Hi Skip,

Whether or not to paint is, I believe, a function of how patient you are.  My layout is all Aristo Craft track which has oxidized to a shade of brown which is really quite believable.  It takes about two years here in Vermont.  Once it is oxidized, you need only keep the railhead bright and clean for track power to work.

Llyn

Hi Bill,

The #820 & #830 draft gear boxes are excellent; but, they are wide and can interfere with the inside faces of the end wheels on tight curves.  You might want to consider the #789 which is somewhat narrower.  I use #789s on almost all of my conversions.

Llyn