Good day John,

I'm also new in model railroad but I use the following EZ Track products to bring spur track parallel to the main line;

Try one or two section of, One-Third Section of 18" Radius Curve, Bachmann, Product #44530.

Or, try one or two section of, Half-Section of 18" Radius Curve, Bachmann, Product #44531.

I hope this will help you.

Frank