I would guess that the best approach would be to divide and conquer with a complicated layout as you have portrayed. You do have to consider both the electrical and mechanical dimensions of this layout. On the mechanical side, it might be enlightening to layout your track plan in some sort of CAD program so you are sure of turnout positioning, track radii and clearances for ground throws etc. Sometimes, when we "sketch" these things out on paper it becomes easy to fudge a little bit here and there creating something in the abstract that just won't fly in the real world. A good layout planning program that uses components that do reflect accurately the actual turnouts and track you will build the layout with will help you to find potential trouble spots and plan around them. On the electrical side you will have to pay close attention to potential polarity reversing situations in a layout this complicated. I see some loops in your track plan and lots of crossover points, these could cause some problems if not wired and protected by the proper polarity switching hardware and/or electrical isolation gaps. If you can get it wired correctly and provide enough power drops DCC should not be any more a problem than DC. You might want to consider breaking this up into several power districts protecting each with its own DCC circuit breaker.
Also, keep in mind that this generally is a hobby and is meant to be enjoyed. I am sure you will have more than one frustrating moment during this project. Take plenty of breaks and always try to plan ahead. Don't box yourself into a corner. Something like this project is like playing chess, you need to be working 4 or 5 moves ahead of where you are and have a general working plan that carries you through to completion.
Inprinter
_________________ If the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't stay at the end of the tunnel, then it is time to beat a path in the opposite direction.
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