Everyone says that is the one to start off with.  I will put my order in as they are not in stock.  I don't have the patience to do the ebay thing and most of them don't like shipping up here to the barren wasteland of Alaska.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

I am looking for a neat steamer to run on the club tracks and found this one.  I have no clue what to look for when it comes to them.  I do know it has sound and all the noises my boy will like.  here is a link:

http://www.micromark.com/BACHMANN-SPECTRUM-HO-STANDARD-GAUGE-2-10-0-RUSSIAN-DECAPOD-DCC-AND-SOUND-EQUIPPED-PAINTEDandUNLETTE,9030.html

What do you all think?

Ok, now that makes sense.  I am still learning but now I know.  Makes sense as to why they won't spin.

Thanks

I am looking now.  To many things to choose from.

I think the reaming tool is just what I need.

Thanks

Not rubbing, just tight fitting.  The plastic ones have a pointey tip while the metal ones have more of a rounded tip.  Does that make sense?

The guy at the store helped me and I got 36".  They fit but don't roll.  I can drag the car around the track but that aint no fun.  I have only done one as I wanted to see if it would work.  Any other ideas?

Ok,
So I got a cheezy layout built, the boy likes it though and now I would like to pick a steam engine.  I have no clue on how to do this, nor do I no anything about them. 

I just know I saw one at the club this weekend and liked it cause it made sounds and was neat looking.  All I know it was a Spectra (?) type engine.  Also, I am liking the looks of military transport cars and such.  Where do I start searching for that type of stuff?  I found one at the local shop but would like a few more.

I just purchase my first DCC engine which is an Alaska RR Bicentennial F7 made by Intermountain Railway company.  It is cool looking and makes sound which the boy likes.  All I have to do is get it running.
Thanks

Hi,

I have the McKinnley Explorer set and would like to change out the trucks so they are metal wheels.  I have already tried taking the plastic ones of and putting in metal ones but that didn't work so well. 

Does anyone know where I can get these trucks and what type do I need to get? Also, is there a diagram on how to take the cars apart without destroying them?

Thanks

Thanks, I am going to take a look at all the possiblities.  I don't think it is from uneven track as I have it set up on a sheet of 4x8 and am using E-Z track.  I think most of it comes from the uneven start/stops my six year old does.  I just joined a local club and will be picking their brains.

I have read a little about couplers, now I have a quesiton.  I only have the cheap starter sets so the couplers are the cheezy plastic ones that don't hold very well.  What would be a good recommendation to replace them?  It is a little frustrating to have the train keep coming apart each time it is stopped.

Thanks

Will do, I am a ways away from that yet.  I just plopped down 150 on track to build a layout but it is all grey.

Thanks, I don't have DCC yet but am thinking I may get that E-Z command system since the boy will want to run more than run train.  We have picked out a layout and I have the track order now it is a waiting game to get it.

The things we do for our kids.  He is only six and is obsessed with trains.  Oh well it could be worse.

I have done a little reading on the two different tracks.  I have a mix of both as the two sets I bought came with the black track and the shop sells the grey track.  I have ordered the grey track for the rest of my project.  My question is: does it matter if the two are mixed and is there any reason not to?  I have it mixed now and have not had any problems.
Thanks again

Lance

Thanks, for the info.  I was in the shop today and actually found the Bachmann book. The boy and I looked through it and he picked out a layout he wanted.  I just ordered all the track I needed off the net.  Can't wait for it to get here.