Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[FCIN]

My standard answer would be "yes" but in your case and honoring your constrains I recommend to read his entire web page with all it's hints and tips. The photos and videos should be analyzed carefully. The books have not so much additional information if you take the time and read his web pages carefully. Don't miss the blogs. They are also full of his thoughts.

Reinhard said it much better than I did! Where I only suggested looking at Lance's web sites, I focused mainly on the content value of the book(s) and failed to take in to consideration the constraints you're faced with at this time. The money spent on one or both of those books ($30-$50) would be better spent on purchasing some materials that you need rather than on a book or two. Spending the time to look over Lance's web sites will in fact yield as much or more information than in the books, i.e.; tips on track laying, wiring, etc.

As Reinhard said, be sure to look through the blogs that Lance has posted. Among others, be sure and read the March 13, 2011, entry: "Capturing the Essence of Industrial Switching Operations". That one in itself will give you good feeling for how you'd operate your forthcoming layout.