I prefer changing the coupler on the first car rather than the locomotive.  It's nice having a car with a different one on each end when messing with the train.  I know that doesn't answer your question, but just a thought.

I have looked into this also.  I think it's better to just buy the whole set for a little over $100 and part out or find another use for what you don't need than to spend almost as much on the individual cars.

Yes, it is plugged into the correct spot on the power pack.  The way my power pack is made, you can't plug it in the wrong place.  It does have a little manual switch also.

Before I go taking it apart I am going to call Bachmann today.  I'd rather just take it back and exchange it than start taking it apart-if there is something wrong with it.

I double and triple checked the track and it's all together well.  Train runs great by itself.  When I install the switch and plug it in, the train wants to increase speed in forward, and the light gets brighter.  In reverse it wants to stop and go the other way.  This is all without touching the actual controller.  This is just by touching the switch power line to the plug.  I'll have to call Bachmann tomorrow I suppose to see if something is wrong with the switch.  I live a good 45 minutes from the train store.

Thank you for your help!  So you think it would be better to put the terminal on the other end of the track, closer to the entrance of the switch?  Does the electrical signal travel a certain direction?

I see what you are saying as far as making sure the track is connected well. 

Thanks again for your input!

Here is a quick drawing of my track--its pretty simple right now.

Does the rerailer/terminal have to be off the other end of the switch?  I think I read that somewhere.

Hi Joe, thanks for your response.  To be honest I have no idea what you are talking about.  I have the Thunder Valley set with a couple of straights added to make it an oval instead of a circle.  I was just adding the turnout to make the track have another loop.

Continuing to mess with it, it will switch a couple of times and then stop working.  Also, the train will only work on one direction when it is installed, and it won't completely stop at all.  

Hello, I bought turnout 44864 today, and it works fine, but only when it is not attached to my track layout.  When installed, it does nothing at all, and the train won't switch directions.  I've tried flipping all of the connections, and other stuff that didn't seem related, but I thought I would try anyway. Such as changing the direction it was running.

It's been some time since I messed with a train.  I got this one for my 12 year old.  Has anything changed?  Shouldn't it just be plug and play?

Does anyone have any ideas or do you think it has an internal problem?

Thanks!