I have the Empire builder set and the engine isn't worth a tinkers dam. Even sent it in for repair and got a new one back which is worse that the one i sent in for repair. Get a Kato engine and things will be better.

I have all my transformers, power supplies , etc connected to a Power strip which I power off when im not using them.

James, Since my track layout is all finished, it's to late to make any changes to it now. And I do not own the class J and do not intend to buy it for this reason. Maybe in my next life. LOL

If you would like to checkout my layout:

http://www.angelfire.com/planet/joe935/

Thanks for the explanation James. Let me add that no part of my layout has 6 contiguous sections of 11.25 curved track. at most only 3 curved sections with 1 or more straight tracks on either side.

C855B, Thanks for your input.
I have several engines including the Kato GS4 which is a 4-8-4 and 2 other Kato's which are 2-8-4s and they all run perfectly on my layout. It's Bachmann engines that i have most problems with derailing.

Thanks Willianson and James for your responses.
James my layout is already finished using all 11.25 radius track on curves. What do you mean by researching easements?
  I must say it's disappointing that Bachmann makes 11.25 curves and then don't supply engines that will negotiate that radius.
  I think the problem is the way they designed the front and rear trucks pivoting them from the center and this does not allow for proper movement of the truck on smaller radii.

 Will the N&W class J 4-8-4, perform well on Bachmann E-ZTrack 11.25 radius track?

Seems like they should fix the Forum program then. It sure is a pain to have to log in each time you come to this site.

 For several days now, When I click on "Mark items read", i get the following error:
"Session Verification Failed. Please log out and back in again and then try again"
When i click on "logout" I get the same error.
If I clear cookies the problem goes away for while but then when i come back to this forum the problem starts all over again.
Any one else having this problem?

power to the track must be supplied on the heel side of ez turnouts, otherwise you will lose power to part of your track.

Haven't had problem with shorting out but have seen where the contact strip that switches the track power will not make contact and then train will not run thru the turnout.

I resolved my problems by forming the guard rails closer to the outer track. I used a pair or electricians pliers and gently squeezed the guard rail and the track so the guard rail was closer to the track. Don't over do it or you could break off the guard rail.

 I just checked the Voltages at my Bachmann controller. The accessory output measured 16 volts AC. I have 5 direction boxes plugged into each other and connected to the accessory posts and all switches work just fine

Thanks for the reply Jim. But that was not my problem.
  Today i believe i found the problem. The driving rods linking the wheels were out of sync. 
Adjusted them by placing the links in the same location on both sides and the train is running perfectly now, no more shimmy.

Steam engine is a Northern 4-8-4 with Vanderbuilt tender. Seems this problem just started recently:
When the engine is moving on a curved section of track the rear of the engine fishtails. That is it moves from side to side and the motion is very noticeable.
Any ideas on what could be causing this fishtailing motion?
Thanks