Thanks for the great suggestions.  I really do need to get a book about wiring!

My son and I just got into HO scale model railroading.  We have Bachmann EZ track.  We have several track sidings in our layout.  My question is how to control power to each siding separately from the main line or the other sidings.  Do you use plastic insulated rail joiners on each track siding along with some sort of connector controlling the power?  Thanks for any assistance.