Grand Union Intersection Trackwork Complete!

The rails are in. The turnout machines are hooked up. The bugs worked out (for the most part). And the streets are paved. Lets watch the McWhirtagig battery powered test car negotiate the entire intersection:

So with that done, work on the overhead wires may now commence. Yes sir! Work on the overhead wires may now commence!

Dandy

Testing, Testing, 1,2,3, Testing!

Working out all the kinks in the track before the overhead goes up.

Making adjustments to the track after the overhead is installed would prove to be very difficult. Since trolley track usually isn't electrically insulated for two rail operation, testing the trackwork before the overhead is installed requires some other arrangement.  Southern California Traction Club member John McWhirter built a pretty darn nifty battery powered car that will do just that.  I was able to borrow that car to test out the track on my home layout, especially that intersection. Sure enough, it found some sections of track that needed some attention:

Thank you John for the use of your car (which we here at the Dan D.Sparks Plywood Development and Transportation Co. car shops have christened the "McWhirtagig"). It has been very beneficial toward achieving our goal of "0 derailments" operation. Now, back to testing and adjusting. Yes sir! Back to testing and adjusting.

Dandy