Dead Man/Master Power Switch

Just be creative, you are probably not dealing with a "young sheldon cooper"!

Hide a switch in a building, under the table, on a switched light or power outlet,  in scenery, or even in a Plasticville outhouse!

No matter what you do, he will eventually find it. Also having "the talk" can't hurt. A little "fear" goes a long way!

GOOD LUCK and enjoy your nephew.

Do what my Dad did when I was young, used a keyed switch.  You keep the key.

I use a remote power switch.   I bought a 5 pack that came with 2 remotes for under $30.   The switch goes  in the plug and the plug in the switch.   The remote then enables power to the plug.    It is also a good emergency backup switch when the grandkids have the remote.  You can lockup the remotes.

If they are determined, a keyed switch would be best.  I was 7 once...

I have four PH180 bricks powering the layout, so I added a 5 channel remote switch.  I have four of the remotes.

The main layout power is controlled at the outlet by one RF switch, then the four transformers are controlled by the four on a power strip.  The individual remote control allows me to reset a PH180 from my remote control and not have to go to the transformer to hit the reset switch.

On the wall is a red bulb that is on the same channel as the master layout control, this is my pilot light to let me know the layout is powered.  It's easy to spot so I don't forget and leave it on when I exit the basement.

I use a couple of Amazon Smart Plugs.  I can control the plugs anywhere. Can also see the status anytime and anywhere.

On sale 50% off today. 12.99.  

I appreciate how many of us couldn't simply take no for an answer as kids and had to try for ourselves haha

I also had not considered this as something to add to my own layout. I definitely want to add this and a pilot light. Great topic and tips!

I use a smart switch + red lights as well...

If it is easy to install, it is easy to uninstall or bypass

@VHubbard posted:

I use a remote power switch.   I bought a 5 pack that came with 2 remotes for under $30.   The switch goes  in the plug and the plug in the switch.   The remote then enables power to the plug.    It is also a good emergency backup switch when the grandkids have the remote.  You can lockup the remotes.

If they are determined, a keyed switch would be best.  I was 7 once...

What prevents a kid from pulling the plug from the switch and sticking it directly into the wall socket? Is the plug physically locked in?

Locking switch cover.

@gftiv posted:

If it is easy to install, it is easy to uninstall or bypass

We're not building Fort Knox here, just adding convenient to use power controls.

@BenLMaggi posted:

What prevents a kid from pulling the plug from the switch and sticking it directly into the wall socket? Is the plug physically locked in?

Nothing at all.  What prevents a kid from doing that anywhere in your house?  Do you physically lock in every plug in your house?

Entering my train room there are two wall switches. One is for the Room lighting, the other is for a switched outlet, that feeds a plug strip for all train related items.  Both switches off, the train room power is off.   

Added note: the original Cab1 remotes had a triangle HALT button, lower left of the big Red turn knob.  It does stop all trains, though it probably does not cut all power.

@Mike CT posted:

Entering my train room there are two wall switches. One is for the Room lighting, the other is for a switched outlet, that feeds a plug strip for all train related items.  Both switches off, the train room power is off.   

Added note: the original Cab1 remotes had a triangle HALT button, lower left of the big Red turn knob.  It does stop all trains, though it probably does not cut all power.

All the Lionel command remotes have the red triangle, but all it does is send a broadcast to stop all TMCC/Legacy action, it does nothing to the power.

My wife made me put it a total disconnect in the train room especially once she saw all the wiring I was running. Now the wiring was mostly all low voltage but she did not understand that.  So I put in a key switch on my control panel the controls 3 contactors that that disconnect the six 20 amp feeds I have coming into the control panel. Each and every time I leave the train room I hit the keyswitch and I get the ker-thunk  from the contactor and all goes dark. Before you slam me on the six 20 amp feeds, this was installed around 25 years ago.  I have 72 spots in track lighting which have since been changed to LED bulbs, 13 TUBE type television monitors for cameras and a slew of transformers and power supplies all over the place.