Hi guys -- This week finally brought the completion of all the lower level layout wiring of the SLE&P. All 10 tracks can now be used to store full trains and are easily accessed by flipping turnout controls and turning the selector knob on a local panel. There were some initial problems with turnouts and a car or two, but those have been fixed and all runs well now.
I did discover a slight flaw in Shinohara #8 turnouts that is easily corrected BEFORE you install the turnout on a railroad, but a bit more difficult after. I intend to write a short article on this for a future NASG “Dispatch” issue. For those of you who are not members of the NASG, send me an email and I will describe the problems and how I fixed them. Overall, these are fine turnouts, but when under stress caused by long trains under compression (backing up or the back end pushing the front end down a hill) these little flaws can cause trouble. Have fun! Bill Winans
