trains or are the a different connection?

Thanks.  We've noticed that sitting on flat level track that some of the couplers do not line up in height.  One is higher than the other.  

I will look at the "reverse draft angle" couplers.  Is there a "brand" or is the brand Micro Trains?

Sorry for sounding dumb but we are brand new to the hobby.

Any other suggestions/tips are much appreciated as well.

Wes

Are there better couplers that can replace the standard ones that came on our set (Bachmann n scale Yard Boss)?  Often the couplers do not engage properly and the cars just disconnect.  Is there a way to adjust the couplers vs. replacing them?

I looked at the unions and they seem tight "enough", but I honestly don't know how tight the fit should be.  I will check them again and see if I find a "loose" one.  If that doesn't solve it I will look to the conductive lube.  Is that basically dielectric grease?

If this doesn't solve it, should I look to soldering them?

Also, do DC controllers have a length limit?

Please anyone.  Do I need to solder the joints???

Hi all.  My 12 y.o. son asked for a set for Christmas.  We got him an EZ track set and we've gone full tilt (yeah!) with it.  We've used SCARM to design our layout which is pretty simple with a meandering design with two small bridges.  I've ordered and received all of the extra track we needed.  Today I placed all of the track according to the layout.  Our issue is that the locomotive will run for a portion of the track and then stop.  From what I can determine is that some of the track sections are not making contact because in a couple of instances I could lift/twist/press tighter some sections and the engine would begin moving again.  At the moment the track is sitting on a layer of extruded polystyrene which is on the benchwork.  We've not begun to add any grade or scenery.  We just wanted to see how it looked.

Please help and tell me what I've done/am doing wrong.  The set we got him is the "Yard Boss".  The total linear footage is approximately 26'.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Wes