Well thank you! For a moment there I was rather puzzled as to what was going on with the wheels - now it makes perfect sense. As far as the handrails, what I noted is that they are not symmetrical around the boiler front. I did read in the manual about them being the antenna.
Until I get the proper track set up in the near future it is on display. I also need to get some of those transient voltage diodes before I run it anyway. I am an electronics guy so I will install these in each piece of equipment in a neat manner. I have an account with Mouser as I buy hundreds of components from them.
I guess these diodes are needed for ANY stuff with circuit boards - MTH included. I never dealt with these units that have electronics in them but these diodes make perfect sense.
Thanks again for all the input I am always learning! Any further thoughts are most welcome! - AL