HO and DCC. Test layout will become lower level of larger layout, but I want to run trains on what I have. In the Rev_1 reversing section the track length from MANNY to the crossover next to MOE holds my longest train. But the route from JACK to MOE doesn't. I think this is OK, however, because the rails to the right of MOE and GERT are wired to busses the same way as the rails at JACK. See the little arrows. Am I correct that this arrangement won't derange an autoreverser? 

Hello all - first post on MRH.

I want to build a helix (major statement!) - on an existing layout. I have it basically designed. It is an oval shape, each loop about 248 in. long, 29 in. radius one end, 25 in. other. It is right at 2%, so roadbed-top to roadbed-top separation is almost 5 in. Except for the first 1/2 loop, the helix will be entirely hidden. I'm not in favor of little openings/windows along the grade - I just can't figure out how to make them look right. Maybe LED's or CCTV, maybe.

I've never seen this before. There are three tracks in this staging yard. Photos show the one rail where the condition showed up. Ties are warped up, most easily seen at ties # 3,4,5,6 from the feeder wire, and even better at ties #9,19,11,12.

At the feeder wire there is no sign of distortion from soldering. So why are any ties messed up, and especially why are there a couple ties in the middle of the run that look OK?

I have finally progressed to the ballasting stage in the Trenton Freight Yard, on my Trenton Subdivision in N Scale.

I find working in small patches, allows me to focus on  one section and the glue/water mixture time to set before moving on to the adjoining section.

With such a large area to ballast it forms a checker board effect.  Once the section is dry, I then ballast the area between the two.