ah...sorry about the pun, it wasn't intentional.  I really couldn't 'engineer' a pun if my life depended on it.  As for the tip to solder the wire....didn't even have to do that....just pinched the leads between the two tracks and sent the train on it's maiden voyage around the tree.

Wow.  I am amazed at how realistic this train sounds as it travels over the track and i can clearly see what you all find so endearing about this hobby.  I hope my son enjoys it so I can have an excuse to expand our set.

thanks again to everyone except I have one question...does the EZ Command system work with the "G" Scale trains?  I couldn't find a reference to it.  Also, how do I make the train horn blow?

Thanks to everyone who answered.  Got a lot of good information and believe I'm on the right track.  I called the service department and have to admit got absolutely no where with who I talked with although she did quantify that "everyone was at lunch". 

I was able to determine the crucial piece i was missing...the track terminal clip (did i mention I was new to all this).  Everything else with the train and track set looks absolutely mint even though this set was made in the late 80's I was told.

Technically, this is my son's train set....he's only three.  I never had one as a kid (was a slot track addict) so I hope I don't wear it out before he gets old enough to drive it.

Good tip on the outdoor track...i guess this hobby could get expensive.

thanks again

Cant find any date on the box...but it is a "G" Scale Bachmann Big Haulers "Red Comet" item number 90012.

My father-in-law presented my son with a Bachman Red Comet train for under the tree. It is a used set and needs some tender loving care to get going I think.  I've already found some missing parts and the set didn't come with a manual.  How can I get the owners manual for the set and a parts list so I can figure out what is missing.  Thanks in advance.