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Thanks to all for the great replies!! As I read the replies I see that I left out some important information. My layout is HO circa early '50s. I plan to have both freight and passenger. The "hand-me-downs" I got from a friend back in the 80's may or may not be right for my current layout. For instance; he gave me a Santa Fe GP38-2 which I know is not the right era. However, for now it makes a great "track checker" as I lay new track. I haven't looked into all the rolling stock but I know a couple of them I will be able to use. Kadee advertises "self centering" Is this the same as "equalized trucks"? So Kadee's advertising that states "roller bearings" doesn't mean they have roller bearings - hmmmm, they just tricked a newbie [B)]. I didn't realize that different mfr made different axle lengths. Rather than "match as best you can" I think I'll just replace trucks at the same time so I know what I've got and that they're correct. My wife got me a 6" digital caliper from harbor frieght for my birthday this past July. It is an invaluable tool. As I go through the rolling stock to check "circa operating dates" and replace wheels/trucks I do plan to replace all couplers with Kadee #5's. I bought a few of the couplers and a height gauge (#205) a couple months ago. I plan to move couplers from truck mount to body mount - is this a good idea? I agree with Randy, it may be a bit more time consuming but while I am working on a piece I might as well do it all - wheels/trucks, couplers, weight, detail, weather, etc. The links provided are great. - my wallet thanks you [:D]. I just purchased the Reboxx Exxact Socket tool, should be here in a week or so. I am an NMRA member and bought a Standards Gage when I started laying track a few months back. Thanks Roger for the NMRA beginners page link. I guess I should have looked [:I].
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