You'd be excused to think that it's a little late to go testing my planned turnout construction. But well, I'm changing it up yet again on this layout, and the Proto:87 posse was in danger of passing me. So, we raced ahead with everything else before finalizing construction techniques. If it doesn't work out, I can always retreat to PC board ties!

When I started ballasting my spurs, I ran into a small problem!  I am using sifted dirt from my backyard and I have two sizes, fine and coarse.  In the coarse one, I realized that there was some once living things in it (mainly needles form the numerous conifers in the backyard) and thought that I would just remove it when I apply it.  Well, this turned out to be much more involving than I first thought!

Hi guys,

As I mentioned last night, I got some pictures for you.  I'd like to have some constructive feedback if you have any, please.

The finished crossover. I haven't included pictures of the switch operating knobs but I may in the future if you guys want to see them.

The intermodal spur

The tortoise slow motion sw machine requires a simple DC supply of not more than 12 Volts.  Lesser voltage will make the tortoise run slower and quieter.    I have a regulated power supply that outputs 13.8 volts at 2 amps constant and 4 amps surge.  Will an extra 2 volts burn out the tortoise motor?  or just make it noisier.  If a problem what's the formula or procedure to reduce the voltage?   Thanks for any help....  Cecil