Sorry for the lack of clarity.  The layout now sits atop 1" of foam.  Underneath that foam is the plywood top of the train table.  I was wondering if it would be a good idea to slide another 1" sheet of foam between the table top and the foam that's already there.

I'm ready to attach my layout on a 4x8 sheet. It is now atop a 1" sheet of Owens Corning FOAMULAR. 

Should I slide another 1" sheet underneath before things are attached?  I know much depends upon what I plan to do with scenery, especially water.  Any other considerations?

THanks for any help

Here's a link to Bachmann's catalog:
http://resources.bachmanntrains.com/bachmann2015/

The turn out they sent me is the first one shown on p. 114.

Notice how it turns more sharply.

Hey, I bought two EZ Track manual left turnouts from Bachmann's Tech department at a good price.  When they came, I was surprised that they were DCC, which is what I wanted in the first place.  I've programmed them and they work fine.  Based on the Bachmann catalogue.I believe they are the 44130 model (they came bubble wrapped, but not in a box, so I didn't have a number). This model has a sharper turn out than the 44139, which is listed as a # 4.

Thought I'd add that to the discussion.

Thanks, Len.

Yes, there are a left and a right crossover on the lower side.  In between, is a left turn out to get to the "yard."  I'm using the other left and the right turn outs to experiment with getting the best small yard arrangement I can manage.


I'm open to any suggestions.

Good looking ideas.

When using inclines, what do you do in curves when the over track is spanning between inclines?

Thanks, Terry.  I'm a grandfather myself, spurred on to the hobby by two interested grandsons.  I could follow your plans pretty well, but I couldn't quite pick up which was over and which was under.

I'm attempting to finalize a 4 'x 8' layout.  I'm trying to decide on a small yard layout 3' x 3' (approximately).  I have a double oval layout.  The inside oval will have a left turnout mid-way down the 8 ft. dimension, which would turn into the yard.  I have assorted 18" curved and straight EZ track, two left DCC turnouts, and one right DCC turn out.  I also have a couple of rerailers I'm trying to position in the most effective way, as well as two uncoupling magnets I need to attach to straight track and locate strategically in the "yard."

I would very much welcome suggestions for this small yard.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Trackman Ed is running DCC only, I assume. Is a gap or an insulated joiner even needed?  Just wondering.

Is the insulated gap needed?  Just wondering. 

I think AGSB's reply pertains to DC rather than the DCC system you have.  As a newbie myself, I certainly could be wrong.
!

Hi,

I bought the Echo Valley set, too.  

As to your problem. it is due to both locomotives being programmed for number 3 on your EZ Command controller.  You need to program one of the engines for another number.  Then you can control them differently.

As for landscaping, go to Woodland Scenics and watch their tutorial videos.  They are absolutely wonderful.

Just interested why you bought the two sets?  After receiving the Echo Valley, I wanted to expand.  I called Bachmann about purchasing the Thunder Chief.  They suggested I buy another DCC sound locomotive and rolling stock of my choice and whatever extra track I wanted.  They said that neither the extra EZ Command controller nor the transformer could be used, except as backups.  So that's what I did.

I have a 4x8 sheet of plywood with a 1" foam sheet underneath.  I'm using EZ Track.  I have an outside perimeter track that's flat and an inside one that takes a 3% incline using Woodland Scenics.  This inclined track does an over/under loop at one end of the layout.  I've used foam pins to stabilize the layout and test everything.  I'm still working with smoothing out several places in the EZ track, but for the most part this is what I want to commit to.

What's the next step? 

Here's what I'm planning.  I'll pin down the inclines to the foam board, place pins around the track at joints, and then run everything to make sure there are no glitches. 

Then I'll glue down the sides of the inclines with low temp glue, let it set, then glue down the track at the joints--or do you do the track differently?

After everything is set, I'll work with the landscape by adding foam boards to create the tunnels and the mountains.

Does this sound right?

Help!

Thanks for the advice.  Actually, I re-did the inclines with a 3% grade.  It works fine for the shorter trains I plan to run "up the mountain."

Thanks!