Lionel Southern Crescent

Welcome. I'm fairly new to this also.  Nice set. I notice it is a Legacy.  Wonderful stuff.  Will you be running this in conventional way or are you plans to get a Legacy Command system?

To get the most out of this engine you really need the Legacy control system.

Neal Jeter

I have mostly starter sets, and I'm just getting into the higher quality engines and cars.  I don't have experience with the legacy system and look to expand to it in the near future.  Until then I will be going conventional with this.  Growing up my brother and I had a small setup we built.  Now it's been a few years since then, but now that I'm older I'm looking to do a little more detailed setup and and larger set up.  I love the engine and can't wait for the cars.  once i have my setup together I will probably be investing into the legacy system.  Till then I will be using the conventional way of running the engine.  

upton7418 sounds like you have a plan, which is good. Going with Legacy will simplify your wiring hook up to your new layout when the time comes. Best of luck, you picked a great hobby. It can be done on any size budget you have. I spend a fair amount of time doing the detail work you speak of, it is very rewarding and fun time spent. As a newbie you can spend a good amount of time just reading here in the OGR forum. Time reading here can save a lot of problems down the road. Sometimes I just type in random search terms for say smoke units and start reading. I learned more here in 2 months than I did in several years on my own. The guys and gals here are very helpful and encouraging and at times very funny. Again, welcome upton7418.