Turnout detection on virtual track plan via miniature contacts.
The mainline uses switch machines to throw turnouts save a few places. One is right next to the dispatcher's panel. These turnouts are controlled by cable chokes (hopefully, you younger people know what they are!). The rest of the mainline with the switch machines have toggles on the dispatcher's panel where they, also, send signals to the LCC virtual track plan indicating which way the turnout is thrown. Since these two mainline locations next to the dispatcher's panel are manual controlled by chokes, I needed a contact switch to send a 'signal' to the LCC for when the turnout is thrown. These worked out well and were easy to install from the top of the layout. Trying to install any switch machine in this area would require arms about 5' long to reach them from under the layout. The contact switches are only about 0.45"X0.75" so they can look like motorized turnouts or just camouflage them. The turnout control rod pushes against the 'arm' on the contact switch to 'open' it letting the LCC track plan know the switch has been thrown.
A little vegetation will hide this one.
This is the LCC FOB that the wires from the contact go to that sends a signal to the track plan.
Virtual track plan.
Seattle Jct and Marias pass are the contact locations.
