A few pointers from one who has had to troubleshoot issues:
- Like Joe said, don't rely on internal turnout wiring. Put in your own feeders. I actually prefer turnouts that aren't wired so I have control over what's live and what's not, and what power source is used (great for sidings).
- Try NOT to use too many mounting screws on turnouts as thermal shifting of benchwork can cause the turnout to go "out of plane" and cause derailments, even with hi-rail flanges.
- Be prepared to deal with shifting rails, loose spikes, etc over time. I've had to re-spike some Ross turnouts over the past several years as some work loose from all the traffic in a club environment. When re-spiking, put a dab of carpenter's glue on the spike before driving it back in.
- On Atlas track, if you lose a "spike", chisel off the stub, drill a small hole with a micro drill in a pin vise and drive in an O scale spike with a little dab of epoxy. That should hold the rail in place.
After re-spiking rail, I've come to appreciate (i.e. -- not fear) the thought of hand-laying track.
