Status of Model Train Layout & quick product review

I have completed laying the track for stage one and most of the track for stage 2 of my HO model train layout.

Stage one was the main lines around the room basically on a shelf. stage two is the yard and turntable in the middle. The "parking lot" with 5 long staging areas on the top side of the yard through to the turntable is laid and the switch machines are installed. The bottom half of the yard where the real work can be done with rolling stock is not laid because Atlas once again has virtually no product in the country...we hear January 2014. This design was my 9th rendition using the AnyRail software that I truly Loved!  It allows the most amount of free space in the room while still getting in what I want in the layout. The door into the room is the greyed out area bottom left and the door to the mechanical room is in the top right greyed area which also shaped my design. Stage 3 will be the upper section located in the blank area top left.  You can see the feeder incline wrapping around the bottom left of the yard. This section will have what ever industry I can work in, should be a few nice sidings.

Control Panel starting to take shape

Since I only use Atlas custom line switch tracks and there are none available I have put down my track laying hammer and picked up my soldering iron. I have begun working on the control panel, mounting and wiring the power blocks and switch machine control toggles .  I have installed Circuitron's Tortoise switch machines and they were a breeze to install. I priced a few items out and they are a decent deal. Although you have to search for the best price on the internet and go with a 12 pack.  They have 2 features that make them the best I have ever used.  First is they are a self contained unit mount and all. that's right you do not purchase a separate mount which helps on the budget and ease of install. Second is the adjustable fulcrum built into the unit.  It allows an easier install because you can adjust away slight miss alignments with the fulcrum. 

I will  check back in when a bit more progress has been made.