Been hand laying my own track for years and now make my own switches. As T C says learn all you can and go slow. Be prepared to use the first five or so that you make as learning ones only. Don't get mad if they don't work, look at them to determine what errors that you made, make notes and correct the error for the next one. Train Clown gave you some good materials and advise.. not all too difficult, all you require is patience.. Ron..