HELP! Looking for recommendations for planning software for an Apple MAC. Having a home built that will give me a 16x16 space for a layout. Projected move-in date is near Christmas, so I have plenty of time to do it right! Am thinking about a U-shaped layout with a peninsula and like so many ideas I've seen here and in other publications. 

Okay, I have an intermittent problem with engines (H-10's) stalling at some (but not all) insulfrog switches on my layout - especially at low speeds. Is there a way to correct this? I understand that frog juicers do not work on insulfrog Code 83 switches.

All engines have been speed set up correctly and "crawl" over most of the layout. On some switches, the engine stops and then "reconnects" with the dcc program and start again. Jerky, but the momentary stop drives me crazy. On some points, a slight nudge to the engine gets it going again.

Need some advice on what and how to check an engine that was running but now is not. I have a DCC Atlas S-4 on my layout which shows power (light is on) but no movement and no reaction to throttle input including trying to shut the light off.

Engine was running fine several weeks ago but has been sitting for 2 weeks. Tried using a different throttle; no results. Tried moving the engine to a known straight track with power for other engines - no response. Tried cleaning wheels and checking pickups - no response.

The Greater Nickel Plate is at the point where I am working on small details. One of the problems I am encountering is the lack of people with appropriate gestures etc. I note many photos of scenes here and wonder "where did they get that figure?" Searching catalogs and websites produces mainy "standard" people in positions that are close, but no cigar.

Apparently one of my MTH Alco PA-1's has lost its mind. MU'd with the lead NKP unit #180, unit #181 just doesn't do anything. Running a Digitrak Zephyr power system on my layout and at the club, I've been told that there isn't enough power to program these engines with sound and that I need some type of "booster." 

I have finished the West End of the Greater Nickel Plate. However, I have a minor problem in two areas of trackwork. First, let me say that I have reviewed and physically inspected every inch of the DCC wiring and soldered drops - none crossed and all are solid contacts. Second, I have cleaned both the track and wheels of operating engines - usually H-10's with good decoders.

After a short visit to the VA for an eye exam and a new pair of "free" glasses, made some progress on the model railroad. Tested all tracks and fixed a few power problems including cleaning all the track.

Ok, I'm open to advice. Here's the problem, and it's in the middle of the layout already "nailed down." 

I am wiring a new section of my railroad and have reached a point where I need some help/advice. There are several turnouts left needing switch machines. I have been using Tortoise ones with Barrett controls.