I'm glad everyone is enjoying the build. It's fun to write about it and it lets me learn at the same time.
Infrared might be a way to go. I'm stuck in a mechanical paradigm...
I could use an MTH infrared track detector and reflect it off a target on the door. You'd still need a relay to switch the main power, but the IR could probably switch the signal lights all by itself.
Panel Height:
The panel is going to control all the switches. I'm not planning on using an AIU (at least not now) although "scene" feature would a useful function to line up a half dozen switches when doing some of the moves. I ran the trains from a panel like this before and found it to be fun.
So the height was a compromise between "not block too much view" and "reaching the switch controllers at the panel's bottom". Also, I wanted the kids to be able to reach everything, but also have it convenient for me. It's in front of a section of all straight track without any switches so there's nothing much to see at that point. The panel's too wide to lay horizontal without really cutting into the aisleway. Actually that was a section where due to my panel cutting errors, had very little free space beyond the track. It was so close that it would have been difficult to ballast the track there. By adding the 2 X 3 mounting rail, and the the panel frame, it really closes this danger spot off. I will fill that area and landscape it up to the panel. The location is also an area where I have the most floor space around the panel, but also have a view of most of the yard tracks.
Clem, were you thinking about "Hall Effect" switches when you mentioned magnets? If not, you'll need to explain more. I already have the micro switch, the relay and the time circuit, so I don't want to spend too much more money on this.
