PCRR: thanks. Actually I'm more "disappointed" than "frustrated", since I only use RealTrax for a quick summer time setup for a day or 2.
Knowing "the rules" that apply, I suppose, gets to me though. Those will be defined as I learn more about my 2 tin-plate trains though. Only had them up for this one Christmas so far and that was a disaster, so hopefully this year's all 42" and greater curve layout will help define a few more of those unwritten rules.
I don't want to mess with the makeup of the tender unless I absolutely have to and from you and some others are saying, I SHOULD BE fine on my broader curves going forward.
BTW: My bigger 'O' gauge, tin-plate, Blue Comet handles the RealTrax just fine.
- walt