KISS

I am a FIRM believer in the Keep It Simple Steve (KISS) method.  If you want to be up and running now may I suggest a very quick and cheap working diorama as a test bed to build off.  Start with tried and true popular things and see how that works for you.  Something like Atlas code 83 flex track, Midwest cork roadbed, a couple off the shelf Atlas custom line turnouts controlled with Caboose industry ground throws on a 2' x 8' piece of plywood or 2" foam.  Add 2 wires from the DCC of your choice.  If you use Elmers School glue you can wet it all down and reuse all of the parts over if you want a do over or want to move the  next stage.

Also I would list where you are as there is probably a MRH member near by you might be able to get with

"To summarize, I want to make

  In that case I'd probably go to the MB Klein website and check out the Bachman HO 44596 EZ track set for 4 by 8 layout. It has four turnouts( switch tracks) and all you need to build a simple 4 by 8 plan with spur tracks. While there look at the NCE  Power cab for an easy to set up DCC system. These could get you running in the shortest time and let you see if the hobby has longer term appeal. Almost all model railroaders tear down their first layout and build something else once they get some experience ,so don't worry too much about what to build initially, in five years you'll likely be on your second (or maybe third) layout or completely out of the hobby.......DaveB

Where do I start? Part 2 (cont)

Thanks for those suggestions.

I am in Cincinnati Oh (and yes that might be very helpful!)

One addtiional question that I just thought of this morning. Am I backing myself into a corner if I use premade roadbed. What if I add to my layout and need some type of "custom" piece. I am assuming this would eliminate ANY flex track. Also, will this cause appearance problems if I add a custom piece as the roadbed could look different than the rest.

Thanks again. One step closer to diving in and ordering some starter "stuff".

Gene

To misquote Yoda.....

"Do.  Don't do.  There is no think"

It's time to build something..... anything.  Keep what works for you and make it better.   Fix what you can that didn't work.  Try something else if you can't fix it or didn't like..........

I second (third?) the ideas presented

 Flex track, cork roadbed, decent loco, a couple of cars and a Powercab. If you enjoy working with that the rest will come on its own and you'll have stuff that won't need to be thrown away.

You're Invited!

Gene,

There is a lot to think about when setting an era and location. Some flex track tacked down and working though can certainly get the creative juices flowing. I see that you reached out to div 7 of your region. I am to the west of you by a region. I am with the Central Indiana Division. We are having a get together on Saturda just NW of Columbus IN. I know that is a bit of a drive for you but you are certainly welcome to come! We were origianlly going to be visiting the model club there but the parks department, who graciously houses the layout, has some pressing construction needs that eliminates the club's ability to access the layout. There will be food and plenty of people to talk to and get ideas from if you like. You can send me a PM if you are interested.

Dan

Yes. My thought exactly. One

Yes. My thought exactly. One reply had earlier had me buying a iig to make turnouts by hand. I don't mind the investment and would rather get quality. I just had no clue until this set of responses as to which direction to go.

Gene

gmeister619

No rush to get up and running immediately, enjoy the track work portion.

My specs for my shelf layout:

Cork Roadbed - 

Tried and true.

Peco Code 83 Flextrack and Electrofrog Turnouts -

Both are reasonably priced and detailed. The turnouts are great and can be easily modified with some wire and soldering, I never derail with them. Powered frogs are also the way to go, regardless of brand.

Tortoises with Fascia Toggles - 

Also tried and true, there are a million ways they can be added and wired. If you can solder, you can do it. It works well with frog polarity reversal, too.

Pi-SPROG DCC with a Raspberry Pi    http://www.sprog.us.com/pisprog.html -

A great entry level DCC system that is very reasonably priced. The best parts are the size (a deck of cards mounted under the layout), the WiFi operability that uses a smartphone for a throttle, and its programming ability on a home computer using JMRI.

Just some thoughts...