First off the fact that there is something for almost every income level welcomes new comers. I'm not into N scale, but in large scale my first G train was a Bachmann starter set for around the Christmas tree. I have since expanded, and now I purchase the Spectrum series in large scale. I know several folks that have garden RR's that would never consider buying Bachmann, now when you visit them, there are Shays and other spectrum engines popping up everywhere.
As for couplers, my Dad has always been in HO, I do have some engines and yes they are Bachmann Spectrum series, all great runners! But most of the cars are the horn hook type. I simply pick a car to be a transition car and switch one side of the coupler. Example on my log train, the engine has knuckle couplers, the first log car also has a knuckle on one end where it couples to the engine, the other end is still horn hook.

Kevin,
Thanks for the link!  I like how you did the older hopper cars in GR as well with the addition of the boards on the edges, nice job!

Thanks again

In this latest issue of Garden Railways, Kevin S. did an article on different guages of hopper cars, and a while back someone posted pictures here of the new Porter next to the old 1:22.5 Porter.
Does anyone have side by side photos of the new Fn3 flatcar next to the other flat's that Bachmann has?
Trying to see what they would look like being coupled to existing cars.
Thanks

True, they are not decals, but are removable using the methods mentioned earlier. The toughest to remove are off the loco's themselves. For this I use (in VERY small amounts) goof off.

Jim,
There are several things you can try, but do them where it's not visible if possible to test.
Easy Lift Off (ELO) or Joe's model train decal remover. What may not affect base paint on one car, may leave it looking bad on another. I've taken lettering off one Bachmann car with no damage at all, then try on another, and end up with a repaint due to messed up base paint.
Good luck

We visit the Pennsylvannia Railroad Museum as often as possible, which my wife and I are members of. They have just totally rebuilt the front entrance (still utilizing the clock tower), and it looks great.
If you are not familiar with this museum, there is rolling stock hall which is indoors, there is the outside yard with working turntable, and hands on learning center for kids. It's a GREAT organization, and if I were going to start a museum, it would look just like this one!

http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/

Anyone in the MD, PA, DE, and NJ areas, it's time again for open house garden RR tours.
There are some very detailed RR's on this tour, and all hosts are very welcoming.

http://www.gardenrropenhouse.com/

If someone is unsure if they want to take the plunge into large scale, you really need to see some of these. Check back often as the list continues to grow.

Shayman,
I agree with Matthew, Stan Cedarleaf does EXCELLENT work! Most of my loco's and rolling stock are finished with Stan's work. The decals go on easy and really turn out looking great. Just follow his directions and you will have a good looking end product.
Just tell him what you want, he'll send you a proof, once you are happy, he'll print them and send them your way.

Bachmann track can NOT be used outdoors, it will rust up quick. It is strictly an indoor use track.
As for connecting it, Aristo track is solid, Bachmann is hollow.

I'll second that request!

I have to second Jerry's thoughts, I'd love to see a T-boiler come out in 1:20.3!

Steve,
Nice pic!  That engine should make more than a couple heads turn.

Hi Mike,
Are they coming uncoupled at the same point in the layout? Check to see if there is something on the track that could bump the release lever under the coupler. They will release very easily if something pushes it upward. Do any other cars do the same thing?

I agree with John, rail clamps! However many garden layouts run all brass track with no problems. I have two close friends both with over 800 feet of track that are running brass with track power. Once again the Briteblok cleaning pad keeps both railroads running smooth.

Brian,
I'll pass on your words to him about his saw mill. I hadn't seen the finished product until I helped him carry it in and set it up. He had several articles on LSOL about how he was building it. Hopefully you looked inside as well to see the log going through the saw. At night it's fully lit inside. He is also looking to put sound inside of a saw mill in action.
I too picked up quite a few items, and had a great time!