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I want to get a simple DC setup that will let me play around with things but easily let me expand once I find i enjoy it. I thought about a kit but I want decent stuff so when i expand it's easier just to buy additional track and I wont have to worry about having "kit" track. After doing some research I like the Atlas 83 track and I think I'm going to start with a simple Bachmann Emd Gp40 Diesel and caboose. So, my questions:
Is this a good approach? Should i just get a kit or is getting some bare track and a simple engine a way to start?
If I get the bare atlas track will it hook together or will I need joiners too?
With the bare track do I need a roadbed or can I just run it on a table to start with?
I know I need a terminal track, do I need a rerailer too?
What else am I missing to get started? Track, train, basic transformer and?
Thanks!
Edit: Here is the layout I'm planning on starting with.
1. There is nothing wrong with your approach. Many people do this.
2. Most track comes with two joiners already attached at opposing ends and corners of the track (ie: bottom right and top left.) That way two pieces can hook together. Joiners are available separately as well.
3. With bare track you will need to fasten it down to something or it will separate. You don't actually NEED roadbed, but it looks better. If you like Atlas code 83, and want to just run it on a table top, may I suggest Atlas TrueTrack? It has a roadbed already installed, and just snaps together so you can run it on a table top. Plus if you wish the the code 83 track can be separated from the road bed and used by itself later on. http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/hotruetrack.htm
4. A rerailer is a good thing to have.
5. To get running all you need is track, a power supply, and a train. You can add accessories as you go.
Firstly, welcome to the Forums and to the hobby. To answer your general question, yes you are going about it in a smart way. Now to answer (as best I can) your specific questions:
Is this a good approach? Should i just get a kit or is getting some bare track and a simple engine a way to start?
If all you want to start with is something like your diagram but also want the ability to expand (using good quality track) then I would buy the track and components individually rather than buy a set.
If I get the bare atlas track will it hook together or will I need joiners too?
Firstly, if you want GOOD track, buy Peco Code 83 or Code 100, Code 83 is the more common now a days. There are issues with Atlas Track, availability and reliability of it being two things.
If you buy 'bare track' as you put it, then yes you will need track joiners. This is another reason NOT to buy Atlas as their Code 83 track is nothing more than their Code 100 track lowered a tad. What this means is that Atlas track has Code 83 height (more or less) BUT Code 100 bases. What that means is the Atlas track is NOT compatible with other track manufacturers and you will (as a new guy to the hobby) have to stay with all Atlas stuff, including their joiners.
Any other manufacturers are compatible which means you can use universal joiners instead of the manufacturer made joiners.
With the bare track do I need a roadbed or can I just run it on a table to start with?
You could lay 'bare track' straight ontop of a table; however it will be noisy compared to track laid on road bed, be it Foam or Cork road bed.
What I would recommend is to buy a piece of 1/2" ply and then lay a sheet of 1" or 2" foam ontop of that. This will give you a good base and will help deaden the sound. Doing that gives you the option of using road bed or not.
I know I need a terminal track, do I need a rerailer too?
Okay that is not actually true, you don't need a terminal track OR a re-railer. If you use Peco Flex Track (recommended) then all you will need is a power supply and a controller. You would then connect the + and - (red and black) wires from the power supply to the rails of the track.
Now, if you were to buy Bachmann EZ Track (for example, but also not recommended) then you will need to get a terminal track.
What else am I missing to get started? Track, train, basic transformer and?
Seriously, all you need to get a start are the following:
Track
Trains
Power Supply
Controller
That is all you need to begin with. Once you get serious about the hobby then you will need some Bench Work - what the 'layout' will sit on. If it were me, I would have that as well although it is not a must have to begin with.
So, in brief, this is what I would be looking at getting:
Peco Code 83 Flex Track
NCE Power Supply
MRC Controller
What ever trains you want to run.
With respect to Bachmann Engines, there are better makers especially for a fairly common engine like the GP-40. That is a personal opinion only though. I would start with an engine and a few (maybe 3) pieces of rolling stock (Box Cars etc). You can buy 'sets' of rolling stock fairly cheaply and they will usually come with 3 Box Cars, Tankers etc.
A good place to look for your gear is:
The layout idea you have there is perfectly fine. You have a good idea there to start with, and this is a good way to gain experience. Go for it!
I disagree with Wombat about track for one reason-availability. What brand can you get in your area? Is there a local hobby shop you can get it from? Yes, Atlas has had problems, but if you can't get Peco, Atlas is fine for starters. Code 83 would be a good way to go, don't disagree there, but I have nothing against code 100. That's what I had on hand when I started to rebuild the layout I was given, so that is what I stayed with. Otherwise, if you don't have a local hobby shop, then modeltrainstuff.com is an excellent place to be ordering from. Again, availability is the key here.
Have fun, take your time with construction and wiring, and don't be afraid to ask questions!
Thanks for the feedback. I love the flex track but until I'm ready to build something more permanent I think I'll go with the true track. Just ordered the track, a USRA 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive and two stock cars. Poor timing with the holidays but hopefully I get it in a week or so, I ordered from modeltrainstuff.com. I'm excited to set it up and see it go!
One problem w/ your siding being all curves is coupling/uncoupling cars. It's much easier to do that on straight track. See if you can put the siding along the straight side of your oval. Also you can put a spur track on a straight siding later on. If you get stock cars then get a stock pen to load/ unload the live stock. And nothing says you can't have more than one industry on that spur. And you an always put a spur anywhere on the mainline.
I thought about a kit but I want decent stuff so when i expand it's easier just to buy additional track and I wont have to worry about having "kit" track. After doing some research I like the Atlas 83 track and I think I'm going to start with a simple Bachmann Emd Gp40 Diesel and caboose. So, my questions: 
