Layouts without control panel?

You can have a consolidated control panel or distributed control panels. . .  or both. Some just use an iPad.

I have seen both kinds.  I am building both kinds.

You can buy a sliding drawer type assembly, generally used, I believe, to allow a computer keyboard to slide under a desk when not in use.

@Arthur P. Bloom posted:

You can buy a sliding drawer type assembly, generally used, I believe, to allow a computer keyboard the slide under a desk when not in use.

Arthur, that's a great idea. I'd have to allow some extra wire for each device I imagine that wouldn't be too difficult.  Very interesting idea I hadn't considered.

Yes.  My switch controllers are mounted on the layout (top right in the pictures).  For everything else, I use a cheap Harbor Freight cart that can slide under the layout.  No real regrets.

My 4x8 Postwar Super O layout currently is accessory focused. I run two interconnected loops with six remote and 2 manual switches. I have a small sub table which contains all my controls and transformer. The switch controllers are arranged in relation to there position on the table, left to right and back to front.

Couple of videos on how I did it.Very much like Arthur suggested. Nick

Fantastic ideas. This forum never disappoints. Thank you very much!!! 

I guess you could say, things have changed in the new world of model railroading, it’s a new ball game, actually it’s been around awhile, “Command Control”, TMCC/Legacy, or DCS, and in HO it’s DCC. Back in 1997-2001, a man named Lou Kovach, owner of IC Controls, (purchased by Lionel a few years later) made TPC’s, Track Power Controllers, ASC’S, Accessory Switch Controller’s, BPC’s, Block Power Controller’s, SC2’s a form of switch and accessory control. This being said, it’s walk around control which in reality eliminates the need for a centralized control panel, which would tie one down away from the accessory or switch, or train being operated. Walk around with your train’s, two can play, or three, or four, depending on the size of the layout. The only place to have a control panel would be at a transfer table or turntable.... Everything can be operated with a remote, Blocks, turnouts, accessories, trains, lash ups, double headers, sound cars, Stationsounds Diners, turntables, you think it, it can happen, even turning on the Layout. I don’t have 4 daughter’s, but have raised 6 sons. Happy Railroading Everyone (one more thing, it might even make the coffee) This way you can walk beside your trains, set up routes, listen to all the sounds and blow the whistles, ring the bells, watch the whistle steam, cylinder steam, steam exhaust, and not be stuck on a stool flipping switches far from all the action. This is how we operate our layouts in our area. It’s all fun. Happy Railroading Everyone, made easier.

Nothing fancy here. I wanted the Z-1000 bricks accessible if I needed to reset.

Charlie

My main power panel is where most of the control will be concentrated, but obviously none of the physical switching, anything controlled from the power panel will be command controlled or handled by remote switches.

I have a number of switches embedded in the fascia for controlling the lift-bridge and the power to various sidings and yard tracks.

I'm thinking of having my manual turntable controls under a small building near the edge of the layout, the turntable will also be controlled by command as well if desired.  I was thinking of a massive control panel, but my thinking has changed.  I'll be using several local control panels for switch control, and of course all the switches will be command controlled as well.

For controlling the power, I came up with an interesting solution, each of the four transformers are plugged into a remote controlled outlet.  In addition, the entire layout power is also plugged through one of these.  This allows me to power cycle individual transformers to reset breakers, and also to kill the entire layout if necessary remotely.  I actually was using a different brand but it didn't have sufficient range, this one will control things from outside the house!

I have a hybrid model with a fixed panel for mounting distribution blocks, TIU, WIU, etc.; a small control panel on the layout for switches and sidings; individually mounted controls on the fascia around the layout for certain accessories; and a homemade, sliding cart for transformer, Legacy base, Cab-2 and DCS remote.

These are all "pre-completion" photos.

I have 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.

I eventually designed local control panels that slide under the layout when not in use. Also, when Using Ipad control, I do not need these panels at all. They are used when I want to run the layout using analogue control. (which I will do when doing brief demonstrations or testing of the layout).

Below is panel being assembled. Part of the panel is a track layout map showing the uncoupler locations, with push buttons for each uncoupler.  Beside the uncoupler map, I mount my Lionel switch controllers.

I then mounted the control panel on drawer slides (I got mine at Home Depot), then mounted these slides to a simple frame I made to suit the width of the local control panel.

The picture below shows the layout with the Ipad holders, and the local control panels covered (when not in use for an Ipad session)

Good idea with the drawer slides, I may use that.   I will have command control of everything on my TMCC/Legacy remotes, but sometimes it's nice to do it with a convenient panel with visual aids.

The main panel is hinged to be moved up and out of the way.  The terminal boards are on drawer roll outs which makes all work easily accessible.

Main panel flip and terminal roll out:

Wire color, tape color and number bands identify all circuits.  Bundle wire groups determine connection path.  Terminal boards are tape colored to match track plan on upper panel.

Since I switched to battery R/C this is a bit like a still life photograph.  No real need to finish dozens of drops because R/C runs all the later track work.

Dead Rail is the way to go forward for me.  I walk along with the trains and throw the switches as I go.  Shoulda, woulda, coulda done battery r/c from the start.  I had let the "know nothing nay sayers" in my life discourage me.

