Thanks Tom,
  From your explanation I understand my problem and  Monday I head to the hobby shop to buy or order the Altas book...I guess the ole saying "if everything else fails ....rear the instruction"
Dan

OK guys    Simple Simon here.....1st graders question ...I am not a hard core modeler...but I love trains...period.....I am just starting out and have a question....I have been buying "pieces" for a while...but no track until today..I like the ez track ...it seems to fit my application.....to do a little up front planning I bought one package of 18" radius curves and one package of 22" per notes on the Bachmann online parts information....the 18" inside the 22"...simple 90 degree curve with the two running parallel for a double track layout...after snapping track pieces together and let them lay "in their nature-as is configuration".....they"ain't parallel"...without overstressing to force them parallel. What am I missing here? an advise would be appreciated.   Dan Lucas