I know what you mean about the Stroke I had one in 07 and still don't have the energy I use to.

Les

What direction do most people run there trains, clockwise or counterclockwise.  I'm sure it's up to me, but just wondering what the norm is.

When it comes to turnouts on the mainline's, do most pull into them or back in. My layout has two mainlines running next to each other, the outside main only has the crossovers going to the inside main.  The inside has two #6 turnouts that goes to the spurs. I'm assuming that the spurs get backed into, so car can get dropped off.

Do the modern trains of today use cabooses, if so how do they drop off cars in the line without leaving the caboose.

To the one's using XtrkCAD layout program:  How accurate is the train simulator, when comes to derailments and crashes.  What I've been trying to do is test the layout forwards and backwards to see if there are any problem in these areas.  Been running two trains next to each other with long cars to see if they will hit each other.  One train will jump to the other track and connect to the other train when that train passes it.

O.K. This was more then a couple!! but had to ask. 

Thanks
Les

Thanks everyone, I haven't bought anything yet.  Still in the designing stages, so far it's going to be a 4' X 8' HO DCC layout with a Union Pacific theme.

Thanks
Les

Can any one recommend a good online store that has decent customer service,selection and shipping.  I have looked at quite a few sites, but not sure which one to use.  So I was hoping that I could find one from your experiences. 

Thanks
Les

Thanks for the Info., and thanks to jprince46 for turning me on to XtrkCAD, it's one great program.

Les

Hi Maxx

Nice start, I'm also new to the hobby and planning on building a similar track design on a 4X8 frame.  Are the curves your using 22 and 18's, that's what I had to use with XtrkCAD so the layout would fit for the bench size. 

What I'm planning on using for extending the wiring is getting three different color rolls of wire from Radio shack and cutting the existing wires in half and solder the extensions on, making the wires any length needed and the cost is going to be allot cheaper then a dollar a foot!.    Joe's has a good idea with the bullet connecters.   

Les

It's odd that Home Depot doesn't carry it, I remember seeing it but that's been a few years ago, They carry it here in Las Vegas. Sorry it's the white stuff.   

I See why now, no sensing circuits.  I haven't bought any system yet,  But do like the EZ-Command from what I have read. Unless someone knows of another DCC system that is similar with sensing.   

From my understanding, I could still use the CTI system to operate accessory's.  Which would make switching easier and the signals, and crossing guards operate automatic.  For the price of the starter kit  which would be around the same for all the toggle switch's, sensors, and power supply's that I would need.  I already have spare computers I could use.

I've been checking out the Computer Control System form CTI and have downloaded the manual, The EZ- Command is not one of the listed DCC systems that is compatible. Has any one tried using this system with the EZ-Command.

I'm a newbie to the hobby and would like to say Hi, and thank you in advanced for all up coming help and tolerance with the newbie questions.