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Hello everyone! I am about to start building a model railroad for my three-year-old son and me to enjoy. I have a 3x5 space on the dining room table that has been cleared by the planning committee (aka my wife) with the stipulation that the setup must be portable so that the layout can be taken away when the table is to be used for dining. My experience has all been HO up to this point, but that is all 15 years old and as helper to my father. With this space, I have decided to go N Scale. I know that the smaller trains might be more difficult for the young hands, however, my son is enamored with the big, modern, powerful CSX locomotives he sees rumble through town (Apex, NC) every day, so getting something similar running is priority 1. I don't think such locos would be compatable on an HO in the same space. Enough intro, onto the questions: 1) What should I use as a foundation? I have seen the foam board at the local Home Depot and Lowes and read that it is the base of choice for many. Question is, will it survive the occasion move? Any guidance on type, thickness etc. would be appreciated. 2) Track. What brands are good? Is it worth me using the type with the ballast attached? How about sectional versus flex track? 3) I understand that to no small extent my choice in engines and rolling stock will be dictated by who makes what we see around here, but a quick primer on who makes good stuff at reasonable prices would be appreciated. 4) What should I use for a power supply? I see that DCC is all the rage, but is it necessary for a smaller layout like the one I am looking at? 5) What do you think of this plan: [img]http://www.thortrains.net/nsmall6.gif[/img] Thanks for all the help. It will be good to get back into the hobby. My other pastime involves high speeds and race tracks, so my son is a few years from that!
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