I have one of those Hawthorne Village sets that the 2-6-0 loco runs but does not move, i suspect a gear issue. So, i am in the process of taking it apart and I just can't get the body off.  I have no literature with an exploded pic and am working in the dark. Can anybody point me to where literature can be had or know the procedure to get the body off?  so many detailed pieces to break makes it hard to man handle, lol.  any help will be appreciated .

Quick inquiry, can gray and black EZ track be used together?

oops, my bad, read label wrong.  thanks for confirming my "suspicions".   my new mission, acquire some "22r" ez track:)

my Dash 8 (?) 6 axle locomotive derails on my EZ track layout curves.  i am assuming the curves are too tight for my 6 axle...as my 4 axle Dash 8 c has no problem.  newbie question, "does EZ track provide larger radius curved track, like the old 18r, 22r, brass nickel silver track?"  all the EZ track i have is the 1 radius.  your patience is appreciated:))

I purchased a new train set, still wrapped in plastic.  It is an Athearn f7, John Deere set. the  loco runs nice at all speeds, however, it has a rough sound/vibration inside.  Is there a break-in period or does the new proud owner of these :)new:) trains need to lubricate before the first run around the track?

I have a Bachmann Spectrum GE DASH 8 40C and a Walthers GE DASH 8 40BW.  They appear pretty similar..my question is can I use the 100% synthetic lube that I have used on my Marklin trains for years OR is another more compatible lubricant recommended for lubricating these locos?

Thank you, I am on the bottom of the learning curve....most of my stuff has couplers that do NOT have the backwards "C"  that points toward the track...so when the Con-Cor  with the that "c" coupler arrived I was in "thrown for a loop" mode:)))))  the Kadee website is very informative!!! hope to standardize soon

so, it seems that there are a few different types of couplers on my HO train acquisitions.  most I am ass u meing are like Bachmann and work together, however, i just had to have a couple of cool Amtrak coaches made by Con-Cor and they have an altogether unique coupler.  the question, is it possible to change couplers on the Con-Cor and similar coaches with that type to work with Bachmann type?   And if so, where do i look/buy these pieces? i saw no reference in FAQ's...TKS in advance. 

AH HA, TKS!

I wanted to thank you all again for all the input I received!!  Well on my way to a trainyard layout, got the track configuration and types figured out and power needs and a much better understanding of block control on 2 rail!!:)  after all that I wanted to share this consist my uncle passed on to me when he heard about my growing passion for trains!  Guess not. Can someone point out my problem with posting pics off my camera?  the file too large message comes up.  so what do i need to do to upload pics to share with you all?

okay, here goes.  i have several Bachmann model 6607 trafos, output 17 VDC 20 VAC,  i just confirmed the curve track i have is 18r, measured 18"  from inside rail, center of top of curve to bottom where the 180 is.  i posted a pic of the space available (my 1st upload, scary).  the 28" dimension is flexible up to 40". my drawing is too big to post.  118 inches by 47 inches

i feel i need to express my sincere appreciation to everyone, in this awesome forum,  that has taken the time to help me with all of my naive questions!!!  THANK YOU.  i m sure i will be tapping your accumulated knowledge daily, if that is okay!!?

at this juncture, the layout will be DC.  jward brought to mind some questions on curves from my other post.  my research has shown me there are differing curve radius available.  i have seen 18r, 22r, 24 r and 15r, the last 2 not so much.   which curve sections are most common?  my online perusal of bulk curve track deals drives the previous question.  i have read that a curve using 18 r sections can cause problems for long car consists, like 85' Amtrak coaches together (which i have).  if i assemble a curve and measure between the inside rails,  what dimension should i see for the various curves available?  what is the best solder to use when soldering the N/S flex?  I love to solder, muahahaha,  .    i have received a wealth of information from this forum and sincerely appreciate your patience with this true newbie to 2 rail!!

Ah, the feeder track question!  i understand  the feeder sections at intervals, are the added feeders run from same transformer?

i have been doing some research on track and questions that have come to mind are;  the code 100 flex track. how flexible is it and what is the most common use for it?  does it flex enough for a tight curve or?  if i stick to code 100, will all the manufacturer code 100 track fit together?  talking the non roadbed track.  nickel/silver seems the most popular, however, some of the track i have is in new condition and brass. can the  n/S be mixed with the brass?  Being cost conscious, isn't everybody, i am looking at used track.  anybody have comments/advice on used track?  found some reputable reasonable deals for consideration ....  one more outside the box question is mixing code 100 with code 83 possible or the rail height difference make it unfeasible?  thought i had more but my mind has gone blank:))