Control Panels

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Can anyone suggest books and/or websites that go into detail about how to make a control panel for a layout. I've just started building a layout and would like to make a control panel for the switches, etc. I am using dcc for throttle (and hopefully) turnout control, but would like a control panel for turnout control, magnetic uncoupling etc.

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I don't know how much detail you want, but there is a diagram of an easy to build control panel in Kalmbach's "The ABC's of Model Railroading". That may not be as much detail as you'd like, though. A copy of "How to WIRE Your Model Railroad" has a diagram of a control panel that is a bit more detailed.

You might also scan the past articles (archives) of Model Railroader Magazine by doing a search of their online archive.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

I used 1/8th thick Masonite or hardboard to build my panels from. First I painted the panels a light color. When this had dried, I used stripping tape to mark out the track plan. Then, I drilled the holes for my turn-out controls and other switches/push-buttons/gauges, etc. When this was done, then I painted the panel a contrasting color, pealed the stripping tape from the panels and mounted my hardware.

If your asking about wiring, get one of Kalmbach's books on the subject.

[PistolPete]

Model Railroader May 1982 has a good article about control panels with bright color graphics.

[Anonymous]

Whats a Control Panel?