Hello All, re the above , first time I can recall reading the very sensible ( and prototypical ) method of laying your switches / pointwork first , and making sure they line up and are adjusted for running clearances prior to laying in the adding running rails . I was talking to a Signal Tech a few weeks ago re the new work currently being done in western Victoria , and he was saying that by laying all the pointwork first , it allowed the project team to ensure that the most difficult portions were done first , and the rest of the work requirements can then be fitted around the completed pointwork , knowing full well that as the pointwork is now complete , the remainder can be adjusted for optimal running conditions , and you also know just how much time is required to finish the particular project. From a model layout construction perspective , that actually makes a lot of sense , as it is easier to adjust the joining tracks than it is to squeeze in the proposed switch formation in the space you have left . The whole article covers pp 44 - 49 , and the rest of it gives both good advice , and options , so worth a read , and recommended. The only thing to add to the article is making provision for transition curves was not covered , but I think that is deserving of an article of itself . Regards, Echidna