Lionel Fast track Controllers

Pretty simple but this works for me.

I have the controllers placed in the order in which they are installed on the layout. The three tiers represent the three yard track alignments. Thus the two at the top control the two track switches on the rearmost track. The gizmo with the phone cord is the walk-around throttle control for the MRC AH101 "transformer". The re-purposed MTH switch controllers above control the ten remote uncouplers on the layout.They are similarly placed in the order in which the uncouplers are installed in the yard. The two controllers turned sideways control two track switches, on in each of the two corners of the room behind the photographer, which access a return-loop/fiddle yard and a storage track for my passenger train. Hope this is understandable.

Thank you, very logically organized. Photos are helpful. 

Great post!

Question I have is when running wires from the fastrack switch what is best way to disconnect and reconnect the wiring?   Disconnect wire from the "switch" or from the "controller"?

Thanks

I find it much easier to unhook at the switch, as there is very little room in the controller. I mark the wire colors right on the switch with a sharpie.

Here is my attempt at organization. I have 10 on one side and 13 on the other. They will snap together nicely, so only two small screws fasten them down. I can get the numbers up to nine by carefully etching a 3 for an 8, upside down L for a seven, and upside down 6 for the 9. I mostly use memory for ID, but a small number by the switch stand helps.

I have learned how to modify Fastrack remote track switches such that the green indicator on the controller is with the divergent track rather than with the straight-thru track. This way I can tell at a glance if everything is lined up for the main when it is time for The Royal Gorge to roll through town.

Notice that in the pic I posted all the indicator lights on the controllers are green even though the main goes through the curve on two switches.

Lew

Thanks for your input, good ideas. I like the switches at an angle against the stop on the diagonal backing.

I agree with the comment about removing the controller wires at the switch.

John H posted:

Here is my attempt at organization. I have 10 on one side and 13 on the other. They will snap together nicely, so only two small screws fasten them down. I can get the numbers up to nine by carefully etching a 3 for an 8, upside down L for a seven, and upside down 6 for the 9. I mostly use memory for ID, but a small number by the switch stand helps.

Here is a picture you can print out on a transparency with more numbers...

and cut them out with a scissors. They are the right shape with the flats top and bottom. I use up to around #20. Very handy. 

Thank you for all the useful info☺