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 just got a package today!  Inside was my first attempt at a 3D printed locomotive cab from Shapeways, and I am pleased to report that it looks like it turned out beautifully.

I printed all of the doors and windows (both open and closed versions) inside the cab:

Well today was able to work a bit more on the coal loader this morning. Having a few issues with the directions though. It says after gluing the four corner braces in place to "drill #76 holes, pre-paint large N/B/W casting and glue in place." . What the heck is a N/B/W ? The parts list, lists all castings as the metal bits none are N/B/W. the plastic parts do list N/B/W, but the only bit I see is the flood light shade. I'll press on with assembly, sure to figure it out later. I can a least follow mostly with the drawings.