what to do?

[h2w]

I'm in a dilema I have very tight budget i have been saving up for the dccc sound value BM GP7 , but i have come to realize I'm going to need some more flex track etc to get the layout to where i can run trains, so do i get the engine or do i get what i need to finnish the track laying?
thanks
mark

[central.vermont]

"Build it and they shall come!" 

Jon

[TLOC]

Agree--build it 1st

[Spikre]

 
  this should be a no brainer --Get The Loco 1st !!
  am still trying to find some locos that were missed years ago.
  and even with the Sound option available on some of them,if a
  Sound version does appear,dont have the funds to get it any way.
  so get the Loco,Track can be substuted until the funds for correct
  track are on hand.
  and if its Atlas track,they still need some time to get everything
  back on the market.
  maybe not Vulcan Logic,but it is personal experiances.
    Spikre
       

[Catt]

Unless you need this loco so you can run trains I think you should get the track (at least enough to make the layout usable) then buy your dream loco.

[Philip H]

I'd echo @Catt - if you can run trains with out it then get the track. I'd also look at your current track configuration and ask if you can ru trains anyway - even if it's just back and forth.

[Spikre]

 
  lets put this into perspective:
  how many B&M locos are made each year ?
  how many B&M GP7s are made each year ?
  unless this is the Bachman GP7 we are looking at an Atlas or Genesis GP7.
  when GONE they can be difficult to locate.
  Track:
   should be a constant supply item.
  skipping Track now for the Loco puts You how far behind on finishing the layout ?
  does several months really make that much difference on finishing ?
   then when You do finish there will be a B&M GP7 to run.
  is the model Maroon or Blue ?
  if it is Guilford get the Track !!
  and do You get B&M Modelers Notes ?
  personally liked the B&M GP9s better, but was shocked when seeing a Maroon GP7
  leaving Mechanicsville and crossing the Hudson River about 62,thought all B&M was
  Blue, it was according to Lionel back then.
     have seen Bluebirds roaring thru Hillburn NY about 69,loudest GP9s ever heard.
     Spikre
       

[Spikre]

 
  guess these are the Bachman GP7s.
  B&M Blue with Sound is about $229 dollars.
  B&M Maroon with DCC on Board is less,but left the note somewhere.
  in this case it may be better to get the track and wait for a Blow Out Sale
  at Trainworld or Klien's.
   the Blue looks to be a 70s repaint,but before 76 when they dressed them up
  with the Red and White corner banners.
  Maroon is an acquired taste,or a must for Pre57 B&M.
   or just wait for Atlas to get going on the Re-Tooled GP7s.
     not sure if Genesis has made any B&Ms lately ??
     Your Call !!
      Spikre
       

[Spikre]

 
   forgot all about the Proto GP7/9s,possibly since Walthers doesn't run them
  too often ?
  but they would be out there if B&M was made.
  consider the Proto GP9 is about 20 years young already.
  time does fly in this Hobby !!
     Spikre