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Welcome back to the hobby. 1-There is no dumb question 2-There is plenty of time to ponder issues 3-Run your railroad the way you want to 4-Take it easy on some major issues that will come up 5-Have fun! With that said, I myself use Atlas Code 83 track. The switches are #4 for the yards and #6's where the big engines must go. I like to try and keep my radius 24" in the main. I encourage you to carefully consider your engine area, yard and industries for your frieght cars. A passing siding on any size layout will assist you greatly in operation. You are wanting to run several engines. That is great. However. DCC is the way to go but be very careful about decoders and sound. Some engines sold will need to be taken apart just to be fitted with electronics. Others such as sold by Broadway Limited come ready and senses DCC or DC operation. Power packs come in a variety of sizes. If you buy a DC power pack (Non-dcc) stay away from anything the size of a cigarette pack. You will regret it. Also known as train set power packs. But they are too cheap and likely to cycle off or worse burn out. Track. Brass is a pain to clean and keep clean. Go with Nickel Silver. That seems to be the best. Steel is ok better than brass. But NS is the way to go. There are ways to paint rails economically and with enough care still maintain good electrical contact. Now.. You are going to decide about Plastic wheels? Metal wheels? Horn and hook couplers? Kaydee Couplers (The orginal and the very best) McHenry or Other similar couplers? Kind of freight cars? Passenger cars? And how will you do your town or city? And industries, places to load and unload your rail cars? There are many many more than I can think of here. But to me, the number one (UNO BESTEST TOPS) RULE... is find a good hobby shop. With a person or people that are willing to answer your questions, show you how it runs, teach you from right and wrong and perhaps bring your coffee and pastry ... oops did I say that>> oh well. Ill settle for the questions and product (engines) demonstrations and are willing to assist you with very minor issues. And in my book one that offers a small discount on large ticket items such as locomotives is very invaluable. I encourage you to keep using these forums. For instance I am learning how hobby manufacters are moving towards "taking orders then making just enought to fill orders" aka Limited run Some of these are announced years in advance and when you do see one they are no longer availible. A budget will assist you greatly to avoid binge buying. I am guilty of ordering 300 dollars worth of stuff from time to time on impulse. It may take me 6 months to save 300 dollars for the next impulse "Oh I wanna that" but certainly keeps things in focus. I myself am allowed 30 dollars a month more or less and have been working on it for about 2 years now. That adds up to about $750- not including the expensive engines and stuff. I consider expenses on a Hobby as good as this one better than hospital bulls resulting from stroke or heart problems due to stress. I believe that it has helped me thru life's ups and downs. You will also discover Ebay and trainshows... be very very very (Cannot stress enough) very damn careful with your money. There are many ways to represent a product and truly are some very good bargins out there but on the other side there are lemons there that possibly will drive you away from the hobby forever. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
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