OK, I've been following the "modified Tony Koester method" for handlaying turnouts for a couple years now.  For me, this means pre-laying the ties on roadbed, with PC ties replacing wood ties at strategic points, i.e.

 Ok, so maybe I am doing something wrong here...  I've built a few #6 FT turnouts, and they work beautifully when I hold them in the air.  There is no binding and the points throw with ease.  When I spike them to the homabed or homasote and hook them up to my Tortoise (.32 throw wire), the points stick in both directions.  I know that the Tort is positioned correctly because I have a jig that I put together.

Has anyone else run in to this problem?  If so, what did you do to correct it?

Thanks,

Ryan

Working on my on an area of my layout that is in a hidden area with the workshop. In addition to the other "regular track" in the shop area, I wanted to add a spur for a programming track. My initial design calls for use of a turnout from the main to the P. track. For a number of reasons this connection (turnout) would be cumbersome and I am realy not happy with what I have come up with so far. Then it occured to me that I really don't need to connect the two. I mean, all of the track is hidden anyway.

I have never installed a decoder in any of the new Athearn HO RTR SD45's or SD40T-2's.  Does anyone have any pictures or descriptions of the install?

I have some bare TCS T4X - 9 pin header plug is all, no harness type.  My guess is with the SD45 the shell comes off and the decoder simply plugs in.  The SD40T-2, can you do this by removing the DB blister or is it best to take the shell off?

Thanks!