A couple of points--
Notice that the loco on display at Ft.Benning was built by Davenport. Some were also built by ALCO. If you study the head-on pics of the models you can see slight differences.
The 'standard' loco was a 2-6-2T; the 4-6-0Ts were built to UK War Dept. specs. who preferred this wheel configuration for some reason.
Think that most of the locos used postwar in the States were ones that had not been shipped to Europe by the end of the war.
The 1940 video shows an Instructor with a class of trainee engineers; some of them may have ended up at the US Army Loco depot in South Wales UK where locos were prepared for service on the Continent after D-Day.

Eric UK

Length is 5" over couplers.

Eric UK

The Atlas software is limited as it only gives Atlas HO track.
A better choice is the following:-

http://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html

Has libraries of most proprietary track systems on the market in all scales from Z to G, and the ability to mix them. The free version is limited to a maximum of 50 pieces but a large track plan can be done in pieces and saved as a series of files. You can also 'export' a file as a JPG so that it can be viewed by most without access to the software.
I have posted this on various forums and a number of folks have, like me, found it good enough to buy the full version.

Eric UK

MM

Another option is to use one Single Pole Double Throw switch.

Eric UK

Quote from: Terry Toenges on October 08, 2009, 07:49:59 PM
Why not just buy plastic cows and behead them and split them and cut their feet off?

Legs would be wrong alignment for a carcase.
Which brings up another question. I have only seen models of milk cows,calves and 'stud' bull. Does anyone make beef cattle?  Want them in O scale too.

Eric UK

PH

A track feeder is the wires that connect your track to the controller.
A diagonal connection across a loop creates a reverse connection and a short circuit without rail gaps,additional wiring and an electric switch.This applies whatever make of track you use and whether DC or DCC control.
The figure 8 should work if you  use two feeds--one to each of the curved end sections.
Before you throw anything away or spend more cash you need to get one of the available books on BASIC track wiring and read it - and read it. You can ask questions here about anything in the book that you don't understand.

Eric UK

Markf

This is a penalty of using a tabletop layout. Can't you go around the walls-- longer run,larger curves and easy access to all parts. Can use a waterwings type layout to avoid a duckunder at doorway.
Or change to On30.LOL
I am in On30 and on my previous layout had one (hidden) end of the loop laid with Peco Setrack No.1 radius (14 5/8"). Regularly ran a BLI C-16  2-8-0 pulling 3 Bachmann passenger cars with no trouble.

Eric UK

There are some figures available wearing 'warehouse' coats or aprons. Also sets of mechanics and painters wearing white coveralls and caps which are even more appropriate.Just need a touch of 'blood'. What we really need is some sides of meat.

Eric UK

Decoder functions usually have an individual current capacity way below that needed to 'run' a smoke unit.
However have recently seen an advert. for a decoder with a special function o/p specifically for a smoke unit (Digitrax?)but don't think that it is a Sound job.

Eric UK

Jim

You left one out----don't put in the centering springs, and use them to make power pickups on tender trux.

Eric UK

Plugging a Bachmann DC controller into the E-Z Command controller only allows you to control a DC loco with it and gives an extra DCC 'channel' on the Command.
The E-Z Companion plugs into the E-Z Command with the supplied connecting cable and needs no extra equipment. The Companion can select and control locos but can't change addresses.
The Connector Panel comes with a cable to plug into the E-Z Command. The Companion (and another Panel) can then be plugged into the Panel to give more distance between the two controllers.

Eric UK

The Bach-Man

Please forward a request for an EARLY rerun of the replacement pilot with working coupler for the 2-6-0 and also the separate frt.car underframes. Bachmann seriously under estimated the demand for these (not only for their original purpose) and I would hope that a rerun would be in much larger quantities.

Eric UK

Joe and NM

I stand corrected. To operate as I describe, wires to contacts 1 and 4 must be reversed. Suppose the wires from switch to loop should really be other colors(e.g. blue and green) since they change polarity.The wires to the frog rails show polarity when turnout is switched to their respective routes.
The actual polarity of the I/C track depends on how it is connected to the other(Main?) loop.

Eric UK

I have E-Z u/cs let into the track bed and they(and others) work if the cars are set correctly over them.I prefer them to the kadee between rails type which are conspicuous,dearer and do not always give 'delayed' uncoupling due to their narrow width compared to that of the E-Zs which give a wider coupler offset.
They are ideal for deadend siding use. I have used a single u/c on a lead to several sidings making use of the delayed u/c action but you must have good running to do this as any hesitation by the loco will probably result in recoupling.

Eric UK

Vic

Some folks are running Climax locos on 18"r. The Forney will run but have trouble pulling stock due to excessive rear coupler swing.
If you are prepared to do some 'bashing' there are other possibilities which will run on 15" radius or less.
You could use an HO 4-axle diesel chassis with a BVM conversion kit or a scratch built boxcab body;or use a  Bachmann (soon to be reintroduced) HO 0-6-0 ST switcher with a BWM kit.

Eric UK