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Hey everybody,

I have been lurking on the forums for a few months now and thought it time to register and post. I am finally ready to upgrade from my dad's vintage engine on the dining table to a real live modern layout. I have decided that I am going with MTH's DCS system, I am agnostic about engines and rolling stock, whatever looks good, is quality, and won't kill my budget (likely MTH?). I inherited my father's handyman "skills" which means I can't draw or cut a straight line so I will be having someone build bench work for me (MIANNE?). I am going to start with a 4x8 table and then hopefully add another 4x8 table next year, and a third the year after that. My wife has graciously given me a large section of the basement and a $200/month budget (allowance?) for my hobby. For the layout, I am envisioning some switching and industry for the phase one, maybe lumber and/or coal so I can finally have that sawmill that I have wanted for 30 years! Phase two will be a yard and maybe some intermodal modelling, and phase 3 is TBD on the opposite side of the layout, who knows by then I may be ambitious enough to add a grade!

So now the guidance...tracks! I know reams of virtual paper have been devoted to this hot topic and people are v-e-r-y passionate about there preferred product. My electrical skills are limited to "do exactly what the diagram says and panic if it doesn't match". I have looked at Lionel Fastrack but want something that looks a little more realistic. I have read that Realtrax has some serious issues with switches. I think I'd like Scaletrax but my local hobby shop said they have difficulty with production and I may not be able to find it, he strongly recommended against it. He recommended Gargraves/ross but I read that you need some knowledge to work with them, is this true? Atlas O looks like would work well but it looks like it would add about $300-400 onto the track/switch cost of my layout. Is there another option that I'm not thinking of?

Bottom line: Is Gargraves appropriate for someone who needs a little extra guidance with wiring? Should I suck it up and pay the extra for Atlas? Should I take my chances with Scaletrax availability? Did I forget anything else above? I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on my plans!

Thanks so much!

-Ken

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Gargraves is as easy to use as any track system out there. Flex track or preformed curves, wood or plastic ties, reasonable price and made in USA. Ross switches are top of the line without question, however the recent Gargraves switches seem to work as well, again both of these made here. Never seems to be a supply problem from either one, always in stock.

Steve

It doesn't matter what track system you use, the wiring stays pretty much the same. There are a few minor details to watch out for, depending on what you choose, but people here can help you if you get into trouble.

I use GarGraves flex, and have around 3500' of it on my layout. I like it for cost and appearance, and it doesn't take long to learn to work with it. I use crimp connectors to get power to my rails. Using a special tool, you just crush them to the end of your wire,then stick them into the bottom of the rail.

This is a fun hobby, but be prepared to learn some new skills, including how to use a wide variety of tools.

Rather than expand a year at a time, I would suggest save up your budget, and reach your desired footprint to start. This will allow you to have a master plan, and you won't be ripping things up to add on all the time. Better to just go slow and steady, but always forward. 

Last edited by Big_Boy_4005

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