Thank you guys. I will check that out. 
Snowman - they are just wired up as per the Bachman leads that come with the switch - nothing fancy!  Thanks   

Hi all
I have 2 of these that are near new but now refuse to work properly. They operate correctly when the black switch is to the right but simply buzz and refuse to move when it is pushed to the the left.  The problem is in the turnouts as the switches operate other turnouts correctly.
My question is there anything I can do to repair the problem or should I just bin them and buy new ones?
I'm new to all this so please bear with me if it's a stupid question.

Thank you YampaBob for your thorough explanation - it is very much appreciated!  :-)

Hi all from Australia,
I'm a newbie who is soon about to start running trains on my new layout.  I understand that locos need to be run in but could you please tell me the correct way to do just that. Should they be run flat out, at varying speeds and forwards and reverse? Also for what time period (roughly)? I have a number of DCC equipped Bachmann diesel locos which have only been test run a couple of feet.  Is it preferable to do this in DC rather than DCC.
Thank you in anticipation

Thank you Lanny, Craig and Robert
I'll give it a very gentle try and see how it all goes. will keep you posted.

Hi Kevin - it's HO scale

Hi, first post from a brand new, very entry level model railroader in Australia. I have 2 questions.
!. I have a McKinley Explorer kit and was wondering if there is a way to open the coaches in order to add seated passengers?

2. I have acquired a brand new (maybe old stock) Spectrum GE Dash
8-40CW Wide Cab Loco # 7652  Item No.86011. Would it be possible to convert this to DCC as that is the way I want to go? It is not say DCC ready on the box.

I've been an avid reader of this forum for months but the time has come to start building rather than procrastinating.
I'm a bit embarassed about asking such basic questions but I have no choice.  Thanks guys.