I have a question for those that may often change around their layout to run conventional or DCS/Legacy on specific power districts of their layout during different sessions.
As I'm building my first layout, and I have maybe 2/3 of my engines being conventional with 1/3 being TMCC/PS 2 or 3 (no Legacy yet), I think I'd like to be able to simply change around what type of engine I can run and where. I may want all conventional one session, may want all DCS another session or I may want conventional engines running on my outer two loops while I operate a PS 3 switcher with great speed control in my industrial and operations area to interact with accessory structures (log loader, sawmill, ice house, etc.). My planning calls for having 6 separate power districts.
So how have you folks done this easily? I've seen the term crossover switch which is obviously a SPDT switch (or relay). I love switches, but once installed you are somewhat limited on expansion (its hardwired) in case you want to add a transformer or other power source not originally envisioned. I'm thinking either that or something like the old time switchboards with short banana or spade patch cords (14 AWG). It also provides a convenient and reasonable place to mount resettable breakers for each power district as needed. I know that sounds antiquated and "old timey" but it's easy to change and is thus "programmable". Would love to learn about how you guys handle this.