Here is another photo showing more track. The photo is kind of fuzzy and in it you can see my WBB Santa Fe ABA F3s pulling my MTH Santa Fe streamliners.
Cobrabob.

My new layout uses Lionel's FasTrack system. I have had the layout for 11 months now and so far I have no complaints about the track. My layout is not too big measuring 8'6" x 13'10" and runs trains on three seperate loops. I don't think that the cost was too severe and I figure that over the life of the layout the initial cost will be offset. I am now starting on my scenery and that also helps to make the track look good.
Cobrabob.

Concerning my PRR Hudson, I had trouble with my motor, and yes it did get too hot. When I took it apart and lubed it that seemed to help some. It would run fine at first and then it would slow down. It would stop at the farthest spot from my KW transformer connection. It would not pull a long train, 12 or more cars, with out getting hot. Lubing and oiling, ever so sparingly, did help as noted before. I was diappointed at first since the Hudson was my first WBB steam power. All of my WBB diesels ran flawlessly. Ofcourse all of my WBB diesels are dual motored and pull like a John Deere! Once I got my MTH Z-4000 I noticed that all problems with my Hudson completely disappeared. That is why I think that a good powerful modern transformer could be the answer to your troubles. P.S., I love that engine now, it looks awesome, and does it effortlessly, pulling six Pennsy  heavyweight passenger cars.      Good Luck!
Cobrabob.

What transformer are you using?  I bought a Pennsy Hudson a couple of months back and had the same problem. I took the shell off and checked the grease on the gears and after a good lubing its performance improved some. About one week later I retired my KW and replaced it with an MTH Z-4000. What a difference. The Z packs plenty of power (400 watts) and my Hudson runs like a champ. Your transformer may not be putting out enough  power for the motor to run as it should.
Cobrabob.

Thanks for the info Dominic. If I buy a GG1 it will most likely be from WBB. The quality and the price of their product just can't be beat.
Cobrabob.

Yes, I remember, just hoping that WBB makes them again. I would like to buy B&O (thanks for pic.), PRR and Reading. Thanks WBB.

Hey Bach-man does WBB have any plans to make pairs of RDC cars similar to the ones Lionel made? I am sure that it could be done as well or better and at a much more consumer friendly price. Thank you,
Cobrabob.

WOW, not sure on that one. I think that I would return it to WBB and let them handle it since it is a new loco.
Cobrabob.

With my new Z-4000 I have noticed that when I run my Williams Hudson on my layout that it runs best at 17 volts and up. The transformer has it's own built in Volt and AMP meters. The AMPS are usually at 3.5 and above so I think that it may be a power issue you have. Did you try running an extra set of power leads across from the original ones? That usually helps out.  The farther you get away from your power hook-ups, you will lose some of your transformer's power output. I hope this helps. Try the extra set of wires next.
Cobrabob.

Track choice is a personal thing. Like mentioned previously if you have magnetraction and you want it to work you need to use a tinplate type of track. I had Gargraves on my first small layout and when I built my new layout earlier this year I switched to Lionel's FasTrack system. My layout measures 8'6" x 13'10" in a "C" shape and has two levels. So far I have had absolutely no problems with this track. I am very satisfied with it. Although it is a non-ferrous track, the new Atlas track system with no base also looks like an attractive alternative. No matter which track you choose, HAVE FUN!
Cobrabob.

Crystal,
First off, keep the train set! Second, your Girl's Set locomotive may just need a good going over or a more powerful transformer. I purchased a Williams small Hudson steam locomotive a couple of months ago and had a similar issue with it. The first thing I did was make sure that it was lubed well. I took the shell off to get at the hard to reach places also. This seemed to help some. It did run much better. What I did notice is that  my Williams steam locomotive seemed to need more power to run than my Lionel and other Williams locos did. The farthur the locomotive got from the power leads the slower it would run. I have not attatched all of my power leads to my new layout yet so I am sure that the farthur the engine got from the power hook up that it was loosing voltage. How many watts is your MTH transformer? It may not have enough power to run your Williams loco. This past weekend I bought a new 400 watt Williams Z-4000  transformer to replace my tired and worn old 175 watt Lionel KW transformer. What a diiference! My small Hudson now runs with a vigor it never had before. It runs faster and is more more responsive than it was before. Maybe if you put another set of wire leads on your tracks across from the first ones that would also help. Or perhaps if your transformer is not powerful enough you can get an MTH Z-1000 transformer which would be perfect for your Christmas layout. You can find them for under $100.00. Just some thoughts that I hope may help.
Cobrabob.

I would like to see some seperate sale Hudson/Berkshire diecast tenders in all of the popular roadnames to run behind our old Lionel Berks and small Hudsons. We could replace/retire the 2046 tenders with the new Williams tenders which are much more massive in appearance. Plus they feature TrueBlast! Williams could offer maybe 4 different roadnames per year. Start of with PRR, NYC, UP, SANTA FE one year, then maybe NKP, ERIE, RIO GRANDE, ETC. the next year. You get my drift... Any chance of this WBB?
Cobrabob.

Unless your basement is VERY DRY don't keep them there. I like the idea of comic book covers, but geez I have 30 plus years worth of various catalogs and magazines! I use the large 25 lb. size bulk tomato boxes. I just make sure that they are clean and dry. These boxes are very sturdy and can hold a good amount of catalogs and or magazines. It helps me to organize my items by years and title. They stack nice and are quite convenient. You should be able to get them from any grocery store or food service company if you talk to their warehouseman or produce mamager.
Cobrabob.

Yes, an Amtrak work train would be great. Then every year follow it up with other passenger roads, NJ Transit, etc., etc. !
Cobrabob.

My layout has 3 independant loops. Right now it is dominated by Williams locos. The 2 upper loops feature a Pennsy Hudson pulling Pennsy passenger cars and a pair of Pennsy FAs pulling a 14 car coal drag. The lower level loop has my pride and joy (I LOVE THESE) Santa Fe F3 ABAs pulling a mixed freight, ALL WILLIAMS POWER.
Cobrabob.
Keep On Trackin'  !!