Thank you all.  As to experience - little.  The last time I was around HO was probably in 1960.  So......
And, yes, anything that is "plug-and-play" is what I'm looking for.

Problem:  Mine seemed to be a weight/balance problem.  The locomotive tended to press against the front assembly, causing it to be slightly raised up causing the wheels to come off the track which, ultimately, resulted in derailment.  I found the unit defective.

Background:  My unit was a Bachmann Empire Builder in N-scale.  I adjusted the front assembly several times (loose, tight, etc.), but the end result was the same, it repeatedly derailed.  Finally gave up and returned it and moved to an HO which I can see better.  This unit doesn't have the front assembly problem.

Are all couplers equal?  That is, am I restricted to Bachmann products (rolling stock)?

Just purchased a Bachmann, "The Explorer," with DCC on board (whatever that means), Produce Code 51301.  The engine is a DCC Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation, Union Pacific # 724.  No sound.

1.  Can sound be added to the engine?  If so, how?
2.  Other than the Bachmann trackside shed with pushbutton sound, does Bachmann (or anyone else) have anything to simply add with a couple of wires and a little time) to make it more authentic?

Thank you.

Are there N Scale buildings that generate locomotive sounds when the locomotives themselves do not have sound installed?  If so, where?  Thanks.