Thank You! I didn't want to burn up my engine on it's maiden run!

So I have my beautiful new Spectrum engine, a few cars, and a nice circle of track my 5 year old is letting me borrow. (I had to promise Percy and Thomas they could have it right back) but before I hook up the wires I have the ultimate Newbie question--- what kind of power pack should I use?

I'm assuming that any HO power pack (including the one that came with my son's Thomas set from Bachmann) will do?

After you get done laughing, any help would be appreciated! 
Thanks!

Bach-Man,
Thanks for the reply earlier.
Just curious, both my trolleys make a faint "grinding" noise when running.
Since there were no instructions, I didn't lubricate them when I got them (less than a year ago)

They've had relatively light use (probably 30 hrs. at the most)
1. should I be concerned about potential damage.
2. Roughly how often should you lubricate them?
3. Are the lubrication instructions available somewhere? (how many drops, where to apply, etc.)

For future owners, it would be great if lubrication instructions were included in the box.

Thanks,
Dan

Thanks a bunch, that worked great!
(Had to saw off one of the rail joiners, those suckers were on their tight!)

Hi,
I need to seperate a spur so that I can perform switching maneuvers while still running my "express" on the mainline.

What Insulated Rail Joiners have others used successfully with E-Z Track?

I've tried Atlas Code 55 and Code 80 insulators, but neither have fit correctly.

I'm VERY new to N scale, so forgive me if there is an obvious answer to this question.

Thanks,
Dan

A trolley that smells like fresh brewed coffee, now that's a prototype I can get on board with!

Thanks for the story Matthew!
--dan

Thanks Bach-man!
Regarding the cleaning and lubrication, neither my open or closed trolleys came with maintanence instructions. (and just think, those lucky Spectrum owners even get a video!)

Is there any documentation on performing the cleaning and lubrication?

Just out of curiosity,
I have a few questions about my trolleys below:

• How durable have users found the mortor block of the Trolleys to be?


• I run mine quite a bit (keeps me company whenever I'm in the yard)
  and I'm wondering what sort of lifespan I can  expect.


• Any hints on Trolley maintanence would also be appreciated.


• Finally, the prototypes often formed "trains" and travelled together.
  Would running multiple trolleys hooked together cause any problems anyone can think of?

My layout is just about pancake flat. Maximum grade of 1%

Thanks,
Dan

My head hurts... but that's not hard to do!

Seems like the most logical course would to do as Ted suggests and keep them at the same scale as the current open and closed trolleys. What IS the scale of those suckers anyway?
(I'm guessing 1:22.5?)
Does anyone know if they are freelance or are they based on  specific models?

No matter, I love seeing them trundle through the garden...

Thin is an understatement!
To quote my 4 year old, "Pleeeeeease!"

Hey folks,
I've read that you should try to keep your grades to 3%.
My brother is working on his layout this weekend and is attempting to create an 8% grade. He's tested it and with 3 cars it looks like his locos can do it!

Will his engines "wear out" quicker with this kind of climbing?

Thanks,
Dan Sherman

Japasha,
Would you mind posting a photo of your supports?
(alternately, feel free to e-mail me one at ngoaccess@comcast.net )
I'd be very interested in seeing your final scratch built product.
"The former German company" just ain't what they used to be, and would have been too expensive for me, anyway.


Thanks,
--dan

Thanks,
I'll look into that!

I take it most people don't worry with adding any sort of "catenary"
(look at that, I'm already throwing around jargon I don't understand!)


Thanks for your VERY prompt reply by the way!

Hi I'm a garden railroad newbie. Are there any resources on how to create overhead wires for your garden railroad trolleys?

Thanks!