Control Panel

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,
My layout is progressing to the point where I need to be starting a control panel for my DCC layout.I,ve used L-girder system with 3/16x3/4 splines ripped from 1x 4,s. Its a dogbone in a room 13x 25. Spherical 8' Helix done with splines also 3/4" spacers between all splines. 1/2 " foam board on top.I will download pictures as soon as I figure out how to use new camera.
Does anyone have any plans or advise wher I can get some help on this control panel?
Thank You,
Joe McDonnell

[rrinker]

I'm in the middle of building mine. When I get one of them done, I will take some pictures. I took two pieces of plexiglas and used Visio to draw the panel. I printed a B&W copy and sandwiched it between the two sheets so i could mark ad drillt he holes. I printed a color copy on heavy cardstock that will be the real thing. The back panel piece I am painting black, the front one stays clear. The paper diagram gets sandwiched between the two panels, and the switches screw on to both panels, holding it all together.
I also use DCC - so the panel is strictly for turnout control, except for one toggle that I use to isolate one siding I use as my programming track. I plan on 3 panels on for the section of layout I have so far, more panels spaced out as I expand, near the turnouts they control. Areas where there are long mainline runs, I will probably just make very small "mini-panels" to control a particular location, so you don't have to move far from your train to throw a switch.

--Randy

[Seamonster]

Joe, are you looking for help in building a control panel (the box and faceplate) or are you looking for help in installing and wiring the switches in the control panel?