DC or DCC?

This is a question that surely is on everyone's mind (especially does that are starting to build a new layout). I was originally going for DC, but in the end decided to go the DCC way.
Main considerations are :
+ Controller: Since I have double main line, I would have needed to buy a 2nd DC controller. With DCC, I can sell my DC controller and get a DCC controller which should be enough to control the double track mainline.
+ Slow speed operation: since I saw a back-EMF demo on you tube, I came to a conclusion that DCC decoder with back EMF should help realistic slow speed operation. (My loco stutters at low speed and hopefully DCC will help)
+ Sound chips: these are getting more widespread and hopefully prices will go down. Better be prepared...

I've gotten a Hornby Select of Ebay on a good deal, so although it is not a great controller, it should do fine for now.
My hornby decoder just arrived by mail last week, it came all the way from the UK.
Now I just need to disect my loco and install the decoder. I am not even sure if my loco is DCC ready. Will keep you posted on how that goes ....

What is in a name?

Finding a name for the station is not easy. Took me a couple of days of quiet brain-storming, and finally the official name of my station is Almston Park. A special website a side from this blog is coming soon to chronicle in detail further development of my layout.

Is my baseboard strong enough?

After all the planning it was time to build an actual baseboard. I had to compromise some aspects because I wanted the baseboard to be at least semi-portable. To keep it light I just used 3 mm MDF on 20 x 40 mm dressed pine. Not the strongest material, I admit, but like I said, this is a compromise.

All set and as long as I don't sit on it, it should be ok. Pics should follow soon.

Update: Here is the plan...