Control Panel Improvement Project (Pics)

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

After converting to DCC and adding some additional track, my control panel needed some updating.

Here’s the panel just after I removed the block control toggles:

Here it is with the new track additions, plus some enhanced labeling. Some of the holes were plugged, and painted or striped over. But most of them got red LEDs installed for future used as block occupancy indicators.

Nick

2

looks nice could you tell us what indacator lights you are useing and maybe where one could see them and price them ?thank you

slow train Ed

3

Ed, heres a close up:

I used green (normal) and yellow (reverse) T1 3/4 (5mm) LEDs for turnout indicators and red T1 3/4 LEDs for the occupancy indicators. Most of the LEDs are simply press fit into 13/64" holes with a drop of Tacky Glue on the base to hold them in place. Many of the red LEDs, however, use mounting clips, because they are installed in the 1/4" holes the block toggles left.

I purchase most of my electronics from Demar Electronics. Prices vary depending on how many LEDs you buy, but 25 LED packs in standard colors run $2.35 a pack, or just under 10 cents an LED.

Nick

4

A bit off topic, but I’m interesteed in converting my DC layout to DCC, and am considering “Easy Dcc”. What’s your opinion since I see that you’re using their system and any issues with ordering or shipment or support? Thanks in advance. G.

5

Same here. I’d also like to know your experience with the Easy DCC system. I like the appearance of their wireless handheld units. What are the pluses and minuses of the system?

Bob

6

Re: EasyDCC…

CVP’s customer service and tech support has been excellent, so far. I like the design and function of both the base unit and handhelds. I use the tethered throttles, and they fit nicely in my hand. I can hold the throttle in one hand and control both speed and direction with that same hand. I tried the

7

Nick,

Thanks for the info. on th CVP Easy DCC system, especially the link to the MR Forum in which the system was discussed. I agree that the Digitrax and NCE throttles look very bulky.

Bob

8

The NCE dogbone is rather large. The Digitrax DT400 isn’t nearly as large as it looks and is easy for me to hold in one hand, using my thumb to roll the speed control. AnN simply click it to reverse - leaving my other hand free to work an uncoupler or what have you.

–Randy