My method of laying track is very simple over 40 years of O scaling I have tried lots of ways including hand laying and while that is a good method for some it's not for me. My method while not perfect as far as looks go (I don't add details to my track) is as follows.
Lay 3mm cork for the roadbed, paint everything matt black, lay flex track with your spacers in place mark where your Tortoise machines are going and drill the holes lay the track, nail down where there is gaps for ties at the track joints fill these in with some glue on the cork and push ties under the rails. Remove all the spacers solder the joins and feeder wires, paint the track (open windows and wear a mask or respirator) I have a fan going as well, clean top of track, when paint dry apply ballast, spray with wet water, spray with a mixture of white glue and wet water to seal everything use an eye dropper around turnouts you don't want everything glued together! Finally clean the tops of the rails and test. Finished. One thing I did not mention was when laying the track have your wiring diagram in front of you for the feeders and the gaps I use insulated rail joiners where possible otherwise it's the Dremel and cut the gaps.
This thread as I mentioned at the start is only to show the members MY method not to debate other ways of doing things if any members want to tell their ways of building a model railroad it is probably best to start a new thread. I like to think anyone with limited skills can use my way and create a nice looking and good performing model Railroad. I have always stated I am an average modeller I cannot scratch build a locomotive or rolling stock I cannot hand lay track and turnouts, I cannot paint a beautiful backdrop, I cannot create beautiful plaster mountains, what I can do is build an operating model railroad and have fun doing it. Years ago I even did all my electrical work including making control panels now I am fortunate to have a good friend who does all the electrical work and even pays for most of the items he uses. Roo.
