Here is what I will be using to control my switch's on the layout. In these photos you can see the parts that I used and how I used them. All these parts I got from my local hardware store, electronics store and a hobby shop that deals with remote control airplanes.

Trying hard to get some of the big scenery items done.  On a roll doing bridges.  So here is another one.

17 August Update:  Thanks to everyone that helped point me in the right direction.  The panels now work the way that I had intended.  I deleted the 150 ohm resistor and added a 1.5K ohm 1/2 watt resistor on the positive leg going to each LED.  Everything works now.  The video below shows the finished product. Thanks again.

I did a little detailing on the corner section today and added some grass and coloring to the rocks.  I'll be adding trees in front of the rocks as part of the next step.  If on a computer you can click the picture for a larger view.

The layout is DCC so I need a power bus. I always do this by laying down some self adhesive copper tape. I am also using Tam Valley Frog Juicers to control the polarity of the frogs - I use Peco Code 83 Electrofrogs.

It occurs to me that while I've been working on my layout and taking occasional breaks to peek at this forum and comment on a range of subjects that it's actually been awhile since I've posted any progress reports on the layout. So here goes....

This is just the ties from a P87 stores Ultimate turnout kit.   All the other goodies are on the bench.   Gonna try a little different thing and build it as a wye.   This will go where the northbound and southbound mains meet at Church.   A #8 so we should have no troubles with anything going through it, right????

Loren Casey

ICG St Louis sub 1979

It took a few more weeks but eventually we had all four sections complete and installed. Because the layout had to be lightweight and removable my benchwork design relies on the interaction of many components for rigidity. For example, the backboard is made from a 12” wide strip of 1/8” masonite which contributes a considerable amount to the stiffness when screwed to the panel frames. To protect the blackboard against which the backboard rests I had the kids install self-stick foam weather stripping.

Well I have finally received my two Broadway Limited - EMD SW1500 - RDG Switchers, numbered #2761 & #2762.

They are fitted with Paragon 2 decoders which are a dual mode DC/DCC decoder and with sound.