If it's Bachmann's reversing trolley set with the shed, maybe you can try this -
Try another loco on the trackage, then try the trolley on a separate section of track that's not hooked up to the reversing set.
If a loco runs fine on the trolley track, then it could be the trolley at fault.
If the trolley runs fine on different track, then it could be the trolley track.
When I did this, the trolley ran fine on other track and the loco didn't run very well on the trolley track.
That meant it the trolley set up was the culprit.
On the Bach Man's advice, I tried a different "plug in" black box and it worked fine.

Just a thought - When I started using foam on layouts, I quit using plaster.
I was able to carve the foam into what I wanted and didn't need the plaster.
I did use Woodland Scenics foam putty in some places where I needed it.
My objective was keeping the weight down and portability of the layout.
This might not work for everyone.

Kevin - I agree all the way. Black is the way to go. Great job.

Semper Fi - Do or die.

I think all of Abdill's books are great. Some of the best I've seen for historical railroading.

Between Federal Mill #3 and the chat pile in Park Hills MO.

Jim,
I can relate to that. I'm in Park Hills, on the other side of the state from you. I have to drive 70 miles to St. Louis or use the internet for train stuff. There's a little shop a few miles down the road, but it's a lot of arts and crafts and few train items.

I hit the wrong tag.

Your railroad is your fantasy. Do you want it to please yourself or to please others?
Or both? This is one hobby where you can "Have it your way".
I realize you're not doing a Christmas layout, but who says everything has to be totally accurate and in one scale? If it pleases you, go for it.
I'm happy with mine and others who see it are pleased as well.
http://www.sarget.com/trains/xmlayout-06/xm-06-a40c.JPG

I like calling in airstrikes the best.

Thanks. I was just curious.

I guess my question would be why the tender weight was included with the loco stats?
Unless the tender is powered, shouldn't it be treated like a car being pulled?

This subject has been interesting.
I got to wondering just how one would build a car to transport explosives, keeping safty in mind in case it does blow up..
If you built an open top car with strong sides, it seems the force would be directed upward and it would be safer around the perimeter of the car. The load could be covered with something light like plastic to keep it dry.
It might bury the car and track in the ground, though.
Perhaps angled vents along the sides of the car at the bottom and a floor angled upward on each side to a peak in the middle would direct part of the force to the ground next the car.
That might keep collateral damage to a minimum.

Do a search on the Bachmann Board for EZ Track layouts. I've posted the photos in the past.

Rude. Sarcastic. Arrogant. Yep. I fit right in with a lot of people on here.
I'm not a Bachmann basher, though.