Had some layout time today so I tackled several projects.
First, I use DecoderPro to program my locos with a laptop through my NCE system. I'd not updated the program since it was first released many years ago and I was running it on an old Windows XP system. So, time for an update. I got the latest version of JRMI installed on a MacBook I don't use much. It wasn't as easy as I'd hoped and I ended up losing my roster of programmed locomotives. So, while working on layout projects, I rotated locomotives onto the programming track to read them into my new roster. It will be an ongoing process as I try to rebuild my complete database of locomotives.
One lesson I learned within the first year of my layout is to NEVER soldier EVERY rail joint. Instead, soldier every other joint and leave a slight gap in the rails in the un-soldiered joints. This allows for expansion in the rails as the benchwork settles and expands with changes in temp and humidity. I soldiered every joint when I laid the rail and leaned the lesson when rails started buckling.
Today, I cut out and repaired a section of buckled rail. The broken rail was cut out, roadbed sanded smooth and the new flex track laid and glued down. I used gray caulk originally but today just used some white glue. It should hold it well enough until I can get ballast down to really hold it.
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