Thanks for the quick reply.

I have another question, I was looking on eBay and there seems to be a very large discrepancy in prices between turnouts.  I know the curve radius of the #4, 5, 6, and that some are dcc and others are not, but am I missing something else?

Thanks again!

Hi All,

I am new to model railroading and I recently ordered my son a Bachmann DCC train set, model 501.  I also got some extra track and some remote turnouts, (not the DCC ones, they were just to expensive), so he can expand his track and I have a few questions I was hoping someone could help with.

1. In order to power the turnouts, I believe I will need an additional power supply, is this correct?
2. If I do, will any power supply do I or should I get something specific?
3. Is there any special way the power supply needs to be connected?
4. How many turnouts can be connected to the power supply?  Right now I purchased 3, but if he really gets into it, I will get him more.

Thank you in advance for any and all help!

My son has been asking for a train set for a while now and I am finally going to get him one.  I have a few questions I hope someone could help me with as I have no idea what to really look for and don't want to go broke buying the wrong things...

I have set aside an 8x8 area, I know he will want to expand his beginner set right away, so I am hoping this will do.  I am looking at the Bachmann Digital Commander Deluxe HO Train Set 501, (the one with 2 engines).  It only comes with a single manual left turn, so I will also get additional track, and would like to be able to use the console to control the left and right switches.

Is this a big enough area to start, (8x8)?
Is this a good set, or should I look at something else? 
Will I be able to control the switches from the console or can I only control the trains?
What else should I be looking for?

thanks in advance for any guidance!