Layouts without control panel?

I have recessed toggles for sidings and secondary loops so I can independently control them.  I can also remotely control the transformers.  Currently, all my switches and turntable whisker tracks and rotation are command controlled.  I plan on having selective controls for some of the switches, but not all of them.

I use the Legacy ROUTE feature to reset things to a known state, ROUTE #1 switches all the switches to the mainline is clear.  Whenever I'm switching things around, the last step can be to select ROUTE #1 and everything is aligned to run.  I'm programming other routes for some more divergent routes through the layout.

@John H posted:

I ave a U shaped layout with all switches under the facia. The transformer is on a pullout shelf next to the breakers. TIU and 12 vdc power supply are on a rigid shelf underneath.

WOW, ya'll are "LIGHT YEARS" in your layouts. Inspirational or totally intimidating, some days BOTH.

This year, I figured out how to repair Lionel post war 022 switches and AND see which engines bounced over them or tripped the E-Unit and reversed. TADA!

THEN, and the Expert-master-class builders might appreciate this: I created (with all ya'lls help) powered sidings to park 3 engines. THREE!! so, my control panel is a cardboard servo box, with 5 power-to-insulated-sidings (Yup, 2 extra for "EXPANSION"... Gutsy move, I know.... but you say plan, and I took note) And now, time for 4x8!! bring it on

thank you, thank you very much

I have a mini-operator's console in my Staging Area.  He/she can also use the CAB-1, but I think this is more useful.

Ordinarily, I'd forego the panel.  But this is more convenient for the Staging Area operator.  I'm using DZ-2502P pushbuttons.

George

My current control panel, portable but a bit cryptic to use right now.   OTOH, it handles all the switches and the turntable whisker tracks.  I can even control locomotives with it, a truly universal remote control!

George, I'm actually going to use some of the DZ-2502 switches for local control, they're free since I already have them, and they already have indicators, what's not to like.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

George, I'm actually going to use some of the DZ-2502 switches for local control, they're free since I already have them, and they already have indicators, what's not to like.

Yup.  I positioned them so that their indicator lights correspond with the track selected.  Dirt simple and useful.

George

@Miggy posted:

WOW, ya'll are "LIGHT YEARS" in your layouts. Inspirational or totally intimidating, some days BOTH.

This year, I figured out how to repair Lionel post war 022 switches and AND see which engines bounced over them or tripped the E-Unit and reversed. TADA!

THEN, and the Expert-master-class builders might appreciate this: I created (with all ya'lls help) powered sidings to park 3 engines. THREE!! so, my control panel is a cardboard servo box, with 5 power-to-insulated-sidings (Yup, 2 extra for "EXPANSION"... Gutsy move, I know.... but you say plan, and I took note) And now, time for 4x8!! bring it on

thank you, thank you very much

Miggy, I love your reposts!   You short yourself, but you are so entertaining and so much fun and appreciated.  Keep up the great work and have fun!    Thanks!!

Cheers, Dave    

John H,

Those colored toggle switches look great!  (I assume they control the power block currents?)

Why is one blue, and the rest red?

Mannyrock

@Mannyrock posted:

Why is one blue, and the rest red?

Eject handle.

I can not think of a better and quicker way to control selection of 19 turnouts and 12 uncoupling track sections and or to remember which push button switch activates which switch or UC section on the layout than an Active Touch Track Diagram Control Panel.  And that includes all the turnout activation switches in a long row and the use of a remote controller walking around the layout.

If fact I do not have to remember which push button works which turnout.  All I have to do is trace the path of the train with my eyes or finger and push the push buttons to set up the train route.  I like to keep things simple and easy.

Picture of my Main Active Touch Track Diagram Control Panel  Taking up the space of a 17 inch Laptop.

Two of the layouts three Lionel LW transformers are conveniently on each side of the Main Control Panel.

Charlie

So many good ideas, but I'm gonna go contrary, old school and primo on you.  As a young lad I used to dream of this kind of setup (remember these from back in the day?):

Courtesy forum member John Orwin.  See https://ogrforum.com/...81#83086529566912681 for more.

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

So many good ideas, but I'm gonna go contrary, old school and primo on you.  As a young lad I used to dream of this kind of setup (remember these from back in the day?):

Courtesy forum member John Orwin.  See https://ogrforum.com/...81#83086529566912681 for more.

Mike

"Mission Control to Major TOM, " very NASA -like. As I continue to add birthdays to the adding machine, it's helpful for me to see the layout with switches, and lights for the power strips. Mike, it is beautiful and daunting, not contrary.  :-D