Well I started to look at where to put the second control panel and realized that the Oak, once stained looked much nicer then the present green lexan control panel and I would eventually land up replacing both. Lovely, just what I need another project.
However if I combined both panels into one I’d free up space for a second main line (I’d join the aqua coloured lines in the center).
Can anyone give me a reason why I shouldn’t proceed with this?
If I go with two panels then more operators can have access to the layout at once, then again I’m normally a lone wolf so this isn’t a big concern for me or is it.
Is it possible for you to use the Digitrax plug-in modlues at a couple of satellite points, for example where your other panels are in your diagram? Then you could operate with other guys if you had some DT 400 throttles, or the UT400 I think is the new one.
I’d go with two separate panels–if what the panels control are the turnouts. As a lone wolf you can operate either when you need to, when you are operating with someone else, which in my opinion is more fun, it will get crowded really fast with one panel. You designed it with two for a reason, right? What are the advantages of a second main? It just decreases operations.
I will go with Chip on this one. I have a small room sized layout with two control panels. It’s much easier to have the control panel in front of you while you are trying to switch.
If you have 1 control panel you will not be facing directly at what you are switching
You will be prone to make mistakes in train-handling and turnout control, because you cant keep your eyes on both. Plus, your neck will really hurt.
The second mainline would be manageable with two panels, though space issues may prohibit it. A second mainline would make controlling your layout from one panel even more difficult.
Virtually, it is the cause (single panel) causing the effect (second main), but the effect ruins the cause and makes it not worth it. Weird yes, but it makes sense.
Good luck
Siddharth Agrawal
If you went with one panel, it would have to be rather large to allow room for two operators, on working the right side of the panel switching the yard, one working the left side and running trains over there. The larger panel size may negate much of the space gain you are thinking about.
My vote is for two panels, each located near the trackwork they control.
Remote control? I’ll bet it would cost well over a grand to equip all those turnouts with DCC decoders and slo-mo switches just so a guest can use RF. The problem is not getting a throttle to the guest, it’s getting turnout control to the guest.
the decoders have come down in price and increased in reliablity. as for the machines. they make decoders that will work with the normal twin-coil machines
I can’t tell from the drawing how much space is in the bay w/ the panels. If you’ve got 4 ’ I’d go w/ a combined panel on the expectation that, when running solo I’d have all controls handy and if I had somebody over to run we could jointly use the dual panel. If necessary, you could possibly get by w/ less than 4 ’ but there you would run the risk of falling in love.
I can’t tell from the drawing how much space is in the bay w/ the panels. If you’ve got 4 ’ I’d go w/ a combined panel on the expectation that, when running solo I’d have all controls handy and if I had somebody over to run we could jointly use the dual panel. If necessary, you could possibly get by w/ less than 4 ’ but there you would run the risk of falling in love.
One panel for one controller. If you need more than one controller, then use paddles that plug in around the layout, and use the main panel for switching control and signalling…somebody has to do it!!
I feel you need to look at several points to make a final choice
1 how big is the layout
2 in relation to the size of the layout what gauge wire you are using if its lite gauge and running along distance you have the loss factor or if heavier enough to be run to one point from all parts of the layout.
3 plan for how the layout will be operated most of the time, if you operate on your own most of the time i would go with 1 panel.
you have a curious little junction there with 2 tracks curving into double track with 4 switches.
would joining the 2 tracks to single track then split to double do the same thing? 2 switches than 4
or is there a limit to train length you need the double track length?
To answer your questions I use heavier 16 and 18 gauge wire for long runs.
Here are my overall specs, however plans are in the works to expand to the east , south and west.
Pictures of the layout are in my Railimages account (see link below on my signature
I went back and looked at all your responses and talked at length with Bob (Teffy) and after a lot of consideration I’ve decided to go with 2 panels.
Why?
One panel would be large and cumbersome.
I have a son who may one day show some interest.
The neck thing and trying look cross eyed was a good point
The Yard should be a stand alone panel as it is large and requires alot of attention when operating.
When I rebuild the green panel (orignal to the west) I can move it away from the layout and lay a second main. Space Mouse asked why I wanted a second main?
I’m a runner and as much as I like to operate I still like to have a train going around, and around and around and… Need I say more?
Dinwitty you asked about the junction, I believe the photos on railimages will give you an answer if
