Model railroads, the key to a GUT?

Could model railroad physics be the key to a Grand Unified Theory of physics?

After every operating session there follows a maintenance session and the 83rd session was no exception.

So today I went to work on the track to correct the few electrical issues and a couple of derailment issues that manifested themselves during the last session.

During the session I observed engine #30 routinely derail its lead tender truck on the Hood east switch. But could I get it to happen? NO!

The assistant White Hall yardmaster reported several issues with electrical conductivity through the crossovers. Could I replicate them? NO! (And I saw the yard engine stop more than once during the session on these crossovers.)

I was able to routinely recreate the observation car derailing while being pushed into the station. It appeared the switch needed to be elevated more on the outside rail. Once that was done the problem went away. At least until the next session.

Here is where model railroad physics could be the key to a GUT.

If we can get some physicists (I think it will take more than one) to study model railroading physics and explain why routine problems that are present during an operating session disappear after the session is over they might be able to develop a GUT since it should be MUCH simpler to explain a GUT than model railroad physics.

Until then I guess I will have to take a different approach to layout maintenance. The only approach that I think will work is to do the maintenance while everyone is present so all of the problems are corrected in presence of whatever force is causing the issues.

What then happens after everyone leaves could be interesting!