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dl85vette · ‎11-11-2005

One of the LHS has some electrical stuff. I am planning on making my switchboard (switches for the turn outs) with toggle switches with the track schematic overlayed on that and get rid of the slide switches that come with the Atlas turnouts. I will throw them on ebay as I will make a couple lots of them as I will have a lot leftover. Also I haven't gotten too deep with the electrical side of things yet Pete as my RR is still growing and not fully functional yet. hope to do more on the RR today as everything is closed. I took leave for thurs and sunday so 4 days off is nice toi get things done. Didn't get much done yesterday but today it is supposed to be 12 C so I am gonna hang gutters on the garage today and prime/paint some wood to go around one of the windows in the trainroom. Plus do some more insulating in the garage walls. I can do it all. Just gotta pry my butt from this keyboard. Ready... Go. Dave

ginzokid · ‎11-13-2005

montanabud0 (269 ) 11/12/05 11:58 AM (#1261 of 1,266) Delete Branch Dave: If you are going to use toggle switches to activate your turn-outs, be sure to use MOMENTARY types or you will likely burn out the coils in you switch machines quite quickly. I used to use toggle switches, but I "switched" (pardon the pun) to push buttons. You can get them in Red, Black and Green. They are the type that are NORMALLY OPEN, so that when you push it, it provides a shot of power to the switch machine. I use two for each turn-out, one black for when the track is straight through and red when it goes to the siding. You can find them on EBay under Electronics. The larger the quantity you buy, the cheaper they become. Bud. flaretired (76 ) 11/12/05 12:24 PM (#1262 of 1,266) Delete Branch Dave, be careful with toggle switches. Remember toggles are center off or open. Unless you have lights to indicate turnout position you won't no what position there in. Chuck Since I am in DCC I plan to use decoders for my turnouts. They show up on my LED display as open or closed. All I do is assign a number to the turnout. My problem will be remembering the numbers I assign them.

ginzokid · ‎11-13-2005

ginzokid (472 ) 11/12/05 02:27 PM (#1264 of 1,266) Delete Branch Chuck, Do what the prototype does. Number your turnouts right at the spot with "switch stands". Don't want to do that? How about the use of "mile post" markers. Those who don't know what they really are will take them for turnout numbers....which they will be. dl85vette (219 ) 11/12/05 06:13 PM (#1265 of 1,266) Delete Branch Thanks for the tips. I figured I'd go with the momentary switches as it would be simpler than wiring up two push button switches. plus I can overlay them over a track schematic at the switches that come with turnouts are large. I haven't thought yet what to do for LED for indicating direction of throw, if I went that route. dave

flaretired · ‎11-13-2005

Thanks for the tips Pete. Chuck 🙂

ginzokid · ‎11-13-2005

Dave, If you have either the Atlas Wiring book or the Kalmbach Easy Model Railroad Wiring, you will find a couple of solutions to your route indicator problem. The best one in my opinion is the use of wiring through the turnout itself to power a colored lamp. With walk-around, my choice would be a lineside signal light. With fixed panel location, lamps on the route itself looks cool and is practical. Since you doing DCC, why not use Circitron's Tortoise slo-motion switch machines which have a ton of extra contacts just made for signal indicator lights. Also, look at the "Hare" and Tony's Train Exchange for easy DCC control of the "Tortoise". Get it? Tortoise and Hare! B-)

ginzokid · ‎11-13-2005

Dave and all, There is a lot of info here about turnouts and other electrical question. http://www.wiringfordcc.com/wirefordcc_toc.htm B-)

dl85vette · ‎11-13-2005

Tortoise switch motors? I know whis is an oxy moron statement due to this hobby being expensive but I ruled the tortoise out before I started layout due to additional expense. I know... whip me for saying that after I already have 2 dozen turnouts, a dozen locos and nearly 200 cars, and DCC and decoders. :S So much for my initial goal of having a small shelf layout of 2X6. Train fever took over (for better of for worse). dave there's a fine line between genious and madman.

ginzokid · ‎11-14-2005

See Dave, That is why I just use Caboose Industries hand throws as I walk around the layout. No special wiring, no extra toggles to flip and the fun of being the brakeman who throws the switch. :) B-)

montanabud0 · ‎11-14-2005

Me Too. Mine are all the Spring Loaded type. Bud.

ginzokid · ‎11-14-2005

I like the spring loaded ones too Bud. Double security and good contact with spring loaded switch throws and sprung Peco turnouts. Power routing of course. B-)