It's been a bit quiet on the Mighty MKT lately, and especially this blog. The Covid virus and then some health problems, have contributed to the lack of activity. We had a great operating session a few weeks back, with the added twist of a remote dispatcher! More on that later.

This posting is all about installing a new, wonderful #8 Kasper Mk VII rev 3 turnout at East Rhineland. For a long while, the old turnout would periodically short, and I had spent HOURS trying to find the problem. It didn't short every time - sometimes 6-axle locomotive would short, but not every time. It was maddening. I implored on my turnout ninja, my buddy Joe, and he came through with a sweet #8 to replace the existing micro engineering #6 turnout. It looks great and performs awesomely.

Thanks Joe!

Joe waiting for the soldering iron to heat up before performing a surgical installation on the fully scenicked portion of Rhineland.



Joe installing the new tortimus throwbar hole for the new #8 turnout



Amateur video of the installed turnout.
Note that the ties still need to be cut to the correct length