Want to get a new Locomotive for my Mainline, something that is a bit faster than the Shay, any suggestions?

On page 244 of the 2011 Bachmann Catalog it states that the Baldwin 4-6-0 performs best on 18'' radius curves or greater, on page 245 it states 22'' radius curves, is it allright on 18'' curves?

Is the 2-8-0 Consolidation a bad idea for a Mainline which contains some 18'' curves?

What is the difference between a Switch, as included in the "Your First Railroad Track Pack" and a DCC Turnout?

Can they both be operated by a DCC Controller, is there anything else, like a motor or solenoid, that is needed to control these turnouts?

Oh yes, I am very new to this.

Hallo there, I am new to Model Railroading, wanted to get a train set  for some time, decided that I will spoil myself a bit this Christmas.

Just bought on eBay (new, still waiting on delivery) 120 x pcs of Bachmann HO Gray track including 12 x Crossovers, Turnouts and Wye's, 3 x Ho30 Bachmann Locomotives, 1 x DCC and Sound equipped, 1 x DCC equipped, 1 x DCC ready.

I did not buy a DCC Controller because I am still trying to figure which will be best suited, considering one from Bachmann or perhaps the Digitrax DCS50.

The Power Supply is my biggest concern, I did read a lot about power supplies but I must admit that I do not understand exactly what is needet to run this setup (also considering future expansion).

As I am from South Africa I need a 240v power supply/transformer which seems very hard to find.

Can someone please explain to me the difference between a Switch (as included in the First Track Pack) and a Decoder DCC Turnout, I would like to controll all turnouts with a DCC Controller, is there any extrass that is needed to controll these switches/turnouts?

I woud like to have this setup running by the New Year, your help and assistance will be greatly appreciated.