Hi Iain,?
I code Java, php, Python + xml with notepad++ , it's whatever you're most comfortable with :-)
As long as you take a backup of the layout xml before having a play you should be fine, you'll need to restart JMRI for any changes to have effect,
I'd strongly recommend 1 change at a time!
Not sure about editing turnout settings in the xml, I'd say the User Interface will steer towards getting towards what you want than editing the xml,
others may be able to advise more on this.
As I'm using the MERG CBUS kits I can sense a point position ( via micro-switch ) for about 60p each ;-)
I think you'd be surprised how many people have block? + point detection, it's not particularly difficult to setup ( especially if using Servo's ).
I'm not advocating in any way that you rip up your existing layout though, there should be an easy-ish way to do what you want,
Steve.
