I have cinder ballast from Arizona Rock and Scenic Express. When I pass a magnet over samples of these cinders, nearly all the material winds up on the magnet. I have been assured by one supplier that there is no problem using their cinders with DCC. Has anyone had any issues with cinders from either supplier as far as operation on a DCC layout? Arizona's Yard Mix also demonstrates the same behavior to a magnet. 

I was in Osh Kosh Wisconsin a block away from the tracks right by where it crossed the old swing bridge (now replaced with a lift bridge) and had a train sitting there for hours because the bridge broke down.

I have been absorbed with the idea of creating a tall steel trestle similar to one very near my home. While the original was straight and designed for a standard guage line, mine will be 30" guage (1:48) and on a curve. Here is the inspiration that came from a panoramic shot:

I have been finishing the trackwork I have laid (all ties placed, rail painted) to get my out and back loop and yard operational.  I built the control panel and wired in the power districts and breakers.  Imagine my surprise when I fired up the command station and turned on the yard district and poof-red light-short!!  So began a week long debugging session which I will outline so folks might avoid my mistakes.