I've been working on a new shelf expansion on my layout.  This section is 59" from the floor and the track is no more than 16" deep.  There are two main lines running through the middle and they will be on cork 3/16" thick.  The yard spurs off to the sides will be on foam 1/16" thick. The roadbed is 1" foam insulation board on 1x4" framing.

BTW, there is 18" clearance to the valance.  The backdrop is 1/8" hardboard and it is curved at the top.  Fluorescent tubes with a temp of 4100 K were used to light the area.  The fascia will be covered with a light brown (earth) coloured paint.

I'm using a mixture of Shinohara, Peco and some Atlas switches.  My dilemma is what kind of switches/throws to use.  On the main lines, I'm set on using tortoises and NCE Switch Its so that they could be automated.  For the yard spurs I was planning on using Peco or tortoise switch machines so that I could use LED's to indicate direction.

BUT, then today I was reading about ground throws on the edge of the fascia with brass wires and tubes connecting to the switches.  This sounds like it would be a much simpler option.  Does anyone foresee a problem with the turnout directions not being visible or getting blocked by rolling stock in the yard?  I haven't operated with enough different methods to forsee the pitfalls of the various options.  This area will be a busy operation as it is the main yard throat on the layout.

I will have a 1.25" piece of wood between the front edge of the foam and the fascia which would be good for mounting the ground throws on.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Steve J., Cambridge, ON

Muskoka Central RR.