Does anyone have a link to any articles or websites on building a simple control panel for a small layout. I want to use dual cab with blocks (I cant afford DCC right now [:(!] )
I just want something simple with maybe some advice on the wire coloring and etc.
Thanks
I don’t know of a link and hopefully someone can post one. I am in the same position right now. If you can I suggest you pick up a copy of basic wiring by Atlas. I got mine on Ebay for about $3.00 Chock full of info. I hope you get more answers. I’m sure there is such a place on the Web. Dave
Look through the Kalmbach Library of available publications – I’m sure there’s something there about basic model railroad wiring as a current publication.
Block Wiring and a control panel will cost more than an entry level DCC system.
Been there done that!!
What I did was to use Masonite or plexiglass as a panel . I painted the panel to color that I wanted for the track diagram. Then I layed out the track and painted the panel. Drilled holes for the switches and pushbuttons.
Mike Dickinson
take a piece of masonite or hardboard, add hindges so that you can open and close it like a door, and paint the face of the board a very light color…(white or a light gray will work)…then take masking tape…(I use the 1/4" or 1/8" type that you can get at an office supply store) and tape it to the board in a diagram representing the layout blocks and turnouts…(use a hobby knife to cut away any overhanging tape)…after the diagram of the layout is taped onto the board, then spray paint it a dark color like black or a very dark green color…after it dries, peel off the tape and the diagram of the layout will show up very nicely…after that, drill holes in the board where you want your toggle switches to go and install them to the board…wire the layout and whalaa! you 'll have a very professional looking control panel…there are some pictures of how i built my control panel at http://community.webshots.com/user/bayouman1 on page 2 of “trains”…Chuck[:D]
Easy Model RR Wiring (Or something like that.) by Andy S. (Kalmbach) has a lot of good information on block wiring and some on control panels.
I think the Tileguy is right about DCC being less expensive than block control but you still may need a turnout control panel.
If you need a wiring diagram, see "Small Railroads You Can Build " by Kalmbach, on page 13 there is a wiring diagram of what you are looking for.Dual cab control with blocks.
Until you start adding up the cost of all the decoders and boosters you’ll need to keep buying as your layout and loco fleet grows!
Then we can talk about what your time is worth to wire the control panels and then have to flip all of those switches to operate your layout instead of simply operating your train. [:)]
It’s not that cut and dry, I wish it was. I’m at the point of blocks or DCC and having a good discussion about it on another forum. If you already have several locos non DCC, and power packs, then you can’t say it’s just as cheap to go DCC. I can buy ATLAS switch mechanisms enough for 8-12 blocks at my LHS for about $15.00 only 2 of my engines are DCC compatible 4 are not. I can pick up great buys on MRC power packs from Ebay for $15-20. I have three and I didn’t pay more than $15 for either of them. So I can go Control Block for $20 in parts and my time. Or I can buy Bachman EZ DCC for about $80 plus $25 per decoder. BUT… Tony’s Trains Site on DCC warns against the shortfall of entry level DCC. Real world cost is more like $200 + decoders. So it comes down to what do you have more of time or money. If money is not a problem by all means go DCC it is the future, but Model Trains ran great on block control for 50 years. Some of us have to be more frugal and then ask Santa for DCC 
Dave
Here is a link to more links on Basic and Advanced Model RR wiring:
http://www.billsrailroad.net/bills-favorite-links-pg2#wiring
I myself use DC with a control panel over DCC. I run no more than 2 trains at a time on my 6 x 10 laayout. Personally I find the wiring phase pretty relaxing and challanging, though most of the time it is not difficult (once you get started). I am now installing block signals using the current existing block DPDT shwtches on my panel. If you don’t have a lot of trains running at once, I see no problem going with DC. I learned my wiring from Kalmbach’s Wiring for your Model Railroad. The book is pretty detailed and you don’t need to understand everything printed. Once you get the basic grasp of block wiring, the rest is pretty simple.
Have fun,
Joe