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[quote user="MisterBeasley"] A build-it-yourself capacitive discharge circuit will help protect your switch machines, even with those control buttons.  It was my first "electronics" project for my layout, and it works like a charm.  The CD circuit stores a big charge and then releases it all at once when you push the button.  After that, though, the voltage rapidly drops off as the circuit recharges itself, and the current available to otherwise melt your switch machine is restricted by the circuit. You might try mounting the switch machines upside-down.  This will flatten the top and make it easier to disguise.  Yes, you will lose the ability to operate them manually, but it looks like you're already committed to electric controls anyway.  All my turnouts are wired, and I almost always use the control panel, even if the turnout is right in front of me.  (I just don't like the "big hand from the sky" approach.  I like magnets for uncoupling, too.) I bought one plaster tunnel portal and a jar of Woodland Scenics latex rubber.  I made a mold from the portal, and now I cast my own portals as needed from Hydrocal.  I like the way Hydrocal castings take paint and India Ink weathering for stone portals, rock walls and the like.   [/quote] I have thought about building a capacitive discharge circuit ; any recommendations on a "quick and simple" circuit. The switch machines will be painted and have some scrub brush planted on them; this tends to reduce visibility somewhat.   I use the control panel to switch; not my hands.  I am doing everything that I can to operate without any hands (except for the handheld DCC control unit).  I emptied the shelves at Caboose Hobbies twice on magnets ! I have one portal left over from the prior layout that I designed around a rock formation; I am going to make more of them.  I bought one of the Woodland stone portals to see if it would fit in and it seems that I will have to cut it down (width wise) to use it.  I bought a jar of latex to make some new molds. I use hydrocal and have about 40 pounds left over from 13 years ago.  It has been kept dry and is working great; so I am in good shape there.
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