Confused

[fire481]

I am planning and want to get started on a U shape layout. 14'x12'. I am confident on the bench work but really confused on if I should use foam as a bed or plywood. Then confused on using traditional track vs unitrack and further confuesd on doing DCC or regular wiring. Layout is not to be lots of track work . I am much more into scenery etc than the actual operations. That is part of it but I want to do the scenery thing big.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated on my confusion.
Thanking you all in advance GENE

[BRVRR]

GENE,
If this is you first layout, I applaud your ambition! Hopefully you have done your homework and have a good track plan and a general idea of what you want to accomplish. You make no mention of budget or time frame. My suggestions are based on what I would call 'reasonable' for cost and the time necessary for the construction of the basic layout. That said, the following is my general opinion based upon my personal experience. My current BRVRR layout is the 3rd or fourth iteration in the past 4-years.
I would suggest a plywood deck. The reasons for this suggestion is simplicity of construction, strength, conventional materials and tools are all that is needed and installing under-table switch motors, lighting etc. is easier than with foam. If you want to overlay foam for 'depth' thats okay, just give some thought to powering turnouts etc.
If you are into doing the scenery, then go with conventional track, flex track is best. Fewer joints and much more versatility than sectional track. Ballasting the track on a layout the size of the one you suggest is a considerable undertaking. If ballasting isn't your thing, you can consider one of the versions of 'unitrack'. Many people have achieved great looking layouts using it. There are some difficulties with the availability of various radii and turnouts, but most of those you can work around.
Since this is a new layout, I assume, I would go with DCC. Wiring for DCC is much simpler than DC and you can get much more pro typical operation from you locomotives with DCC. If you are considering a multi-cab control system, the cost between a DCC layout and DC layout is usually minor with a new layout, unless you opt for one of the more sophisticated DCC systems. You will need DCC equipped locomotives or decoders for existing equipment.
As stated earlier, the above is my opinion based on personal experience. Opinions are like navels, everyone has one and mine is most likely in direct opposition to the next guy to comment on this link.
The best advice is do your homework. Decide what you want after considering all the options. Then have at it.
You will certainly get more answers and comments to such a general post. And likely many questions for more detail.
Good Luck,

[Anonymous]

as for what to use as your sub bed I havn't got a clue at this point... but I would go with traditional track and flextrack over the unitrack or the EZ track idea....

as for DC or DCC that is something you have to ask yourself a couple questions.

1. how many locomotives will you be running?
2. how simple of an operation are you running?
3. how good are you at wiring?
4. how much money are you willing to spend?

DC is inexpensive but you are limited to the number of trains you can operate safely at one time. Not to mention that the wiring for it can be rather complicated to someone who has never done it before.

Now with DCC you have the ability to run several trains at one, simplified wiring... However DCC is more expensive to purchase and the Locomotives are expensive as well, but on this note you also get the added features of possible sounds as well as constant light operation (unlike DC where the light goes up and down in intesity with your throttle.

[jhugart]

Concerning track:

I think regular flex-track is better than something like Kato Unitrack if you re planning a for-real layout. It doesn't take long to master the skill. Just be sure you have the right tool for cutting the rails.

[SpaceMouse]

I'm a beginner, but I'be used both flex and EZ track in my first layout. I'll not use the EZ track again.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest foam. I've used both plywood and foam and on my next layout I'm going with 100% foam. I use foam for my 2nd level and it is lighter, cheaper, and easier to mold. I just bought a sheet of polystyrene that is 1" thich and 4'x8' for $13. Consider that plywood is significantly heavier than foam plus I use tortiose swith machines throughout my 2nd level and the thichness is not an issue. Of course I use the Digitrax Empirer Builder (DCC) to control my locos, switching, and signaling. I found that it is easier to expand a layout with DCC than with DC. In expanding I'm referring to turnout control and switching. Hope this helps.

[camarokid]

Gene:
I would use plywood for your basic bed only because of the added stability for your frame work. You can use foam for all of your scenery bases and it's easy to cut and shape and form any ideas you may come up with.
Use flex-track for the same reasons stated by BRVRR. Since you don't want or need any extra feeder drops than necessary.
QUESTION: Do you intend to have any turnouts? If so, remember to place them on your layout first and work from either end of the turnout to the next one. Faster and easier that way.
QUESTION: Will this be a point-to-point or a continuous running line? Either way you would be better off with DCC with only the system that gives you everything that you want to see and hear while you and your friends are running the train or trains. Wiring for DCC will only consist of two wires to the track (if only one loop is to be used for your train). Feeder drops every other 3ft section of flex track should be all the wiring you will need.
I am only guessing here. Will there only be one track for continuous running and the engine will only go one way all the time? If not, then you will need to build in a reverse loop and wire in an AutoReverseLoop Module for DCC from a reliable dealer.
Just my thoughts and 2cents worth. Have fun and enjoy.
Archie

[fire481]

This is my first experience on this forum and I just am so excited to receive the quality of reply that I have gotten. I have prited the replies and they are on the wall near where the platform is going up. I love the diverse opinions and look forward to more. By the way I built a similar layout about 30 years ago then had a family and it went away. I still have a family but now I have time to do this again. I am just excited as all get out to get started . Thank you all for the follow up. GENE