i am updating my earlier posts now with some good info on power pack protection. I am moving along well with discipline and persitance at this point. I am finishing up the control panel labeling and have well sorted wire looms but make sure you do it quickly after labeling things physics has a way of erasing markings etc. Now back to my heading i am using 3 power packs with 3 amp fuses for protection! I wanted to say thanks to all who gave me honest advice since i did not have the experience at this junction but those who have finished there layouts due have the experience and knowledge and we all need to have people we can get this knowledge from. so thanks again for this help guys. I have to finish and enjoy it this winter and there is little time to spare spring and summer call for outside projects and of course more real time for them. I have a house to keep up with no excuses it has to be done. winters are for the railroad.