Benchwork vs Trackplanning

[selector]

Ditto, and most definitely!!!!!!! Plan your 'footprint' first, and make sure you end up quite pleased and firm about it. At that point you can then use your careful measurements to estimate costs (before you get in over your head) and commit to it. If it's still a go, build the benchwork as appropriate, and confirm your track plan often as you go on to successive stages by actually laying it, powering it, and running your typical trains up and down it. It may seem like a bit much, but trust me, the first time you find a problem, you'll look heavenward and mutter thanks for the warning. The trains won't lie to you.

[Blind Bruce]

Personally, I would do the trackplan first. That way, the benchwork will be "custom built" so to speak. There is no sense having a large area of wood and foam without a theme.
BB

[NZRMac]

I would draw a track plan on paper first, make it to scale, try and include everything you think you want.

I have extended three times cause the original plan wouldn't fit, I didn't draw to a scale I just basically scetched it.

Ken.

[Anonymous]

Based on the space I have (9x12) will it be practicle to build the benchwork first then decide on the track plan later to fit the space you have to work with?