CONTROL BOARD FOR SWITCHOUTS

[Medina1128]

I use masonite to make mine. First, I paint it white. Then, I make a diagram of the layout with 1/8" auto pinstripe tape. I cut 1/8" gaps to distinguish the blocks (mine's wired in DC for block control). I paint a dark color over the whole thing. While the paint is just tacky to the touch, I peel off the pinstripe. I use minitoggle switches and drill holes for them into the masonite.

[BerkshireSteam]

hornblower

I don't remember where I read about this system, but it's probably the best control board setup I've ever used.  Instead of the usual array of toggle or push-button switches plugged into the control board, a much easier way to control turnouts is the "Wand" method.  Small round head screws are set into the track map on the control board, one for each route out of each turnout, and wired to the turnout motor connections similar to the way you would wire up the toggle/push-button switch terminals.  A metal activation wand is then wired to the turnout power supply.  When you want to activate your turnouts, you simply trace the desired route on the control board track map with the power wand, tripping each turnout motor as the wand contacts each screw head.  I had 5 year olds selecting train routes with this system on my old layout.  I even believe it would be faster to operate than with DCC.  Best of all there are no switch numbers/addresses to remember or toggle positions to set.  Just trace the route and run your train.  Slick!

That's kind of an expansive thing to build. Easy as h-e-double hockey sticks to use but to set up. The idea popped into my head, it goes along with conventional set up with switches and easy to use. No diagrams. The idea uses lighted rocker switchers such as the smaller round ones used in the auto industry. They're not too big and when turned on a little LED light in the acutal rocker buttom lights up. If I'm thinking right it could be set up so when the rocker is switched on the little power light comes on and indicates that that particular switch is active, or rather that switch is switched. Button is hit, switch gets switched, LED goes on so you know it's switched, run your errands through it and do the reverse. The switches I'm reffering to are single-pole double through (SPDT), there's an on and an off that's it, but looking through Walthers catalogue it seems like alot of the switch machines are run with or in many cases even come with an SPDT switch. The buttons can just be lined up in a little row corresponding to the switch. Meaning looking at a layout say from left to right, switch one would be your first switch and the first rocker button would flip that switch. The second switch in the line would go with the second rocker switch in love line. Omg omg omg omg omg ok sorry I gotta go. I got my point and idea over and my 'wifey' just called and said she got her taxes back and is taking me to the LTS. He heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[hornblower]

I don't remember where I read about this system, but it's probably the best control board setup I've ever used.  Instead of the usual array of toggle or push-button switches plugged into the control board, a much easier way to control turnouts is the "Wand" method.  Small round head screws are set into the track map on the control board, one for each route out of each turnout, and wired to the turnout motor connections similar to the way you would wire up the toggle/push-button switch terminals.  A metal activation wand is then wired to the turnout power supply.  When you want to activate your turnouts, you simply trace the desired route on the control board track map with the power wand, tripping each turnout motor as the wand contacts each screw head.  I had 5 year olds selecting train routes with this system on my old layout.  I even believe it would be faster to operate than with DCC.  Best of all there are no switch numbers/addresses to remember or toggle positions to set.  Just trace the route and run your train.  Slick!

[willy6]

I'm using a sheet of black "Delrin". I use white automotive pin stripe for the layout features and drill my holes for toggle switches and LED's. Easy material to work with.

[ttrigg]

JFETTER2

I've done it this way. Plexiglas: Use erasable pen to draw basic layout on front. Flip over, use very narrow tape (like car painters use for the thin lines) to do a "reverse drawing" of the layout. Spray paint a dark color (black). Pull the tape off the main lines and paint with a bight color like red. Pull off the tape for sidings/yards etc, spray a bright color like yellow. Flip back to the front and there is your layout. Drill hole for the switches and you'r in business.

[Trainman Sam]

     I am currently in the process of building a small switching layout, and plan to use Grey Smoked Plexiglass for the control panel.  What I would do to as you put it "mitre out" the location for your speed  control, is to measure and mark the panel where the control will be.  Then just, just inside that line, drill a hole big enough to fit the blade of a hacksaw, or finishing saw, then just follow your line around to cut out the area.  After doing that if you feel ambitious, use a router to round over the edges to give it that professional look!  I haven't been able to find anything online that portrays what I am describing.  I'll keep looking, and will post it if I find something! 

Good Luck!

[JFETTER2]

im trying to come up with an idea to make a switch board for all my turnouts that has a diagram of mmy track layout. im also wantimg to mitre out a section where my speed controller will fit perfectly and make it look nice? does anyone have any ideas or pictures?