I used Atlas before but on my switching layout I bought some Peco switches. They have a spring built in and you can throw them my hand (if you don't mind). Otherwise be prepared to not only spend money on switches (turnouts) you also have to spend money on switch machines as well. If I wanted to have my switches turn remotely, I would still go with Atlas, just tried and true over the years. Yeah, you may have to machine on top of the layout instead of underneath but I'm not a real stickler for type of stuff.
If you're looking for freight cars and don't mind assembling them (heck most of my cars are old Roundhouse kits) and your not worried about being a "rivet counter" as they use to say (may still). then order some cars from
https://www.tichytraingroup.com/
I still have the steam crane and idle car from way back and also the ore cars. Simple kits, not much detail, but for the price of half of what others are charging, not a bad deal.
Scenery, just can't beat Woodland Scenics for scenery material, always good stuff been around for years. Other manufactures are great too just haven't purchased much from them.
Sorry off topic, I just googled Ohio, don't know where you're at exactly but here's a list
Rob's Trains
3.9(40) · Model shop
Alliance, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM Thu · (330) 823-7222
In-store shopping
Big Train Store
No reviews · Hobby store
Springfield, OH
(866) 907-3607
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
The Great Train Store
4.7(7) · Hobby store
North Lima, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM Thu · (330) 549-2143
In-store shopping
Rail N Road Hobby
4.8(28) · Hobby store
Akron, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Sat · (330) 724-5253
In-store shopping
Dixie Union Station
4.3(106) · Hobby store
Mason, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 1 PM Thu · (513) 459-0460
"Great staff, great selection and great
trains."
Corner Field Model Railroad Museum & Trading Post Train Shop
4.8(322) · Hobby store
Middlefield, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM Thu · (440) 636-5162
"Nice train showing of 027guage trains"
Ormandy's Toys and Trains
4.6(90) · Hobby store
Medina, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (330) 722-1019
In-store shopping
Schultz's Hobbies
4.4(58) · Hobby store
Kettering, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (937) 643-2520
"I enjoy the
train models in the window as well."
Beltline Hobbies
4.1(19) · Model train store
Barberton, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM Thu · (330) 208-0414
In-store shopping
Denny's Trains
No reviews · Hobby store
Loudonville, OH
(740) 599-5179
In-store shopping
Junction Hobbies & Toys
4.8(150) · Toy store
West Chester Township, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (513) 898-8078
"Nice variety of
train stuff."
Koehler Express
3.3(7) · Model train store
Dayton, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM Thu · (937) 284-0200
In-store shopping
Delaware County Model Railroaders
4.5(2) · Model train store
Sunbury, OH
In-store shopping
Rick's Toy Trains
3.6(12) · Hobby store
Toledo, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 11 AM Thu · (419) 478-0171
In-store shopping
Uncle Rays Trains
4.5(33) · Model train store
Sheffield Lake, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (888) 933-2999
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
TK Train & Hobby
4.3(64) · Hobby store
Bridgeport, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Thu · (740) 633-6607
In-store shopping
Depot Train & Hobby
4.4(124) · Hobby store
Cleveland, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (216) 252-8880
In-store shopping
The Train Station
4.8(158) · Model train store
Columbus, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (614) 262-9056
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
Robbies Hobbies
4.6(150) · Hobby store
Columbus, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Thu · (614) 265-7288
"If you are Into
model trains and die cast cars this is your place"
Moody Street Trains LLC
4.1(40) · Model train store
Columbus, OH
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM Thu · (614) 262-1945
In-store shopping
