Some observations so far

Some observations so far:

Wiring and power:

- Those suitcase connectors are a wonderful thing.  It keeps you from having to solder anything underneath the layout.
- The NCC Power Pro system had a lot of plain-speak directions.  I had a tough time with the programming function at first but I got it to work eventually.
- I've found that the system provides enough power so far, but the train will hit some spots were it sputters.  This didn't happen at first.  Best guess, the track needs to be cleaned.
- Soldering hasn't been too bad, except for trying to solder the programming wires to a piece of track.

Track:

- If you can afford it, spend the extra money on nicer flextrack.  You can save a couple bucks on Atlas but Peco track is so much easier to work with.  You can flex it and it will stay in that configuration.  Well worth it.
- I was advised to use one brand of track throughout and I have.  I noticed that code 83 Atlas sectional pieces didn't quite line up right with Peco track.  So unless you have a way to fit those together somehow, I'm going to stick with one.
- This being Western New York, we see a range of seasons, temperatures, and humidity.  While I painted the table's surface, and I have a de-humidifier in the basement for the summertime, I left a few small gaps here and there when I could between rails to allow for expansion.  That said, I've already had to fix a few sections that came undone from the Liquid Nails projects adhesive.  Best guess - movement of the wood beneath it due to the cold.  I may have to go back and drill some holes in some of the ties and nail them down, to make sure everything is secure.

Benchwork:

- I built the sections with a basic frame construction of 1x4's, with 2x4 legs.  The risers allowed for a level surface, accounting for an uneven basement floor.  It's probably incredibly overbuilt for the amount of weight that's actually on it, but I still wouldn't sit on it.
- I had a tough time counter-sinking screws into the hardboard backdrops.  So they stick out, but after they were painted you can't see them too much.  And hopefully most may be covered by photo backdrops in the future.
- I didn't realize it at the time, but I ended up building the layout high enough where I can sit upright underneath it.  While I do keep a count each time of how many times I hit my head, building enough clearance was an unintended benefit.