I was at the Worlds Greatest Hobby show and was impressed with Bachmann's HO layout for there Thomas display. Are the plans for this layout avalable, & hats off to whoever designed this. If you have not seen it they have managed to put 5 loops & most of the main features of Sodor Island in a 3x6 layout. Nice work I could'nt pull my boys away. 

Thanks for all the help everybody. Found he problem to be worn electrical pickups on the drive wheels & ordered new new drive trucks (the only way you can get new pickups). 

Sorry thats feet, dc (soon to change), & is powered by an old 18V MRC duel cab controler that lets me run 2 engines per track. There are no grades on this layout as its bult on a 18" self 30" up on A picket fence (yes Its white)  bult around the kids play area. This is a fun layout more people should try it, I painted the Atlas flex track with good UV paint & sanded the rail & its lasted through 3 years of northern Wisconson weather with needing no more than the track sanded (use the green Scotch Bright pads for aluminum). If anyone wants more info let me know.                                  I've only tryed the Acela on our indoor 10'x10' dc layout run by Bachmann 16V controllers. I know DCC is the way to go but to get the layouts done I'ts not in the budget yet as I have an extensive dc engine collection.  I probably have a problem with engine but thought I try this first to eliminate a possible power supply problem.   

Sorry I don't mean to sound rude but I've been model railroading for 30 years & know the basics like you guys. I just wanted to know if anyone else had this set & what they use for power. Aristo dose make a 20V/10A power supply that has been used to power this set (The Acela Advantage.com) & yes I do have the room  to run at speed (I have no intention of trying to run at 150mph) I have a 65x90 outdoor HO layout with 48" radius I run in the summer. So please no lectures or lessons, I've covered the basics & have good common sense like the rest of you. Thanks I appreciate the help.         

My son purchased a used Acela train set minus track & power pack. Dose anyone know how much power (volt & amps) is needed to run this set, ours does'nt have enough power to climb any grade. There is a Acela web site that calls for 20V & 10A power pack to reach a scale 150mph. If you have a set what do you run?