2nd attempt @ my panel project

[Anonymous]

Yesterday I posted asking for any photos of control panels and got no response, so Ill try this.

My layout is an average one 10' x 12' with and "L". I will have 10 powered switches and 12 blocks. Ill be using atlas #215's for my blocks with two cabs. I will be placing a diagram of my layout with numbers to correspond my railroad switches and blocks. This diagram will probably be 15" by 25" or so. So with these components on my control panel, can anyone suggest a typical control panel size (ballpark) that I should make to use this. My two cabs are MRC tech II's Ill be placing on each side of the switch and block controls along with the diagram. I know its probably a vague request for info but Im fairly new to this and am wondering what other people are using. Thanks-J1

[Nieuweboer]

I can't send you any pictures of my control panels but in the December 2004 issue of MR there's an article on how to construct a control panel.

[Big_Boy_4005]

So what you are saying is you have 3 selectors, and 10 switch controllers.

A control panel for a layout of that size doesn't need to be very large. Just lay out the components on a piece of plywood, make sure you have room for your track diagram, then cut and paint.

Just a ballpark guess here, but 12"x18" should be enough for the controls and diagram, then mount the powerpacks on either side of that.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for those replies. Ill begin with those. BB_4005, that is right, 3 selectors and 10 sw. control, so that should be a good guess. Thanks-J1

[retsignalmtr]

my clubs traveling layout has a new control panel that was just completed over the summer. it is about 18" long and 8 " high with the track diagram painted on it. it is mounted at a 45 degree angle to the layout. the area controlled by this panel has 18 switches. the switch controls are radio shack push buttons with the black buttons for the normal route and reds for the reverse positions. the block controls are dpdt switches also from radio shack. we used 25 pin male and female computer connectors to connect the panel to the layout for fast setup. the only problem was that we had to go to several radio shack stores to get enough of the things that we needed.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by retsignalmtr

my clubs traveling layout has a new control panel that was just completed over the summer. it is about 18" long and 8 " high with the track diagram painted on it. it is mounted at a 45 degree angle to the layout. the area controlled by this panel has 18 switches. the switch controls are radio shack push buttons with the black buttons for the normal route and reds for the reverse positions. the block controls are dpdt switches also from radio shack. we used 25 pin male and female computer connectors to connect the panel to the layout for fast setup. the only problem was that we had to go to several radio shack stores to get enough of the things that we needed.

Thanks retsignalmtr for that info.