Three

At this point, you should realize that this railroad is kid-centered, kid-built, and now kid-priced!
Common aluminum angle costs one-tenth that of brass Flex track. But to stop thinking only of cost is to miss the point! Commercial track will do the job. Missing would be discovering the skills required to 'lay track'.

Constructing the first 'stub switch' shown will be a challenge; the second will be easier. Roll a set of wheels through to check progress!

Laying your own track allows variation in design. Think, plan, build --- a hands-on activity.

note/ track and locomotives usually cost the most and to the knowledgable, oxidation using aluminium angle for rail has proven negligible!