Okay, Still very much a newbie and thank you all very much for all your help! I keep running into all sorts of issues I just never thought about. Here is my new problem:
I just got my old N scale layout up and running (It's the Monopoly/Octopus layout from the Atlas track plan book) and I went out and bought a nice little Kato F3 A+B Locomotive Set (Santa Fe) to play with. I also bought 6 Con Cor Santa Fe passenger cars to go with it. All very nice. My problem however is the cars will not stay coupled when they move around the track. Whenever I go around a curve the cars will uncouple. So now I have an engine with no cars staying behind it. Not exactly a great time if you know what I mean. Any ideas on how to fix this? Do I need to change the couplers on them? If so what kind should I get? Is there a way to extend them? I have also seen times when the "B" unit has problems derailing on some of the Atlas switches.
Being a newbie I'm finding gotchas every step of the way. I think ultimately I am going to need to build a new layout with lots of things in mind (such as the switches and other obstructions), a layout with larger turning radius to allow for the bigger steam locomotives, less track to put in buildings (I went way overboard adding track to this layout - big mistake) etc. I really didn't think I'd have trouble with the F3 A & B unit.
Can someone also recommend a good computer layout program or a good site with lots of good layout ideas for larger steam engines (N gauge)? I don't have a lot of room to work with which is why I chose N scale. Basically I have it setup in my living room and then have to flip it on it's side so the wife will continue to let me live there.
What I would really like to do is build a locomotive servicing terminal with round house, turntable, coaling tower, sand tower, etc. I would just like to concentrate on that pieces and then join it to my layout later. I bought "The Model Railroader's guide To Locomotive Servicing Terminals" and it's a great source but what I really need is specific track/building layout and construction plans. Any one have pictures of theirs they would like to share? If so please send them to me directly. I have a high speed connection. Send them to: snipped-for-privacy@verizon.net Along with any pearls of wisdom you would be willing to share with this newbie.
Thank you all for your help! I really do appreciate it!!! You guys are the best!
--Scott