I just picked up a Bachmann N scale train set. I would like to duplicate my HO layout in N scale. My HO layout uses 15", 18" and 22" radius curves. N scale track is available in 11 1/4", 12 1/2", 14", 15 1/2", 17 1/2" and 19" radius. Is there a chart that shows how to convert HO to N? I don't want to have to buy a bunch of track in each radius just to be able to pick and choose what fits.

My 060 Bachmann loco leaks smoke fluid but I don't believe I have overfilled it. I just noticed it a couple of days ago when the bottom of the loco was sopping wet with fluid. Is this considered normal? The smoke unit doesn't glow red like it did when new a few months ago. It won't smoke unless it is almost wide open, much too fast for scale operation.

Has anyone successfully removed the rails from Bachmann EZ Track?  I don't mean pull the rails and ties up, I just need to remove and replace the rails from a crossing for a project.  I believe they are just held very snugly in the plastic ties.  I think they should pull out from the end, at least that is what I am hoping.

I have been fighting problems with my 30° crossing and now I have something worse.  My layout had EZ track manual turnouts and I never had an issue with them.  I upgraded the two furthest turnouts to powered units.  Since then, my 060 locomotive stumbles or jumps the track.  Staying on the straight run is smooth, but switching to the curved turnout is when the problem occurs.  

There doesn't seem to be much tension on the switch points against the rails, certainly not as much as the manual units.  I can run an F7 diesel loco through there all day long without a hiccup, but my little steamer doesn't fare well.  I would like to leave the diesels on the display shelf because my entire layout is turn of the century themed.

I have an 060 loco with smoke.  I read somewhere that unless you keep the stack wet with smoke oil, the coil will burn out.  Also, After using the smoke oil for a few runs, it seems that it doesn't get as hot.  When new, a couple of weeks ago, you could look down the stack as the train passed by and the orange glow was visible.  Now, the loco has to be run much faster than I like in order to get any smoke and the orange glow is much dimmer.

How long do these smoke units last?

There is definitely a problem with the BAC44540 30° crossing.  I am running an 060 locomotive that doesn't like that crossing.  I was experiencing derailing and hesitation and poor performance of the loco going over that section of track.  I discovered that the loco was rubbing its belly on the crossing.  I had to file down the part of the bellypan that covers the driven gear.  That problem was solved.  However there is still a hesitation and loss of power on one leg of the crossing.  The other leg isn't a problem.  I have to run the train at a much higher speed than prudent or scale proportions in order to prevent the loco from stopping dead.  Even at higher speeds, there is a noticeable jerk of the locomotive that often causes the rolling stock to uncouple which will lead to a train wreck if not caught in time.  I have lightly fine sanded the troublesome area with a little improvement.  It is unknown why one leg of the cross is trouble free and smooth, while the other leg will not maintain power to the locomotive.

This is certainly a Bachmann problem and I have contacted them without a reply.  If in fact it is just the nature of the beast that short locomotives will not perform well if using this crossover, then a disclaimer should be on the package.

My entire layout depends on using this crossover and it is a very important item to me.  I am open to suggestions.