Control Panels
I've been sketching out my future control panels for the layout. Despite the layout using DCC controls, I still like having small control panels at busy areas to show the track arrangement, and for the toggles and indicators for the switch motors.
One of the things I've noticed in the hundreds (thousands?) of photos on this forum is that control panels are seldom shown. Most of the ones that are seen are just partial views of panels near the scene being photographed on the layout. I'd like to see photos of layout control panels and maybe even a brief description of how the panel was constructed.
While I've built panels in the past and could use the same methods on the new layout, I'd also like to see what others are doing and consider possible alternatives.
Any takers?
-Jack
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Can anyone give me a lead on a mail order source for the bits and pieces for control panels? Cheap is good.
I'm not doing too good with Google. Hard to search with keywords like small and cheap. Thanks, Blayne
My first choice
For electronic parts is Jameco.com. Digikey.com has slightly better prices, but is set up for engineers-- you really need to know part numbers. Jameco has friendlier search features.
pqe
My Control Panels
Jack, Here are a couple of pictures of one of my panels.
The panel face is made from 1/8" black plexiglas. I made the frame work from 3/4" cabinet grade Birch plywood, the angle is cut at 10 deg. I made a jig to hold the side pieces for cutting so all of them came out the same. Since I was a cabinetmaker and had my own commercial shop this was easy (no longer have a commercial shop) but still have cabinet shop type power tools in my garage. I used White 1/8" automobile pin striping tape for the sidings and Red 1/4" pin striping tape for the main line. The LED lights are 2mm Red & Green and the toggles are miniature type.
I have found that the best prices for these components are from All Electronics and Demars Electronics & both have web sites. This is not the only way to build them, but it has worked for me.
Richard - Superintendent CNW Peninsula Div.
blog - http://mrhmag.com/blog/richard_harden
Richard - Superintendent CNW Peninsula Div.
blog - http://mrhmag.com/blog/richard_harden
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I've also done business with Jameco Electronics. Two other firms I've had good results with are Mouser.com and Newark.com. All have a much better selection than Radio Shack. However, you have to spend time sorting through their offerings. They feature much industrial grade product (along with industrial prices). However you can generally find lessor expensive stuff there as well (and at much less cost than the equivalent item at RS).
Thanks to all for showing your panel work. I urge others reading this to show their handiwork as well.
-Jack
Louisiana Central Railroad
The Louisiana Central Blog