Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Hopefully, I can take it from here. Looking forward to seeing the "little engine that could" finally make it up the fairly steep grade.
RJP

Thanks... but can you go a bit further? How do I remove the pin and where is it? I've tried to pop the connecting rod out with a tiny screwdriver but I was afraid to force it.
RJP

I cannot figure out how to gain access to the driver wheels on my 2-8-0 steam locomotive in order to install new traction tires. Does someone have a suggestion or is there a diagram that will show me how to do it?
RJP

I have two locomotives both suffering from the same problem... the rubber band-like ring that provides traction keeps breaking causing the engine to slip and lose power when going up a hill. My first question is to learn an easy way to replace the ruined "traction tire" since I cannot find a way to maneuver the new o-ring around the chassis and on to the wheel of the locomotive. The second question is to find out where to find the proper "traction tires". I have read that dental bands can sometimes be used but I'm not sure of the right size. I'm hoping that someone with experience with this issue can offer assistance.
Thanks,
RJP

I'm pretty new to this whole dcc thing. I get how the decoder is installed in the locomotives and have successfully gotten them programmed and up and running together. I next want to connect switches and other accessories to my Power Cab controller and understand that they also need decoders... and this is where I'm stuck. Perhaps I need a "decoder for dummies" tutorial or someone with a lot of patience to walk me thru this maze. Does each switch or building require a decoder? Is there one that handles all the accessories? Is there an article or product out there that someone might suggest? I'n happy for any help!   

RJP

Thanks Jim...

I'm in the process of installing a bus beneath my dcc n scale layout. I'll follow the basic track layout as others have suggested but I'm wondering if the two wires (+ and -) have to return to the power source to create a circuit or can they be one-way?

 Does my n scale Bachman 4-6-0 locomotive have horn and whistle sounds included in the dcc decoder? How can I get them to work with my NCE Power Cab controller?
RJP