I have been trying to obtain a couple more passenger cars for my layout, but it seems that all my normal sources are sold out and can't get more.  Has Bachmann discontinued them, or are they simply waiting for a new run to be made and shipped?  Just curious.

Does anyone know why my usual outlets are back-ordered on the Micro Engineering On30 turnouts?  Does anyone know when they will be available again or if Micro Engineering has discontinued this product?

I am trying to decide between code 100, code 83, and code 70 rail for the layout I am planning to start this fall.  Any opinions or recommendations?

A recent move has created an opportunity to build a new model railroad.  After looking at some Bachmann On30 locomotives and cars at a local hobby shop, I think I would like to give them a try for this project.  I have a few questions about On30 modeling, and I hope someone on this message board can help.  My initial questions are related to layout planning:

   1. What are the recommended minimum curve radii?  Bachmann's catalog suggests 18-22" depending on what steam locomotives I choose to buy, but I suspect that I would be happier with 24-30".  Any opinions?  I assume the limitation on workable radii is locomotives rather than the passenger or freight cars.  Is this correct?
   2. Do people actually just use HO track or do people choose to buy the On30 track offerings from PECO or Microengineering?  What are the pros and cons of either approach?  Do the Bachmann models need the more common code 100 rail, or can code 83 or code 70 rail be used successfully?  What brand and type of On30 track do people recommend?
   3. How long are the locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars?  I need to figure out the required track lengths for a turntable and for runaround tracks.  The cars looked to be 9-12" when I looked at them at the hobby shop.  The locomotives with tenders (looked at a 4-6-0 and 2-8-0) appeared to be about 15" long.  If someone could provide some rough lengths it would be helpful and more convenient than the hour drive to the shop that carries On30 here in Houston.
   4.  One last question for today.  What are the recommended center line spacings for parallel curved tracks?  How about parallel straight tracks?  I am guessing 3-4" would be fine, but advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can provide.