M1FredQ,
     My layout measures 8'6" along one wall and 13'10" along the other. The other leg of the "U" measures 6'3". So I guess that means 8'6" x 13'10" x 6'3". The outer loop consists of 36, 48 and 60 diameter curves while the inner loop consists of 36 and 48 diameter curves. The lower level uses all 36 inch diameter curves.
Cobrabob.

Below is an overall photo of my layout. It is not really that big, but I had only so much space I could use. Still, I do enjoy watching my trains run on it compared to my original 4'x6' layout.

Another photo.

My newest locomotive, a Williams NW-2 pulling a Unit Train of quad hoppers loaded heavy with coal.

Dominic, I like your idea also. I like to run long trains of coal hoppers of mainly the same road name. I also have Hooker Chemical Co. tank cars I  like to run in a unit train. A long unit train of PFE and ATSF reefers would be nice too!!  And the SP box cars also sound good along with NYC Pacemaker box cars.
Cobrabob.

Above photo is of a coal unit train. Below is a unit train of Hooker Chemical Co. tank cars.

Lee,
I have always loved the Santa Fe F Unit diesels. The A-B-A diesel F3s are by Williams and the seven unit streamline Santa Fe passenger cars are MTH Railking items. I think that together they make a truely beautiful train.
Cobrabob.

Here is a photo of my Lionel Post-War Burlington GP7. You can see some of the scenery which I have started.
And here is my Williams by Bachmann Burlington caboose which I bought to run with my Burlington GP7 instead of my Lionel Lines bay window caboose.

Fred,
The table is constructed with a frame work made of 1x4's and the legs are 2x4's screwd together in an "L" shape. The table top is 1/2 inch plywood. The table is very sturdy and can easily support my weight if I have to climb on top of it for any reason. The layout measures 8'6" x 13'10". I did not use any sound deadener (foam board or homosote) and sometimes I wish I would have. The table is built in three sections which can come apart should I decide to move and bring the layout along.
       The track is all Lionel FasTrack which has performed flawlessly in the 3-1/2 years since the track work was finished. The layout is in a "U" shape. There are three independant loops. Two upper level loops and one lower level loop. All curves are of 036 diameter on the bottom level. The upper level loops are mainly 048 and 060 diameter with an exception of 036 on the curves at the center of the "U".
      The building in the fourth photo is an MTH switch tower which I purchased a few years back. Most of my structure are from MTH, some are Lionel or Plasticville. The scenry is progressing slowly, what little there is. I like to go down to my train room after a hard day of work and just let the trains run. The decorations around the room on the walls are all train, car or old TV show related. A perfect place to call my own!
Cobrabob.

Mr. Bach-man, thanks for your reply! I can't wait to see them!!!
Cobrabob.

Mr. Bach-Man, do you have any illustrations of what the Erie Railroad F3s will look like? Which paint scheme do you plan on doing? Will it be similar to the small Alco FAs??
Cobrabob.
Also, any idea on a tentative arrival date at our local hobby shops?
How about pre-production mock-up photo???

Yesterday I purchased my newest WbB locomotive, a B&O NW2. What a nice piece! It has dual motors and pulls like a much bigger diesel would!! I believe this makes 5 Williams locomotives on my O Gauge roster. Congratulations Bachmann Industries on such nice trains! Thank you!
Cobrabob.
Santa FE F3 A-B-A
C&O BL2
Pennsylvania FA A-A
Pennsylvania 4-6-4 Jr. Hudson
B&O NW2

I would also be interested in some UP F3S!! Count me in. Also PRR freight and CGW!
Cobrabob.

I am still waiting for a single stripe Brunswick green A-B-A set of Pennsylvania Railroad F3s!!      Maybe 2013?  Chicago Great Western in red??  PA-LEEZ!!
Cobrabob.

Mr. Bach-Man,   Yes, how about a Perre Marquette Berkshire??
And while you are at it...   A new caboose, perhaps a bay window style?
Cobrabob.

The problem is in your transformer. You need more than a 40 watt unit to power up that locomotive. I agree with the MTH Z-1000 recomendation. About two years ago I purchased an MTH Z-4000 for my layout to replace my old Lionel KW. I have been very pleased with my new transformer. Having enough power to run a locomotive and string of illuminated passenger cars is no problem for the new transformer.
Cobrabob.
Here is my Williams Pennsy small Hudson. My small Lionel CW-80 transformer could not put out enough power to run the engine plus 5 illuminated passenger cars. My Lionel KW and MTH Z-4000 can power it up with no problem at all.

I also ran power leads to the track about every six feet around the layout to keep the power flow to the track more consistent. I run two independant loops off of the MTH Z-4000 and I use my KW from Lionel for the single track lower level loop.

Williams Santa Fe F3s.

I would like to see a set of F3s in Pennsy single stripe Brunswick green.
Cobrabob

The Williams By Bachmann Small Hudson is almost identical to Lionel's Small Hudson, the number 2046 or 2056. Although Williams' model comes with a beautiful die-cast tender and not a plastic streamlined tender. Here is a photo of my Pennsy Hudson by Williams.
Cobrabob.

In the next photo on the lower level is one of my Lionel 2046 Small Hudsons. The two are almost identical. I would have to say the Williams locomotive has a better finish to it. The locomotive on the upper level is a newer Lionel Small Hudson, which IS smaller than the Williams model or the older Lionel 2046/2056.

In the last photo you can see two of my Williams locomotives pulling LONG freight trains, which they do quite well. One is my Pennsy Hudson and the other is my Pennsy Alco FAs. (The photo is not the best quality-sorry.)

The first Williams locomotive I purchased was the C&O BL2. It runs like a champ, looks excellent and was a great deal for the money invested. The Monon BL2 has been on my wish list for a while. WbB, thanks for the tantalizing photo on the rear cover of CTT.  It may show up at my house within the next year now.
Cobrabob.

I usually run my new locomotives after a little oiling/lubing with no cars attatched for a few minutes in either direction after I initially open the box. I then make sure that it is not running too hot, add a few cars, and it is time to have fun! Like Dominic and 671 said, maintenance goes a long way. Your engine will run better and last longer.
Cobrabob.