Layout control/operation centers

Jim

Just do a search "control panels" and there will be numerous posts on the subject with pictures.  Good luck

Jim,

   I really like the roll away power station I am using on this years Christmas layout.

You might consider something like it.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks again,

Jim

Great idea Dave.  My layout has ample height but the room is a bit crowed so a control center that I can roll under the table when not in use sounds like a very good idea.

Thanks again,

Jim

Holy Mackerel, that looks like the control center for a real Class 1's yard operations! Quite impressive.

Here is a picture of my main control panel. This one runs two loops with relays to operate two trains per loop.  The control to the left is for the turntable via crank and clothes dryer belt.  The panel is 1/8 inch Masonite with Radio Shack mini switches, both push button and slide.  Track outline is auto pin striping.  The 1/8 Masonite fits in a groove at the top and has three small screws on bottom edge to allow the panel to be easily remove and tilted up.  The wires have 12 inches of so slack to allow swinging up for maintenance of or adding switches without having to work under the control panel.   My layout used to be on the floor.

Smaller control panel operates a third loop and one more train for total of 5.  I use 3 LWs for the the three loops and various 12 v trans for lights and a 14 v trans for 27 Marx switches.  All three loops can be controlled via the LW on the left.  There are various stages of using the the 3 LWs from one, two or all three.  The TV is for X-10 homemade color camera car.

I see you are now doing your control panel after building the layout.  I sure am glad I wired the control panels as I built the layout, just to keep up with all the wires.

Charlie

Main control panel for two loops and turntable

Smaller control panel for third loop . Trans to right for HO trolley

I too will have a limited amount of space for my transformers/controls/switches.  I thought about a drawer mounted under the table or a cart I could roll under, but both these options leave the controls lower than I would want when pulled out.

When looking for ideas on how to lift or swing a platform my controls will be mounted on from under the layout to a good working height, I came across something I think will work (haven't decided on final plan for controllers yet) .  It is a swing arm that attaches to a platform intended to be mounted inside a kitchen cabinet to allow heavy appliances (usually advertised with a Kitchen Aide Mixer on it) to be stored inside a cabinet but swing up and out to counter top level for usage.  They are a bit pricey but may be a good option for anyone short on space.

Here is a link of an example of one on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Rev-A-Sh...System/dp/B0042QB6M4