Any model railroaders in here?

[IHateMyJob2004]

I'm starting to plan my first ever model railroad. I want to do something that is somewhere in the 3' to 4' to 6.5' range. Basically, I want to design it to fit into a truck bed for later transportation. I really want to do the 4'x6.6' layout. I've also decided on N gauge.

I have some basic questions.

--- 1 ---
I read that 4x8 sheets of foam can be bought. I've bought smaller sheets at Home Depot (HD) and Lowes. Do they also have larger 4'x8' sheets?

--- 2 ---
Cutting Styrofoam. I read that a hacksaw blade will do. I already have that so I don't know why I would spend money on something only slightly better. Time is not a big issue with me. I have plenty of it.

--- 3 ---
What about shaping styrofoam for mountains? Will a oscillating sander do the trick? What grit? I guess I need to know the best method for shaping.

--- 4 ---
What is the cheap way to do textured grass? And what about trees? I want something that will last 20 years, 30 years, forever even.

--- 5 ---
I don't have immediate plans for buildings. Maybe just one. I really want to stick with a mountain type scene. A log cabin kit might do the trick. Thoughts?

--- 6 ---
Anyways ... you might have noticed that I want to keep costs low. I want to spend most of the money on trains and tracks. I'm a jack of all trades, so don't worry.

--- 7 ---
Reputable online sources to buy tracks, trains, kits, etc for reasonable prices? I need them.

--- 8 ---
Now for the anandtech advantage ..... software. Any good layout planning software? I noticed at a hobby shop over break that one of the track manufactures has free software at their web site. but I forgot the brand.

--- 9 ---
How to secure the track to the foam? Glue, nails or both?
Also, should the track that is already raised ors should I buy the stuff that looks like cork and builb my own track bed from scratch?

 

[JC]

This should help you somewhat.

http://www.thestorefinder.com/...ibrary/rrtutorial.html

 

[alien42]

this might be a good kit to start with:

http://www.blwnscale.com/Woodl...s%20Scenic%20Ridge.htm

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Just finished the tutorial. It was eye opening. Thanks for the link to the starter kit. I never even knew they existed. That might be a good way to get alot of what I need in one bundle. My plan right now is to do 3 or more individual tracks. Atleast one track that is low and goes through the mountain and a second that is on top of the mountain. I want ot get some gradients in there too.

 

[Canai]

As far as making grass, look for bags of static grass at your local hobby / gaming store.

 

[amdskip]

Pick up a issue of Model Railroader, simply an awesome magazine: link