Thanks everyone, that helps.  I am wondering if I have a bad piece of track given the trains run "spotty" and sluggish.  Is that possible or is the current either "on or off?"  Seems like the circuit could easily be interrupted by one piece of track was not quite connected....is there a way to test the current going to each piece, some sort of meter or something? 

Also, how do I know if my layout needs a second power source?  I'm assuming the cords I refer to are to hook up accessories, not just add power.  Or, does the layout need to be quite large before I need to worry about that?

Again, apologies if this is too basic for this forum, just trying to nail down some basics.  Thanks!

Steve

Hello- I was just wondering if there was a good book or other resource for beginners to this hobby.  I have a Bachman HO set, but don't know the first thing about how to diagnose problems.  Right now my locomotives all run quite sluggish, like they start and stop and don't go that fast.  I don't know if something is defective or whether I'm supposed to add a power source to the track etc. 

Some of my track pieces have power cords coming out of them but I don't know what I'm supposed to do with them.  I also am looking for directions on how to maintain the locos (lubrication, etc.)  Can anyone point me in the right direction?  Thanks!