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Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

To many this would be a "big woopie" task, but for me it's a big deal as it's my very first turnout control panel on the layout.  When I first started the layout a few years ago I determined that all mainline turnouts would be controlled by switch motors.  I've installed the motors as I've been building the layout but none of the turnouts have been able to be thrown electrically.  if I wanted to operate a turnout I used a push pin and piece of foam to lodge the turnout in the "other" position.  Since I've actually been doing a little switching in the alcove expansion this became problematic and I was forced to electrify the turnouts.  Below is a picture of my first turnout control for the Deer Hollow Industrial area.

gswhctrl.jpg 

The panel is constructed from a piece of 1/8" thick Plexaglass which has a piece of double sided sticky film between the back of it and the front of the printed paper with the route and text.  Since the outer most part of the panel is the Plexaglass this will keep the printed paper section clean and protected.  The LEDs are in series with the Tortoise(tm) switch machine.  A 2 pole rotary switch is topped off by a "chicken head" knob which also clearly indicates the position of the turnout.

Now I know that I could have done this a number of different ways including manual styles of controlling the turnout, but I wanted to do it "my way".  I've about worn out the switch just playing with the darn thing!  I need to get back to work making my next panel.

Rick

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,932 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Looks Great!

Dear Rick,

It's simple, easy to use and understand at a glance, I love it...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Thanks, Professor!

Professor,

That's high praise indeed coming from you!  Thank you!

Rick

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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LKandO Prolific poster 3,839 posts
LKandO

No instructions needed

Eloquence in simplicity!

Alan

All the details:  http://www.LKOrailroad.com        Just the highlights:  MRH blog

When I was a kid... no wait, I still do that. HO, 28x32, double deck, 1969, RailPro
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TTX101 Regular poster 484 posts
TTX101

AHA!

So, you settled on Deer Hollow as the name of the area?  Nice!  And just in case some good ol' boys at the end of the road want to do some shootin' an' a drinkin' . . .

Rog.38

 
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JLandT Railroad Super User 2,490 posts
JLandT Railroad

Agreed...

Rick,

You followed the KISS principle perfectly, and it clearly shows with the design, build and finish.  I can see another MRH article coming in the future, or I'll just place my order with you now for about 50!

Great job and keep up the good work...

Jas...

[014_1%281%29]

Web Blog: JLandT Railroad - BlogSpot
Facebook:  Jas Miller
Complete MRH Blog Index: JLandT Railroad - Complete Blog Index
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Bluesssman Regular poster 383 posts
Bluesssman

Great!!

I agree, it is easy to understand and use and looks very finished! I just may have to steal another idea from you.

Gary

 

Gary

Head of clean up, repairs and nurturing of the eccentric owner

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Matt Forcum Regular poster 411 posts
Matt Forcum

Super Classy!

I really like it! super classy.  Love the light.

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The Metaline Falls Railroad Blog

The Metaline Falls Railroad Youtube Channel
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splitrock323 Prolific poster 1,364 posts
splitrock323

Great results. It is easy to

Great results. It is easy to understand and operators can see which way the turnout will throw. Sometimes push buttons or tiny little STSP switches are confusing to visitors. Looking forward to more on your progress. Thomas G

Thomas W. Gasior MMR

Modeling northern Minnesota iron ore line in HO.

YouTube: Splitrock323      Facebook: The Splitrock Mining Company layout

Read my Blog

 
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Thank you all

Thank you all for your kind words.  Like most everything I do on the railroad I copied from someone else.  My goal was something simple and easy to understand so "that even a child can do it".  With my granddaughter coming for Christmas (who loves model railroading!) I might get to test that theory out with her doing some switching.

Rick

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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caboose14 Frequent poster 647 posts
caboose14

Looks good Rick!

Simple, clean and attractive. Are you also planning on having the ability to throw the turnout with your DCC throttle on any of your turnouts RIck?

Kevin Klettke CEO, Washington Northern Railroad
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wnrr@comcast.net
http://wnrr.net
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Thanks, Kevin!

Kevin,

I'm glad that you like the turnout controls.  I've thought about using my throttles to throw turnouts; however, I can't see any clear advantage in my particular case so I'm going to just rely on the panels.

Rick

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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