Hi
Was wondering what you's use for identifying and numbering your turnouts with dcc? How would you identify them on your layout ie all even numbers for mainlines , perhaps different idea for industry spurs etc. I'm setting up my Stationary decoders and need to number the turnouts, I've used other numbers before but nothing that actually had a purpose as per the layout design.
Thanks
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
Thanks Mel, do you label somehow on the layout so when you look at a switch you can tell what number it is?
OK, I'll bite, what's the roatary switch select between, what does the LCD display show, and what are the DIP switches on the right for selecting?
As for the OP's question, I don't label mine, either, because I never use the throttle to operate turnouts, I always have local control buttons on the fascia. Flipping back and forth between switch mode and train running mode is awkward at best on every brand of DCC. The only reason I even have DCC control is so that I can ALSO run with JMRI or similar and a dispatcher controlling the turnouts, in which case that person also does not need to know the address, they just operate the (virtual) lever on the panel based on the track diagram, the addresses are all behind the scenes.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Each of the towns along the main where most of my DCC remotes switches are located has 10 or fewer turnouts to control. So I grouped them together like this: 10, 11, 12..., then 20, 21, 22...then 30, 31, 32...I didn't need the last few numbers in each series, so just skipped ahead to the next group. The turnouts involved each then had printed numbers cut down and placed next to the relevant turnout.
Overall for my turnouts, each has what I call a "register" number. This is one with repeating groups, in this case running from 0 to 9. I make these on my label machine, too, but instead use a leather puinch to cut them out. The single digit and round face distinguish these from the actual turnout numbers list used on the remoto ones.` The idea with the register numbers is that they each correspond to a like number next to the facsia mounted control. They can repeat because a unqiue number isn't needed for each one.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
rrinker As for the OP's question, I don't label mine, either, because I never use the throttle to operate turnouts, I always have local control buttons on the fascia. Flipping back and forth between switch mode and train running mode is awkward at best on every brand of DCC.
I'm with you on this one. Althought it was quite nice to set up routes. Our turnouts are controlled by a switch on the fascia in line with the turnout. Each switch has a number and we use numbered mileposts beside each turnout to identify each one. Works well.
Bill
RR_Mel OK Randy, here goes. The rotary switch is for accessory voltages. I went with 8 amp DC to DC converters to supply all of my weird voltages for efficiency, regulators are heat generators. I use 1½ volt 1mm micro bulbs for vehicle lighting, headlights, taillights, marker lighting and emergency vehicle lighting (over 200 bulbs). Next is 4½ volts for my Miller Engineering signs and third is 5 volts for miscellaneous solid state gear, LEDs and Arduinos. I run my 12 volt structure and street lighting at 8½ volts (currently a bit over 6 amps). The 4.5 volts at 8 amps is a bit of overkill but for $3.58 its still better than a regulator. The 12 position DIP switches are in the process of being removed having been replaced by two Arduino 14 port random lighting controllers for two specific structures. The meter isn’t LCD but a blue LED 0 to 30 VDC / red 0 to 30 Amps dual meter. The rotary switch lets me monitor 6 voltages and current. The four voltages mentioned above plus two 12 volt supplies, one for the 12 volt 30 amp supply feeding the DC to DC convertors. The other 12 volt position measures charging voltage for two tracks that I park my battery operated lighting for passenger cars and cabooses, I charge the on board lithium cells through a mini toggle located next to it’s block switch. I’m currently working on a new switch panel drawing above to replace the obsolete drawing. Mel Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951 My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Wow , I suppose if your 3 year old Granddaughter can figure it out it should be pretty straight forward.
I take it you didn't start off with this setup?
Turnouts on a railroad are numberd for the interlocking lever that controls the switch.
On Route of LION, levers 2 and 3 control the double crossover that leads to the 242nd Street Terminal. Lever 1 controls the home signal at Dyckman Street. Levers 35 and 36 control the home signals for trains departing 242nd Street.
