This is my first decoder installation.  I am at a point where I need to mount the decoder, the keep alive and the speaker.  My questions relate to the best way to mount these items.  Photo below

Would anyone have reservations about using Digitrax Zephyr as a first train controller? I know NCE has a lot of praise but I hate the screen and generally don't like TV remotes. The Zephyr is $200, seems to have all the programming I need, has a decent display and also has nice add-on remotes. I don't love the layout for full-time use but it has nice add-on remote options. So $200 to get running, $300/$350 for remote/wireless. It seems like a bit much for a train or two on a small track, but the train I ordered does have full 28 F-functions plus lots of CVs to play with.

One of the universal problems with any layout is making access points to the layout, and retaining function of the space that the layout is in. In the same way, my outdoor layout needs access to the backyard. When I designed the track plan, I designed it to have as few duckunders as possible. However, one area that I couldn't eliminate or make into a nod under was the main walkway into the backyard. See top right of track plan below.