I've noticed the add here for Tam Valley's 5A DCC booster.  $42 sounds like a heck of a deal, but I'd like to hear the opinion of some others out there before jumping in.  Assuming that I provide a power supply, is that all I would need to run my layout (using a Zephyr as a command station and possibly yard booster)?  Has anybody used this booster, and can provide an opinion on quality, function, value, etc?

Here's the link, in case the Tam Valley ad isn't up at the moment:

Fellow MRH readers,

Railstars is proud to announce RAILbooster, our latest 3A DCC booster. Unlike LOLbooster, RAILbooster is fully assembled​, and ready to run. RAILbooster is designed for small layouts, and as an all-in-one solution for managing individual power districts in larger layouts.

Well here it goes!  I'm going to try and explain how I used a "Selector Plate" instead of using switches in my staging yard.  I found this technique works well to save money, time and space.  Lets face it....turnouts are expensive!  One benefit is that all staging tracks are of the same length and you can space the tracks any way you want.

On the East End of my layout I have a 5 track staging yard.

So often I read articles or posts on weathering or modeling a building etc.  And I take the time to read what tools they use.  Yes the #11 blade is pretty vital, nearly everybody uses Floquil pens on their trackwork, and I can't remember not reading India ink being used in somebodys weathering project.  Most people probably buy tools, inks, chalks and brushes out of need for a particular project.  I thought it might be nice to come up with a list, top 10 what have you of things a new modeler shouldn't be without.  Perhaps there already is and I just haven