Projects Possible

I have had model railroads in the past (so maybe I’m not a true rookie) but they were limited to a 4×8 sheet of plywood, real simple layouts and I could put the thing away when I was finished with it.   I’ve decided to revitalize the hobby and I am going to take over one of the guest bedrooms in our home with space that is about 12×12 feet.  My real question now is where to start?

I know I want HO Scale but beyond that I’m not sure of what to do next.

In working on benchwork and layout it is almost like the chicken and the egg question.  You can’t build the benchwork until you do the layout but you can’t do the layout until you do your benchwork.   What I thought I might try to do here is design the mainline layout which I already know I want to be looped rather than point to point.  Once I get that done I’m thinking I could then build the benchwork that would support that mainline track.  Any general pointers and tips here would be appreciated.  For example how close to the edges of the benchwork should I lay track?  Pointers on multiple levels of track… height of benchwork, etc..  I’ve read the books now I’m hoping to hear from someone that has some “practical” knowledge as well.

About the track - there are a number of different varieties out there.  Flex track, code 100, brass, nickle silver, snap track among others.   Again recommendations here would be helpful.  I don’t think I like the tracks that have the built in ballast on them.  I think I would like to do the ballasting myself.  I like the concept of flex track but how do you lay it out so that your turns are not too tight? 

My final thought for this post is on switches.  Just like the track they seem to come in a myriad of shapes and sizes.  “Y”, left, right, 18, 22, crossover, etc…  I’d like to try to get some practical hands on tips as to best placement of switches, motors to use, “GOTCHAs” to avoid, wiring tips would be helpful as well.  Last thing I want to do is create a short circuit.  Let me know your thoughts…

I expect to post my progress here… you can always look for the tag - “model railroad”.

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