The first Big Hauler ten wheelers (4-6-0) were battery powered sets using 6 D cells in the loco. They had plastic wheels to run on plastic track. They then changed to only track power (metal wheels on the locos) and have been that way ever since. There are five generations of the drivetrain on the track power locos. The fifth and latest is the best.

I don't think the set with the tender labelled "Holiday Express" is a Bachmann product. Its probably New Bright or similar.

Pictures would be very helpful to figure out what you have.

-Brian

You have a analog DC set up. If you have the starter set power pack, two locos would probably overload it. A bigger power pack would be in order.
To run two locos you have a few options -

Install a front coupler on one and double head -


Install blocks, power isolated sections of track that can be independently controlled

Have two separate loops

DCC - digital command control is where your loco has a computer chip installed that allows you to control it via digital signals through the rail

Battery-Radio Control where batteries and a radio control system are installed in the loco or a car behind the loco. The train is then controlled with a remote control. Most locos can be wired with a switch to run by either track power or battery power.



I have trains that run by either track and/or battery power. You can run a battery powered train on powered track without interference.

-Brian

The front pilot (the four small wheels) probably got turned around. There is power pickup through those wheels and if they get turned around it will short out. Try turning it the other way. There should be and arrow on the bottom also and it should point front.

-Brian

Dirty power pick ups?

Nope, not broken. Its not much of a smoke unit. You can put a bit more smoke fluid in it though to make it last longer. I think it calls for about 8 drops. The faster you go the more smoke you get.

-Brian

Danny is in Queensland, Australia ( that's what the .au means). He is frequently found on other fora like largescalecentral.com .

-Brian

You're in luck. Bachmann's 1:20 scale 2-8-0, the "Connie", is based on a Mexican Railroad locomotive - http://www.virginiacitymt.com/AlderGulch.asp.



As mentioned by Bruce, the Bachmann track will rust away. Brass or stainless steel track (what I use) made by AristoCraft, Piko, USA Trains, etc. are outdoor ready.
Garden Railways magazine ships around the world and their site has lots of free good info - http://www.trains.com/grw/default.aspx
Some good books to get started -
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Garden-Railroading-Dreams/dp/0873492323/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227585583&sr=8-15
http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Railroading-Getting-Started-Hobby/dp/0890243697/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227585583&sr=8-2

-Brian

Yes, you can run your trains outside. There are many us garden railroaders. Bachmann large scale trains are very popular to run outdoors just don't use their track outdoors. Its a lot of work but also a lot of fun. You might consider getting him a membership in a local garden railway club and a subscription to Garden Railways magazine to get him started. There are also some good books on the subject readily available at Amazon.

some garden railway pics -













Lots of homework to do!

-Brian

I had one of these. There is a switch or two on the back end near the cab. Try those. Also my switches got rusty inside. A squirt of WD-40 and wiggling back and forth did the trick.

-Brian

bumped up your answer!   

-Brian

bump!

Dave,

Sent you an email.

-Brian

eBay is about the only place you can find the remotes these days. There are two different flavors - 27 and 49 mHz. Be sure to get the right one. Shoot me an email and I can send you a piece for shipping costs. I have lots of extra curves. I use the straights for storage track.

-Brian

You can get the USAT plunger type pick ups from Charlie Ro but better yet I would use a couple of AristoCraft ball bearing wheel sets with the power pick up tabs. No drag with those babies.

-Brian

The best guys to ask about having a garden railway are the ones who have been doing it in your area for a long time. No offense to the forums but ask a question and you'll get 20 different opinions with an ensuing debate leaving you more confused and bewildered.

Try the FGRS - www.fgrs.org

-Brian