Switches/Turnouts

[Anonymous]

How is one supposed to know which way they are going without physically looking?

I have the little panel that shows which numbers they are with the slide/push (those took me awhile to figure out) switches[:I]

I was considering using bi-color LEDs (I'm an electronic type guy) on the panel, but I don't want to end up with something that drifts too far from realism.

Also, these are Atlas units, can I get the indicators they used to actually have for prototypes (the one's the kids always broke the lenses out of)[?]

I have the Walther's catalog....but like the internet, quickly forget what I originally sat down to look for[:)]

Reed switches...I apparently have two, one I physically can see (ballast didn't cover it). Two lights flash as the train moves around the track...apparently controlled by the switches...are those just to tell me the train is moving? They are just as the train leaves from the hidden staging area.

Ideas, suggestions, comments are all appreciated...

Thanks!

[johncolley]

Sounds like you have indeed got motion detectors for trains coming out of or going into staging. If you are handy with a soldering iron and a drill. your best bet is to get a bunch of red and green LED's and have at it on your layout panel diagram. Normal indication is green for tangent (straight or main part) and red for diverging. See if you have extra contacts in your switch controller or motor or else you might need to add a relay.

[Anonymous]

1/ First be consistant how you wire them, IE switch to left=straight through, and, to the right is taking the turn. A glance will tell you which WAY a switch is set.
2/ if you want indicating signals( or leds on the panel), use atlas snap relays wired in parallel with each turnout motor, and activate the signals or led's from the switches on the snap relays. KIWI