Doneldon, thanks for your information. I will try searching ebay using your suggestions. I rely on online shopping most of the time because of living out in the country. I did a hobby store search a while back and the NEAREST one to me is 100 miles away. A few trips there and I could start my own railroad for real with the cost of fuel. LOL 

BaltoOhioRRfan, thanks for your info on these. I would like to find as "early" period trains as possible and it's good to know these work ok for you at a higher speed.   

Rich, thanks so much for posting these pictures. I love those trains. Do you reckon there are more like them to be had or are they old enough it would be hard to find any? 

Pacific Northern, thanks for the info. I had the feeling that's what I'd hear about the pancake motor and parts after reading everyone's replies. When you say "new" engines, what year are you referring to? Is there a year or span of years considered the "new" version? 

Hi BaltoOhioRRfan. Thanks for the information and pictures. I will definitely check out your FB album. You said you didn't really have trouble with your De Witt but I noticed you labeled it a John Bull in your pictures. Is your top picture the one you said works okay for you?   

Jeffery , thanks for your suggestion about using the Civil War train as a transcontinental train. If I cannot find other trains of an earlier period, I may do just that.  Here is the ebay link for a Prussia. 

Bachmann The Prussia HO Scale Electric Train Set 40-0155  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bachmann-The-Prussia-HO-Scale-Electric-Train-Set-40-0155-New-In-Box-Ready-To-Run-/191006625953?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c78e1d0a1

jward, I love the steam locomotives too.    Thanks so much for your information on and suggestion/reasons to stay away from the pancake motors. I have learned so much here already! I hadn't really thought about the improved technology, parts, etc vs the old sets.

I'll definitely look at the store links, Rich, and download and study what I can. Thanks!  

Okay, I found a Bachmann Prussia HO Scale Electric Train Set 40-0155 on ebay as well. There are a few different listings of "new" but old stock. Again, are these going to be "cute" but not good in operation as the De Witt? I have looked at the Civil War trains but am trying to avoid a war/battle theme. Thanks so much for all of the information! 

Rich, THANKS so much for all the info!! Again, hate to show my ignorance, but is the Bachmann sound value 2-6-0 for about $120.00 something that works on the general layout, thus with any train, or is it something I would add to a single train so it, alone, would have sound?  

Rich, thanks so much for the picture and info on the early trains. I am retired now and so have more time to do google searches, etc. "IF" you have any google (or other) links handy, I'd love to have them. I reckon I'll just do a broad google search and see what I can start learning. I know I have a TON to learn. 

Ah, I love the San Antonio riverwalk too, and of course, the Alamo. (I'm a native born Texan.)

Thanks again

Rich, thanks for the diagrams and info! Do you think it is best to stick with the newer can motors or do the pancakes work as well? If it has a pancake and the motor goes out, I'm assuming I cannot put in a can one because of fit and other issues?? 

Roger T, thank you for your information. I see you said no DCC sound. Do I have to use DCC in order to have sound? Thanks. 

Pacific Northern, thank you for your helpful information. In your opinion, is a pancake motor not as good as a can motor? If a train is very old, can I still get parts? Thank you.

Rich, I assume one type of motor is "better" or preferred over the other (pancake/can)? If plastic wheels are not as good as metal, can they be replaced or is this a big expense/hassle? The opening bid price is $20.00 with $10.00 shpg. Here's the link- http://www.ebay.com/itm/171208282893?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT