Layouts and layout building

Friends:

I want my control panel to show the direction my switch machines are in.  Currently I am using red and green contact switches. However, I would like to have lights that remain constant (red or green open and closed) how do I accomplish this?  Do I have to use something other than contact switches? Is there a commercial system that does this?

Thank you in advance.

Doug Edwards

Doug, if you are using tortoise switch machines (or any stall motor type) simply put a 2 lead bipolar LED in series with the power to the tortoise. You can even use two in series. I have one on the control panel and another as a ground indicator near the turnout itself.If the colors are reversed just switch the leads on the LED.

If you're using some kind of Atlas type snap controller then you will probably need to add a "snap relay" for each TO.

Edit, you don't need the relay. It gains you nothing just use a switch with an extra double throw pole and wire the LED through it.

Karl

 I use Tortoise switch machines which are wired in series using LEDs. I make my own turnout control panels using 1/8 inch plexiglass to mount the LEDs. These are positioned around the layout where needed.  

 Doug,

If you are using stall motor switch machines like the Tortoise, follow the advice already given.  If you are using coil switch machines that require momentary power, use The Electronic Turnout Switch.

I respectfully beg to differ with those who just wire turnout position indicators to the panel switch - unless the switch motor is a tortoise and the UNIdirectional LEDs are used to set machine power polarity.

Unless the indicators are wired through contacts on twin-coil machines, they will ONLY tell the direction the toggle (or slide) switch is thrown, not what the machine actually did.

My indicators are set up as a cascade circuit, one in each track line of the hidden yard.  Five indicators, four twin-coil machines, positive data about which track has been selected.  As a result, I can use the least expensive switch power arrangement - probe and stud.  Since the indicators take a close approximation of no power, I can (and do) use salvaged communications cable wire, about #24, to connect machine contacts to panel.

By using an AC power source and diode-dividers at both studs and switch machines, I cut the wiring for switch machine power to a single wire from panel to machine.  All it takes is four twelve for a dollar diodes, and the saving in heavier-gauge wire more than covers that AND the indicator circuit.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

Thanks for your help.  I am using Atlas switch machines therfore I'll try your recommendation.

Doug

Thanks for your advice.  I think I get the picture.

 Doug

Thanks for the help.  I'm going to call the Electronic Switch people.

Doug 

I got some good ideas for control panels from Google. I googled images of "model railroad control panels".