Wow!  Thank you for the input.  You guys are great!. Shims and such just seem to make it over-complicated. Based upon what you  I see hear, I think I am going to mix it up on different layouts.  Maybe a unitrack or eztrack layout to break-in the locos and let my daughter have some fun right away. I think I will stick to the cork bed that I am used to for the big layout with the major detail work on it.  Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with me.  I will post the layouts as they evolve.

It has been 30 years and I am back to trains, my favorite N scale to be specific.  The problem is that when last I really worked with the sets, there were few track options -- so I returned to Bachmann which seems like an old friend to me. 

The problem I have is trying to decide on track type.   Does anyone know about compatibility between manufacturers or benefits between brands?  I guess that I an pretty old school becasue I am most familiar with cork bedding and actually sawing the rails by hand.  Bachmann E-Z track and Kato unitrack  didn't exist.  Any recommendations? Are EZ track and Unitrack compatible? Should I stick with my old ways? Any problems with locomotives or rolling stock performance?  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks