The tracks are electrically gapped midway with the left end controlled by a toggle switch and the turnout end controlled by the turnout. The differance between IN and OUT is really a matter of the surrounding support stuctures i.e. sandhouse, water, coaling etc. It along with the turntable is designed to handle 100 foot locos. We had a mainline that went East to a balloon track for the first year. They are few and far between, because we let the logic of turnout positions route the cab power.
Track striping is colored charting tape.
After a few tries, you learn how to put a flat cap on it, so it don't poke holes in your finger. Drill and tap a hole for the valve. Underneath, screw a short strip of springy brass to the wood. Now you have two metal pieces that touch when you push. The rest is obvious.