If you're planning a permanent layout (which kids often find boring) any of those three track plans sound good.
If you want to start with a 4x8' track plan that is expandable, and uses quality integrated roadbed track check out the Kato WGH Plan Set.
Here is the layout you can build right out of the box without any additional track:
The layout was designed by the World's Greatest Hobby organization, and Atlas also sells a comparable HO track set.
Best!
If your going to stick with the Roco track, here's a site for it. It's really not too bad price wise.http://www.tee-usa.com/store/roco-catalog-geo-track.htmlHere's some Atlas track plan ideas for you if want to switch track. Atlas code 100 track is pretty bullet proof for young kids.http://www.nhshobbies.com/category_s/74.htm
ROCO HO equipment ran good, but since they're bankrupt you have an 'Orphan'. No local parts to fix. Enjoy it as long as it runs, along with your Studabaker.
HO track (code 100) should work with it. Some European equipment had 'cookie cutter' wheel flanges (Yours?) which limits it to code 100. I personally would choose PECO for it.
ANYONE'S track plan should work and GP (8 wheel) engines will run on 18"r. curves.
COUPLERS are probably European and work with themselves, so wont' mix with other types. (Couplers need to match, to work).
Have fun.
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Building the CPR Kootenay division in N scale, blog here: http://kootenaymodelrailway.wordpress.com/
Well I did it.....Right, wrong, or otherwise I purchased the Roco digital starter set flying CSX colors. Now I am no expert when it comes to trains but with my limited resources (about 3 years worth of Model Railroader from 93-96) I think the engine is a GP-40 but I'm not sure. It seems to be a nice set, however I don't plan on letting the kids know about it yet as all it has is an oval of track, which would be fun for all of two minuets.
Sooooo now I need to save some money and get some track plus I need to come up with some sort of track plan. Of course maybe the track plan should be first so then I know how much and what type of track I need.
It's the track plan that has me stumped though, but I have a book it's from 1983 called: The Best of Model Railroadings Magazine's Track Plans. In it there is an article called Three Basic Trackplans With a Future and it includes a branchline in 5-foot 4-inches x 6 feet, a Maineline in 4 x 8 feet, and a Metro yard in 12 feet x 6-feet 8-inches, with the idea being you can build one or all three and combine them together to make a huge layout. If anyone is familar with this book and these plans would a GP-40 work out on their mainline or do I need to look at something else?
Thanks, Tom