This is in keeping with GRS protocol for the construction of an interlocking plant.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
wickman Wow , I suppose if your 3 year old Granddaughter can figure it out it should be pretty straight forward. I take it you didn't start off with this setup?
mlehman Each of the towns along the main where most of my DCC remotes switches are located has 10 or fewer turnouts to control. So I grouped them together like this: 10, 11, 12..., then 20, 21, 22...then 30, 31, 32...I didn't need the last few numbers in each series, so just skipped ahead to the next group. The turnouts involved each then had printed numbers cut down and placed next to the relevant turnout. Overall for my turnouts, each has what I call a "register" number. This is one with repeating groups, in this case running from 0 to 9. I make these on my label machine, too, but instead use a leather puinch to cut them out. The single digit and round face distinguish these from the actual turnout numbers list used on the remoto ones.` The idea with the register numbers is that they each correspond to a like number next to the facsia mounted control. They can repeat because a unqiue number isn't needed for each one.
Mike this is kind of what I was thinking, different areas with different sequences of numbers and seeing as I only have a minimal amount of turouts in different areas I could probably do it 10-60 or 70's which ever way you look at it.
I definately like the idea of the pushbuttons on the fascia , I think in my case the control panel could not be situated central enough. A friend of mine is always boasting of how well his setup works, one rotary switch to a given area and a toggle for either turnout open or closed.
BroadwayLion Turnouts on a railroad are numberd for the interlocking lever that controls the switch. On Route of LION, levers 2 and 3 control the double crossover that leads to the 242nd Street Terminal. Lever 1 controls the home signal at Dyckman Street. Levers 35 and 36 control the home signals for trains departing 242nd Street. This is in keeping with GRS protocol for the construction of an interlocking plant.
Protocol? What is this thing called protocol?
wickmanMike this is kind of what I was thinking, different areas with different sequences of numbers and seeing as I only have a minimal amount of turouts in different areas I could probably do it 10-60 or 70's which ever way you look at it.
Yeah, that's it in a nutshell.
One additional complication I didn't throw in originally is that I have three different types of turnout throw. The DCC-enabled Tortoises are primarily on the standard gauge main. They get the small square two-digit number tags needed by operators using the DCC turnout throw app. This is the only tag they receive. I don't set them up with local manual controls, so all you see on the fascia is the two-digit number on a square sign and a similar one next to the turnout itself.
Then there are the fascia switch operated Tortoises. These are the majority of turnouts on the old part of the layout and a few on the cascade Extension. The siwtch is located on the fascia directly opposite the driven switch. In many cases, they are densly packed together, thus the need for the register numbers. Even though they are single digit only, they help the operators sort out what they see on the layouts with what they see on the fascia.
Finally, most of my recent turnout additions are manual throws controlled by rods attached to a knob on the fascia. These are worked in among the electrical controls for the Tortoises, so can be sort of confusing. Since the register numbers are applied to them all as part of the same series, this helps the ops know whether they are looking for an electrical conrol switch or a knob to throw things.
In yards areas, I resort to simple panels, but the tags help sort things out. Sometimes you can't get the knob controls situated as well as the electrical ones. In the example below, the dotted line connects the knob to the point where the turnout is. The M designation alos helps define which are knob-controlled throws, but notice how the knob itself as the 6 on it, which refers to a small pin with the round register number on it designing to look a little like a switchstand to disguise it.
The electric switches don't yet have their register numbers applied to them.
This one shows how the square DCC control designator stands out. The improved panel is shown with the old funky one it replaced. Again, the register numbers aren't applied to the new panel, although you can see where two are next to what was a toggle switch on the old panel, Co-Op as 0 and Industry lead 1.
In the next pic, you can see what the register number looks like on the layout. I apply the number string from the labeler to a piece of 0.010" styrene in order to make it into a sign, then use a hold punch to make it round. This is applied to a pin painted black with a colored beab above and a brown bead below. It's big enough to see easily, but also is small enough to not look out of place in scale.
Note that the 0 is underlined here, another way to differentiate the repeating 0 to 9 single-digit register numbers from the next group when it starts over at zero.
Thanks Mel for the well thought out explanation, good food for thought. I think for today I will group as suggested and use the controler for now to pick and throw turnouts and come back to fascia throw buttons.
