I need help designing a system of controllers and indicators lights on my control panel for a total of 32 remote-control turnouts (switches) on my layout, consisting of an assortment of Lionel Nos. 612-3010 & 3011 O-gauge switches, Nos. 5167 & 5168 027-wide-radius switches, and Nos. 1122 027 switches, and also Gargraves Nos. 113 and 114-RC 042 switches with DZ-1000 machines. I’d like to use the same type controller for all the turnouts regardless of make/model.
All turnouts and their respective controllers and indicators will be powered by a stand-alone transformer.
My control panel must be extremely compact; it consists of a vertical panel with the track diagram, in which I want to insert separate red & green LEDs as turnout-indicator lights, and a horizontal panel on which to install the controllers. These must be small - the available space is 1-1/2" x 2" for each controller. Thus, Lionel stock controllers won't work for me. (BTW, although I’ll be operating command control as well as conventional, I want to control my turnouts from a panel and not through the hand-held cabs or remotes - although I appreciate that would resolve my space problem.)
My “vision” is using small, return-center, center-off double-throw toggles (on the horizontal panel) wired to operate the turnout and the respective indicator lights (on the vertical panel). I presume I would need to include some type of relay to maintain continuous illumination of the respective indicator light until the turnout is reversed but I don't know what type of relay to use. I’m not sure whether the LEDs can be powered by the AC used for the switches or whether they must be DC, thus requiring something to convert the voltage. I’m also unsure about adding resistance to the circuits to the indicator LEDs will be necessary. Of course, I may be overlooking or misapprehending some resources or issues.
I’d deeply appreciate thoughts on designing this set-up, including suggestions for controllers, LEDs, relays (if needed) and any other appropriate devices and for wiring schematics. Thanks to all for your consideration.
Bill