It's amazing the havoc a little dog can cause... Before people jump to conclusions and presume that our little critter destroyed the layout I'll put you mind at ease - no such thing happened. However, the pup did manage to chew the small USB cable for the camera to bits, so I haven't been able to post any images - for some reason this has dampened my enthusiasm. 
That being said, the past week has seen a good deal of progress. I managed to install 99% of the WS roadbed, I've fabricated a turnout control (ugly but it works) and I've started laying track.
I've learned two new things during this time: First, until now I've never bothered to pay attention to discussions surrounding isolated/electrified frogs. I now realize that my C55 turnouts have electrically isolated frogs that require additional wiring - not a big deal as I'm still working on controlling them with the slide switch turnout control I'm developing, but a learning experience none the less.
Second, figuring out where to start laying track is like a sudoku puzzle. If you want to make your life easy you need to start in the right place - otherwise you wind up finishing someplace that requires you to cut track with the precision of a neurosurgeon. I'd much prefer to join the last two pieces of track on a nice straight run near the edge of the layout rather then under a bridge at the throat of a yard.
All the soldering and cutting inspired me to take a second look at the camera cord. I managed to cut out the ‘chew zone', solder all the wires back together, re-shield the cable, and as of tonight I have a camera again!
Pictures forthcoming! 
AttaBoy!
Gotta love a guy who solders a USB cable back together rather than just getting a new one! Wiring up some track ought to be a snap!
Keep us posted.
Al
Progress without pictures
Which is of course, precisely why some of us prefer cats . . . .
After all, a cat would never even consider biting through a USB cable - that's so 'minor' (and so 'Dog')
Rather, a cat would 'remove' the entire camera . . . (and probably learn how to use it as it as well)
Just a thought. . . (meow)
Komata
"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . '
(Ps: Felines rule - OK!! (I have my cat's permission to say that . . .))
Quote:Gotta love a guy who
Pathetic isn't it. Perhaps not quite as bad as poor Douglas peeling the foil off his foam...
I prefer girls - but whatever floats your boat...
Progress without pictures
Touche' Sir, Touche'.
Komata
"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . '
Where to FINISH...
My dog did the same thing a few years ago! I was working on the PC and he was laying at my feet happily chewing away on what I thought was his bone. I had no idea what was going on until the deed was done. The dork ate the end of the cable right off.
Last night I glued down the first turnout and piece of flextrack. I started on an easy piece of track that is straight and serves as a good place to "set things in motion" for laying the rest of the flex.
What I DIDN'T think about is where that track will end. The cork from both sides met in a strange curve that I sort of made by eye, and did require some nice cutting. Track would require even MORE precision.
I never thought about finishing the track. I might actually start working back the other direction to avoid ending in the same precarious spot with my track as I did my cork...
No! Not pathetic!