How are you labeling Fastrack Switches on the Layout?

Switch ID number scheme -- borrowed from Old McDonald's Farm:

My L-shaped layout "hides" some switches from a line-of-sight view from the control panel, so installed an ID "sign" at each switch and oriented toward the control panel.  The switch controllers at a pull-out drawer are also numbered for quick reference.  The ID signs are actually livestock ear tags with press-on numbers applied.

Attached is a copy of an article about this mini-project I submitted to the LCCA magazine.

Mike Mottler   LCCA 12394

I designed and 3D printed number plates and matching stands

I find these work well for me. You just have to be careful when working on the layout, there’re very delicate and break easily. I also use them for my siding power blocks.

If you glue a piece of rubber tube into the layout and have it protrude up from the ground, and then stick in the delicate signs, they will be able to bend and take a few hits before breaking.

BenLMaggi's response got me motivated to give this a shot today. I used small shrink tube. I couldn't get any of it to stand up straight no matter what size, so I inserted a wire that fit snugly the inside of the shrink tube. As you see in the picture, I then made sure the wire was shorter than tube itself so that end would go into the tabletop. This solved the problem of being straight.

As you'll see in the pictures, it worked great. I will say that it does not completely stand back up straight every single time, but it will flex up and allow you to adjust as wanted. I tried it dozens of times and it's solved my problem of breaking off signs leaning across the benchwork.

Terry

@EastonO posted:

BenLMaggi's response got me motivated to give this a shot today. I used small shrink tube. I couldn't get any of it to stand up straight no matter what size, so I inserted a wire that fit snugly the inside of the shrink tube.

Terry

Terry,

I think Ben said "rubber" tubing.  Probably automotive vacuum or fuel line tubing.  THere is also vinyl tubing if you want transparency.

John

@Mike0289 posted:

I designed and 3D printed number plates and matching stands

Those look fantastic Mike.

John

Some awesome suggestions in this thread. Right now I have some super fancy masking tape stuck to the side of the switches. 😝. I love the idea of making little signs that could look like mile markers or something.

Edit: I do also have my SCARM layout printed and number that I keep on hand, too.

@Craftech posted:

Those look fantastic Mike.

John

Thanks John!

If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to share the project file (Fusion 360) and/or the STL files I've already generated. I created 1-11, which is what I needed for my current layout. Wouldn't be too hard to create more, though.

@Mike0289 posted:

Thanks John!

If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to share the project file (Fusion 360) and/or the STL files I've already generated. I created 1-11, which is what I needed for my current layout. Wouldn't be too hard to create more, though.

If you wouldn't mind sharing the STL file Mike I (and probably others) would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

John

Just checked my files and I've only exported them for multi-color printing right now. This probably won't work for most folks. I'll get multi and single color versions exported, get them organized, then upload to this thread.

Stay tuned!

Here are STL files for the holder and numbers 1 - 11, which are what I needed for my layout. I could be convinced to generate and share additional numbers if asked nicely

I printed the stands on their sides so I didn't have to worry about overhang/supports.

I've included STLs for single and multi color prints. Obviously single color prints aren't great - most slicer SW and printers support pausing the print and changing colors in the middle of the print. This allows a typical printer that doesn't have MMU/multi color support to still create prints with multi colors for simple designs like this.

https://www.tomshardware.com/h...multicolor-3d-prints

Thanks Mike.

Much appreciated.

John

@Genemed where are your signs from?

@Genemed posted:

I find these work well for me. You just have to be careful when working on the layout, there’re very delicate and break easily. I also use them for my siding power blocks.

Love these round signs, how did you make them?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Love these round signs, how did you make them?

Hi John, I used those in my previous layout from Tichey Train Group. Here’s the link: linkhttps://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/signs/p/milepost-markers/Default.aspx  

I have blocks with numbers on them for the switches and siding blocks on this new layout.

Gene

@Genemed posted:

Hi John, I used those in my previous layout from Tichey Train Group. Here’s the link: linkhttps://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/signs/p/milepost-markers/Default.aspx  

I have blocks with numbers on them for the switches and siding blocks on this new layout.

Gene

I found them way to delicate.

@Casper posted:

@Genemed where are your signs from?

Tichey Train Group, I posted the link above on a response to John.

Gene

Love the look, but if they're too delicate, maybe I keep looking.

Found these on Amazon, 60 of them for $10.98.  Stainless steel, should be sturdy enough, just need to print some numbers for them.  Nice sharp point for sticking into your platform.

60Pcs Flat Round Tray Lapel Pin for Craft,Silver Safety Stick Pins Stainless Steel Brooch Pin

These 1/2" Round Color Coding Labels Value Pack Half Inch (0.5) Circle Stickers Full Sheet would be good for printing the numbers, only $5.98.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Found these on Amazon, 60 of them for $10.98.  Stainless steel, should be sturdy enough, just need to print some numbers for them.  Nice sharp point for sticking into your platform.

60Pcs Flat Round Tray Lapel Pin for Craft,Silver Safety Stick Pins Stainless Steel Brooch Pin

These 1/2" Round Color Coding Labels Value Pack Half Inch (0.5) Circle Stickers Full Sheet would be good for printing the numbers, only $5.98.

Great find John. Much better than the flimsy plastic ones.

Yep, I think I'll get these and use them for switches and signs.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Found these on Amazon, 60 of them for $10.98.  Stainless steel, should be sturdy enough, just need to print some numbers for them.  Nice sharp point for sticking into your platform.

60Pcs Flat Round Tray Lapel Pin for Craft,Silver Safety Stick Pins Stainless Steel Brooch Pin

These 1/2" Round Color Coding Labels Value Pack Half Inch (0.5) Circle Stickers Full Sheet would be good for printing the numbers, only $5.98.

Do you need the template?   Lots of complaints about those:

https://www.amazon.com/product...s#reviews-filter-bar

John

@Craftech posted:

Do you need the template?   Lots of complaints about those:

https://www.amazon.com/product...s#reviews-filter-bar

Apparently, none of these brain surgeons thought of simply downloading the compatible Avery 94503 template.

Makes sense now John

John

Here's a shot using the Avery template to make number stickers.  They should print perfectly for the ones I'm getting.

I just numbered each of my turnout controllers/powered siding switches  and then keep a handy track plan around with corresponding numbered switch and sidetrack labeling. I didn’t want any numbering on the layout.  Works for me.

@Strap Hanger posted:

I just numbered each of my turnout controllers/powered siding switches  and then keep a handy track plan around with corresponding numbered switch and sidetrack labeling. I didn’t want any numbering on the layout.  Works for me.

You mean like this?  Red arrows are the "out" path.  Yep, I did that.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You mean like this?  Red arrows are the "out" path.  Yep, I did that.

What program did you use to make this @gunrunnerjohn

This was my Anyrail layout graphic, and I used Snag-It to edit the arrows onto the layout graphic.  The arrows help me remember which way to switch using the TMCC/Legacy remote.