This may have already been asked here but I did not see it so here goes.

Are there any good examples of a small track layout for a 4x8?  I am looking for a way that I can enjoy this hobby but my home really has no space to put up a  large track layout.  My garage is too cold in the winter and would have to leave my car outside to do it.  I am just looking for some good ideas on track layouts that do not take allot of space but still fun.

Not sure where to start.
Long story short, my father passed away recently and going through some stuff I found all kinds of trains, track, buildings, etc, etc.  I wish I had paid attention to them when he was alive and now feeling guilty I would love to do something with these.  The problem is I have no idea where to start.  I made a little circle with the track and hooked it up (correctly I hope) but not too successful at getting them running.  All together there are about 20 engines and a whole ton of cars to pull behind them.  I have been able to get maybe 4 of the engines running although very rough.  I have no idea what is wrong with them.
Most of the engines say Tyco on the bottom.  One says Bachmann.  I was told by the closest hobby shop to me (4 hours) that Tyco is no longer in business so if I need parts or service I am out of luck.  I have called Bachman several times today and left messages but can't get anyone to call me back.  I am getting very frustrated with not knowing how to proceed.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

David

Hello
I have a Bachmann 482 engine and the back wheel keeps falling off.  Can someone tell me how the wheel (axel) is supposed to stay in?  I push the axel back in but it just comes back out right away.  Is there some sort of clip or something?

I have a bunch of train stuff that my dad gave to me before he passed away.  When I run the engines they make squeeling noises.  Do they need to be oiled or anything periodically? Is there some kind of maintenance I should do on these?  They have been sitting around for awhile.  Any help or tips are appreciated.

My father has a huge collection of trains and train stuff.  I know nothing about them.  How can I find more information about the trains and engins?  On the bottom of some of the engines it says Bachmann but no other numbers that i can find anywhere.  Any help finding out about these would be helpfull.  Thanks in advance.