When I saw the set in the retail store, this is exactly how it looked, foam and all.  Im quite sure it doesn't come with curved track. It comes with enough track so you can display it. It's clearly been opened, but regardless... a nice locomotive, 8 passenger cars, and some straight track for $150 is not bad.

Actually, I'm not new to ebay. I've been using ebay for quite some time now. I just thought I'd give people a heads up, because that is a pretty decent deal on the set. It was a limited run, less than 1000 units produced, and the original price was pretty high. I saw a set in my local hobby shop last summer for a little under $300.

I would buy it... but I'm a UP collector. Supposedly brand new, $150, no bids, and barely two days left!

http://cgi.ebay.com/George-Washington-Speial-Edition_W0QQitemZ250416940608QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item3a4e034640&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Sorry for the long link...

I believe its already out! Retail price $499.95

well, the one of the -arguably- largest locomotives ever built was the 2-8-8-8-2 triplex locomotive, but it was not succsesful. The Big Boy was one of the largest succsesful locomotives ever built, but I beleive the 2-6-6-6 alghany was heavier than the big boy.
so, the largest locomotive ever built is a very controversial topic, but the big boy is definitely the largest succsesful locomotive ever built

And MTH is bringing the Triplex to HO

That makes a lot of sense! I have the same problem with my Broadway Limited "Cab forward." if that front pipe that goes into the firebox is out, the wheels don't quite touch the ground, which leads to greater derailment problems.  I had a feeling that might be the case when reading the review, but wasn't sure if that pipe was permanently connected or loose, like my cab forward.

BACK TO THE TOPIC, what you can do is measure the length of the area you need to fit. So if you have to fit half of a complete loop in an area that is only 30 inches wide, then divide by two, which = 15 inches. Thus, you would need a 15'' radius curve.

to figure out what you're holding, find other peices that are exactly the same as the one you have and make at least one half of a circle.  Measure the diameter (from one end of the track to the other) and then divide by two again, and that's what radius of that particular section of track.

I hope I could be of any assistance to you.

Many of the brands previously mentioned, such as Atlas, Athearn, Proto2000, Walthers, etc... do certainly produce quality engines (I do'nt think anyone mentioned kato, which is also makes a good quality loco).
However, Broadway-limited makes very high-quality locomotives, however the only downside is certainly the price. Broadway-limited, however, also has a "Blue Line" locomotive brand that has the same high quality as its other locomotives and all engines come with sound, but they take out DCC which dramatically reduces the cost.  they also own Precision Craft Models, which is EXTREMELY high quality locomotives with an EXTREMELY high price. So if you want top notch quality, be prepared to pay. In my opinion, the blueline is just as good, especially for me since I don't have DCC yet (and it really is significantly cheaper).

Well, I think you see my point. I feel like I'm beginning to be redundant.
Check out http://www.broadway-limited.com

I would agree with opening the spring up to press the pilot truck against the train more.  As for the metal wheels idea, that will likely work. I've replaced plastic wheels with metal wheels before, and in some situations, i had to shave down the ends of the axel because it was too wide, so that will likely be a good bet.
I myself have noticed that the track, even when connected correctly, tends to not line up perfectly. It kind of drives me off the wall. I can't wait to get my own layout so I can use flex track and align everything well.