WOW thanks for the wealth of knowledge Bill. It took me awhile to learn how to lay track in HO and get it wright. I finally learned to stop being in a hurry to get the trains running and take my time and do it right. Now my HO trains can run for hours with out derailing. Don't worry I won't give up, I'll apply your advice, do some more research and get back at it. I'm heading to a couple of train shows one here in Cahrleston SC this coming weekend, the other in Myrtle Beach the following weekend. I know there is one in Atlanta coming up but I can't make that one. Anyway,Thanks again Bill. 

Thanks Kevin and Bill will definately get track level and try to increase radius. One more thing before the gears stripped I noticed that the rear trucks (back wheels) of the tender would derail everytime the engine came out of the turn. This only happened when pulling the passengers cars. As soon as the tender strightened out it would derail. I'm sure it was the tight radius of the turn, but the curve for the indoor track was tighter than 5'. 4.5' to be exact. This was also on the oppisite of the incline a much more level area. Would adding ballast to the tender help?

Thanks to all for the great advice, I went ahead and ordered the "Virginia & Truckee set thus allowing for year round train operation. I'm dissapointed in the fact the engine only made about 8 laps before in stopped working. I set it up outside on brass track (didn't want to use the track that came with the set). I didn't realize how critical the leveling factor was. It had only one spot where the engine struggled on, about 6 sections of 5' curve track. The motor still runs but sounds like the gears are stripped. Truly it was 8 laps at the most.  I knew I would have to fix it but I didnt think it would damage a brand new engine so quickly. The grade was about 3 or 4 inches on the half curve, are G guage engines (4-6-0) that delicate. Not dissuaded just disappointed.

Thanks tac good info

Dave/RRRookie

That is awsome news for me and bad news for my wallet, Thanks Bill looks like I'm back on track. Thanks again to everyone else for all the advice.

Dave/RRRookie

Thanks for all the great advice guys this will be the start of a new branch to this wonderful hobby. Naturally I'll have to go slow the price range is a lot different than HO. One more question on the bar code sticker of the Aristocraft track it had European on it. I know that they are metric and we are standard but the width of the track should be the same I hope. Still looking at getting the Bachman White Christmas set and then buying solid brass curve track, just want to be sure that G scale track is the same width here and there. Again thanks for the advice.

Dave/RRRookie

Thanks Chuck I have not purchased the set yet. I have to order it on line cannot find it locally here in the Charleston SC area. I will keep researching before I purchase it. Appreciate the information.

Dave/RRRookie

I am thinking about getting into G scale traing for christmas. Currently I work with HO however would like to have a G scale traing in my yard. Now to my question. Recently purchased som Aristo Craft straight and was wondering if it will work with the Bachman G White Christmas train set. I would be grateful for any assistance.

R/RRRookie

Thanks again Rich and Jerry, I will definately look into the sound. Plan on going to the train show in Norcross Ga this month if I dont find it there will check out Micro Mart.

Gratefully Dave

It was a recent birthday gift from my kids. Yes only the A unit is motorized, will look into what kind when I get home. The quality leaves a lot to be desired but it gives me another little project.

Thanks for the help Richg & Irbricksceo, I have been looking on line but kept seeing the portholes on the sides of the f7s (ret. navy).  I guess I'm a little picky. The quality of the engine the BF exng sent was not that good. I was looking to swap out the body to a better quality engine. Have already changed the couplers to K D nuckle. Again thaks for the help.

Can you tell me what type of diesel engine that Bachman supplies to the Bradford Exchange for the St Louis Rams football team train. I have checked the Bradford Exchange website but it does not say. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You
Dave