Thanks to you all! Your input and advice is most welcome and valuable especially to us novice train enthusiasts!

Hi Bill! Reason is I am working on an experimental suspended track system and even though I am designing it to be strong, I would like to keep the weight down to help accommodate speed, additional cars, scenery etc. Remember, I am a novice at model railroading but was a prototype model maker for 42 years(retired), so my mind tends to drift to the seemingly impossible, to the probable, to the doable and done.   Thanks for the recommendations, I will definitely look into them all!

Thank you as well Greg Elmassian! I appreciate the picture, I didn't even know there were Lil' Big Haulers!

Hi Ya'll! Anybody have any Idea what the lightest (weight) Bachmann locomotive/tender is? My Cow Catcher locomotive/tender weighs in over 7 pounds. If you know, I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

Hi y'all! As a new G scale train enthusiast I decided trains around the tree at Christmas time just isn't going to cut it. Since then I have been planning an elevated track for my office. My set is The Cow Catcher with an additional livestock car and a log car. I will have 40 feet of track. My question is what transformer will be adequate to power this layout? Model and number would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks Veetwelve. Those are to block off filling the area where the track clips go 

I don't know how many out there will be interested, but the track flex created some issues for me, and what I have read others, especially those first timers like me, who were having issues on carpet. Mine was vinyl flooring. I backfilled the hollow ties which created a more ridged section of track. It also doubled the weight. Worthwhile? Maybe, but it is fun to do and gives a great appearance from the underside 

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfvZ

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfv0

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfv3

I thought you may like to see my first Bachmann train setup before taking down for Christmas. I intend to set up a layout in my office and build from there. I rigged some temporary light to illuminate the Engineers. I purchased a light to illuminate the Hobo on the back of the caboose, but the soft white bulb burned out and I had to scramble to use whatever I had laying around, that is why it is so bright. Hope you enjoy.

https://screenpal.com/watch/c0luqLVHuHs

Absolutely, have had no issues with any of the other couplers. This is my first train since I was a boy and I am having a blast!

I have been having an issue with the coupler between the coal tender and a livestock car randomly coming open. I determined the coal tender coupler was more ridged than the livestock car and I believe the amount of slop was creating the problem. Here is my solution. Cheesy, I know, but it worked! Small hair rubber band keeps the livestock coupler from floating.
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/RDaYYhzyYoNTMZXK6           

Hi Loco Bill! All right, I am trying to post links. Please let me know if it works. Thanks!

Sound Box

I know I am not reinventing the wheel here, but I found a sound record/play box and installed in the caboose. I ran the switch out the back window. Found some .wav files online steam train whistle, bell, cow moos and horse whinny's. I have the Bachmann Cow Catcher Train with animated cow car, and I added an animated horse car. Mixed them all together and recorded them. Along with the built in chugging, sounds pretty good! I tried to upload pictures, but it said the box was full.

Thanks Loco Bill! Very informative!

Smokestack in the front or smokestack in the back? Thanks!

Hi Loco Bill Canelos! Yes, I cautiously sped it up to 80% and I did smell the coil heating up and saw just a trace of smoke, with the recommended 4 to 6 drops of fluid. Not real impressive. The problem going over 50% is the cows in the Cow Freight Car get jammed in the window and don't bob in and out. That is more important to me than the smoke. I may hook up a direct rechargeable battery pack to the smoke unit or replace with an aftermarket unit that requires less voltage. Thanks for the welcome! I hope to contribute as I dive deeper into model railroading. Having fun so far!

Thanks! Only one set of wires. I am sure I can add a light