My first layout a few questions I have

[MrBenn]

I've set up my first layout and come across a few issues.
The board I bought aren't perfectly flat (or straight - Thanks Wickes) So I need to fill some gaps I think. Will just normal wood filler be OK?

There is a little step on the joins too so am I safe to assume that if I cork the rails before fixing them in place this should disappear too?

Lastly is wiring I'm using an R695 controller. But have 2 and a half loops with points connecting them all but will only be running one locomotive at a time. How can I wire up the track so that I can run power to it all using just that controller? I was considering running the wire under the boards and possibly soldering the wire to the track so it's a little neater looking. Hope the image below helps.




Thank you for your help in advance too

[twalton1145]

Hi Mr Benn, firstly you will need a framework to support the board. 2" x1" or similar.
See here for help on many issues!! I have (About a third of the page down).
Ted

https://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Layout_Building.html

[Chops]

Not much of an expert here, but this layout is a rather remarkable effort, so
I shall thrown in my two farthings.

DCC, as you may know, is all the rage, these days. This would allow you to
run a dozen locomotives, should you wish, simultaneously from one source.
Many, many modelers here have much to say on the subject, but I am not
one of them. My own forays into the DCC world was to find it finicky and
the more advanced stuff requires a degree in computer engineering, or so
I would think.

Should you wish to remain analogue (terribly passe), you would, of course,
need to electrically isolate both turnouts at the splendid crossover to prevent
an instant short circuit. Assuming your power pack delivers at least an amp
it should be able to simultaneously power both loops.

Twalton's expertise is far superior to my own, but if it was I, a couple of one x two
inch strips, eyeballed to make sure they are not warped along the horizontal plane,
one to each of the four sides, and perhaps an additional one forming a spine. Glue,
using clamps, or screws would finish the job.

My experience with the Hornby, and other, train set packs is they deliver an
anemic half amp, and frequently shut off automatically due to the excess
current draw, of even one locomotive.