Mike, I appreciate the help.  one more question...I have been reading about how people have problems with power on a larger layout.  The room is 14' x 18', so I am going to have a lot of track.  Do you see a probelm using the power supply that the set comes with?  Also, I have read people talking about splicing the power wires and soldering them to the track on the other side of the room.  Thoughts?

thanks gene.  my son is 3, so he enjoys any kind of train.  I don't mind climbing up a ladder once a month to clean/lube, plus I have 2 windows that i have to put the track above. 

I am planning on putting a shelf around the perimeter of my son's room, about a foot from the ceiling (we have 10' ceilings).  Is a "G" scale train the best to see from the floor?  I was just going to purchase a Bachmann set, and some extra track, and throw it up there.  Am I getting in over my head?  I have never done this before.  Am I going to have to oil the trains every so often?  Any help or suggestions in getting me started on this project would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

I am getting ready to buy the Durango & Silverton - Freight large set. 

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=1684

  I have a couple of questions....Are the large sets "G" scale?  I can't find it anywhere on the box, and I am going to need to buy more track.  Do you know how sharp of a turn the trains can make?  I am planning on putting shelves around my sons room, and I have to figure out the turns.  The room is 14' x 18'.  Thanks a ton......