The short circuit has finally cured itself. I may have had some influence in this because I decided to switch each of my 35 motorised points to see if one was causing the problem. It appears it was because after this the short circuit disappeared although I have no idea which point caused the problem!

Having researched the various gurus views on RM Web, I decided to follow (to some extent at least) what appears to be best practice for improved power stability. I duly purchased four 10m reels of new wire, two in 6amp multi strand 32/2 size for the BUS and two in 3amp 16/2 size for droppers in the rather garish colours of orange and yellow. The bright colours will clearly differentiate the BUS from point motor cabling which is essential given I am totally and dangerously colour blind. I replaced existing power connections with 12 new ones distributed as equally as possible around the layout using a series of earth blocks. If I find any dead spots I will add connections as necessary to resolve them. Most of the power connections are on non-scenic areas which was straightforward to do, a few connections on scenic meant digging up ballast and drilling holes to enable access for the wiring. I have also divided up the layout into three independent power sections so that if further short circuits arise, it should be easier to narrow down where about they are. Finally I lifted and re-laid the curved section heading north at Mallaig junction and oil terminal siding because they appeared to have warped.

At least the problems have vindicated my use of modular scenery. I designed it this way because of the number of hidden sections and sidings on the layout which need to be accessible. Removing the modules also enabled track cleaning and vacuuming of the hidden areas. Net result is that I am close to having cleaned all hidden track work and have been able to secure it with double sided tape whilst re-setting a couple of areas where the track had moved slightly out of alignment. Given some tight clearances with boards above, I have to be precise in where parts of the hidden areas track runs.

Everything is now back together which should, fingers crossed, allow a few days of operations. I took a few pictures which show:

• the hidden sidings behind Garelochead used as Oban and the ramp that links the fiddle yard to the mezzanine scenic section of Bridge of Orchy.
  
• examples of the modular scenic sections
  
• the re-worked track and siding at Mallaig junction
  
• Garelochead section put back together