thanks for all the explanations.
this is a Piggott 4', sideways magnets and coils.
i wound my 6 coils. the 1st one came out good, but i was not aware of how to check the 'size' of it at that time. so i did the other 5 the same since it looked good. when i set them in my layout, i noticed they were a little too small (SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THAT W/ THE 1ST ONE!!!). all are the same size and thickness.
now i am unsure if i should use the original magnet spacing as a guide and leave a little space between coils, or push the coils in a little and then the magnets would be a little closer too. again, maybe none of this makes a difference, or there is no easy explanation!
i would rather not have to make 6 new coils since i probably would be a little short if i tried to rewind my current ones looser...but, if it will make a big difference, i will do it!
thanks again and for the patience of a rookie.
Dave