I label turnouts and their associated toggle switches with numbers grouped by power district. So district 1 has turnouts 10, 11, and 12. District 2 has more than ten turnouts so they are 20 thru 29, then 200, 201, 202 and 203. etc. Where one toggle controls two turnouts (at a crossover for example) then the turnouts are numbered xx.1 and xx.2, where the direction of the toggle corresponds to the direction of the xx.1 turnout. I also use larger toggles for important turnouts and smaller toggles for secondary turnouts (eg industrial sidings). The numbers are both at the throw bar and at the toggle (which is usually in close proximity). My operators tell me that the numbers really help them to understand the more complicated areas.
Grinnell
Yours In Model Railroading,
John
Littleton, CO
grinnell I label turnouts and their associated toggle switches with numbers grouped by power district. So district 1 has turnouts 10, 11, and 12. District 2 has more than ten turnouts so they are 20 thru 29, then 200, 201, 202 and 203. etc. Where one toggle controls two turnouts (at a crossover for example) then the turnouts are numbered xx.1 and xx.2, where the direction of the toggle corresponds to the direction of the xx.1 turnout. I also use larger toggles for important turnouts and smaller toggles for secondary turnouts (eg industrial sidings). The numbers are both at the throw bar and at the toggle (which is usually in close proximity). My operators tell me that the numbers really help them to understand the more complicated areas. Grinnell
Thanks Grinnell that does help.
On my railroad, I assign each turnout a number which corresponds to the stationary decoder number I use to operate the turnout. To easily identify what number each turnout uses, I place a small utility shed or trackside building or structure close to each turnout, usually with some workers around the shed to give it the appearance of an equipment building of some sort. On the side of each building, I stencel a building number, which just happens to be the turnout decoder number. So I only need to look at the turnout, see the number on the building beside the turnout and I know what the decoder ID number is to operate the turnout.
B. Bryce On my railroad, I assign each turnout a number which corresponds to the stationary decoder number I use to operate the turnout. To easily identify what number each turnout uses, I place a small utility shed or trackside building or structure close to each turnout, usually with some workers around the shed to give it the appearance of an equipment building of some sort. On the side of each building, I stencel a building number, which just happens to be the turnout decoder number. So I only need to look at the turnout, see the number on the building beside the turnout and I know what the decoder ID number is to operate the turnout.
Thankyou , And welcome to the Forum, can you post a pic of one, this is an interesting idea.
Hi B. Bryce:
B. Bryce I place a small utility shed or trackside building or structure close to each turnout
How do you identify yard turnouts? We have a seven track yard at the club. Obviously it wouldn't look right if there was a shed beside each turnout.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Now that could be a problem . I don't have any yards that large. I will have an area at my coal mine where I will have several trunouts, but have not gotten there yet. Lots of time to think of a way before that is an issue though, but you are right, a large yard is a whole seperate problem.
I tried to create a logical pattern to numbering turnouts but gave up. I have 60 turnouts and everytime I thought I had a solution, I saw how it would not give me a 100% coverage. My main usage of the numbers is for routes stored on my DS64's. I use the routes two ways
1) Master routes to line up the switches for really big routes. Route 100 (top address) lines up all the switches for the mainline loop. Thats about 20 switchesand I can line them up by remebering a single switch number (100).
2) Short routes in/out of yards and sidings. I use the local input feature of the DS64 for these and trigger them via pushbuttons. I do not have control panels so my pushbuttons are mounted on my layout in a strategic position associated with each route the pushbutton triggers. Typically, the pushbutton is mounted at the dead end of a track so that the pushbutton lines up all the switches that a loco would take to get from the mainline to end of track pushbutton. Buttons are very small and I have them mounted in the end of track bumpers (Kato Unitrack)
I adopted this approach because I did not want control panels and I can do just about anything I want with routes.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
PEDI tried to create a logical pattern to numbering turnouts but gave up. I have 60 turnouts and everytime I thought I had a solution, I saw how it would not give me a 100% coverage. My main usage of the numbers is for routes stored on my DS64's. I use the routes two ways
Draw your layout in a single line such as you would see in the interlocking tower.
The far right and left levers are for your HOME SIGNALS for trains moving left to right on the left and for trains mobing from right to left on the right.
Now number the switches from left to right, each switch having its own lever.
IF your layout is more complicated than this, you need more than one interlocking plant. Hall 16 is a different switch than Jay 16 even though both towers serve Jamaica Station.
(Well is computerized now, but switch numbers do not change.)
ROAR