I’ve got all the track down and wired.Now I have to start wiring the switches.What I’d like to do is segment the control panels.I’m thinking that I need to build five.Not only do I need info on construction materials-I also want to use double throw switches and install both red and green indicator lights.Any and all help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Vince
First, what kind of turnout motors do you have? The wiring will be different for the two popular types, twin-coil and stall motor. Atlas and Peco are twin-coil, while Tortoise is a stall-motor system.
Indicator lights will generally be a separate circuit. The Tortoise machines include contacts for this purpose as part of the mechanism. Atlas does not have these on their basic machines, but they do make “deluxe” machines with contacts on them. Peco makes an add-on unit for a few dollars that will do this for you.
How pretty do you want the panels to look? I’m not fussy, so I used the white stuff they use to line bathroom showers, and applied a track schematic with automotive pin-striping tape.
Vince,
Check your e-mail.
chicochip
Here’s one way Vince:
Computer printout (Super B paper, but you can combine smaller sheets) sandwiched between two sheets of 3/32 plexiglas. Standard mini switches fit perfectly if you remove the inner nut.
I have four of these (this is the least complex) and plan three more.
If you are using tortoise switch machines simply use a split supply, common wire to tortoise, + and - to opposite ends of the SPDT switch, center pole through a bicolor LED to the other side of the tortoise.
For Atlas, use a DPDT switch and use the extra poles to feed a bicolor LED and resistor from center to ground. Again, split supply to the ends. Be aware that while the tortoise arrangement usually shows the actual position of the points (unless they get stuck), you cannot be absolutely sure with the Atlas when using this method.
Good luck,
Karl