Thank you for the advice. I think that's the way I'll go. Looks like there are only 6 screws holding the shell.

I have couple more questions if that's okay:

1) I bought some remote switches and overall they work well. However, sometimes the front wheels of the rear truck will slip over on the curve of the switch (going straight and not following the curve) resulting in the rear truck derailing. Is this common and is there a modification to the switch I should make?

2) I'm starting to worry about power. I have a cw-80 transformer and am afraid of running out of wattage and amps (have a few accessory addo on lighting). Can I directly add on another transformer to the block or do I need to start considering isolated blocks with separate transformers? I have an additional smaller transformer available. My biggest concern is the passenger train with all its lighting.

This is all running on carpet and hardwiring everything is subject to changing layouts and my wife saying "enough, put it away".

I appreciate your help. I'm completely new to all of this and may have upgraded to greater than my knowledge base.

Bryan