My own fault.

Like other contributors to this thread, I installed two slide-out "drawers" mounted at the interior angle of my L-shaped layout. One for RC switch controllers, variable DC power for three trolley lines, Lionel sound buttons, and toggle switches for ON/OFF control of track power to four sidings.  The other drawer is for power supplies (a Lionel "brick" for track power plus a TMCC Command Base and a PowerMaster) and two MTH Z1000 transformers providing 14v to operating accessories, lighting for buildings, and all RC switches via their "plug-in."

I mounted the control buttons for the operating access on the perimeter fascia board; placed in line with each accessory for convenience.  I toyed with the idea of installing Lionel SC-2 devices for control of 10 switches and all the operating accessories, but that seemed too challenging.  My memory isn't fast enough to remember a specific ID number when needed for action.

Pic attached for reference.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

@Richie C. posted:

I have a hybrid model with a fixed panel for mounting distribution blocks, TIU, WIU, etc.; a small control panel on the layout for switches and sidings; individually mounted controls on the fascia around the layout for certain accessories; and a homemade, sliding cart for transformer, Legacy base, Cab-2 and DCS remote.

These are all "pre-completion" photos.

Thanks. This is exactly what I had in mind.

We're pretty simple so far but we put a shelf partially under what will be the water feature below the bridge...then a cabinet on wheels to the right where the power supplies are located...one day we'll clean it all up with some moulding, etc. but it's in a good location for a good view of the entire layout when we're running trains.

I didn't feel the need to have the power sources portable, so they're on a fixed panel with the Legacy, DCS, and the WiFi interfaces for DCS and Legacy LCS.

Just like John, In this application, I decided that a diode matrix and three terminal strip panels I installed could be in a fixed position.

They are tilted several degrees and mounted just below the platform fascia at a height comfortable for stool seated access.

The top panel was designed to slid out 10".  However due to it's location and angle it never needed to be moved.  Easy seated access.

Engine service blocks

Each are on a shelf, tilted about 15 wrist saving degrees

Diode matrix, one push button routing

to align all needed switch machines.

At one time I would have mounted these plumb, straight up but I soon found old wrists like it better when a working surface is laid back for both vision and dexterity purposes.

John,    Where did you get that one?  Mine only controls three circuits.

@Tom Tee posted:

Just like John, In this application, I decided that a diode matrix and three terminal strip panels I installed could be in a fixed position.

They are tilted several degrees and mounted just below the platform fascia at a height comfortable for stool seated access.

The top panel was designed to slid out 10".  However due to it's location and angle it never needed to be moved.  Easy seated access.

Engine service blocks

Each are on a shelf, tilted about 15 wrist saving degrees

Diode matrix, one push button routing

to align all needed switch machines.

At one time I would have mounted these plumb, straight up but I soon found old wrists like it better when a working surface is laid back for both vision and dexterity purposes.

Impressive!!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I didn't feel the need to have the power sources portable, so they're on a fixed panel with the Legacy, DCS, and the WiFi interfaces for DCS and Legacy LCS.

Agreed. I'm going to put mine under the layout rather than taking up additional floor space. I do like the ideas others have shown having them on wheels, even if just on a Harbor Freight cart with wheel, so I can pull them out for maintenance, etc. 

I'm not planning to use DCS, Legacy, or TMCC for switches or siding power (on/off).  I've got a blank section that I could use like @Richie C.  that I don't think will distract from the layout too much and will probably go that route.

@Tom Tee posted:

John,    Where did you get that one?  Mine only controls three circuits.

Tom, I got it on Amazon, it comes with two remotes and five 15A outlet switches.  They have tons of choices, I added a bunch to my list and then ordered one.  If this one hadn't had enough range, I'd have returned it and ordered the next one on the list.

The picture looks like it only comes with four, I guess they didn't think about the optics of having one separate with a different view.

DEWENWILS Remote Control Outlet, Upgraded Version

@raising4daughters posted:

Agreed. I'm going to put mine under the layout rather than taking up additional floor space. I do like the ideas others have shown having them on wheels, even if just on a Harbor Freight cart with wheel, so I can pull them out for maintenance, etc.

I'm not planning to use DCS, Legacy, or TMCC for switches or siding power (on/off).  I've got a blank section that I could use like @Richie C.  that I don't think will distract from the layout too much and will probably go that route.

I was initially going with command control on the sidings, but right now I just use the fascia mounted switches with pilots.  I can always add command control later if I decide I want it.  I did use relays to switch the power in many places as all the power wiring was at the panel, and I didn't want to run power 20 feet out and back to switches when I could switch it right at the power panel.  Also, this allows me to use really small switches to fit multiple switches into a small bezel on the fascia with their pilot lights and not exceed the switch power ratings.

Raising4daughters, hello again, I’ve actually looked all over the forum to find this thread, wow, it’s here. So, earlier I said we are in new times, new ways to run our trains, Command Control being the new Norm, and saying that with Cab Control, One, Two, Three or more can run trains together on individual layouts. In my thinking, a Mini Control panel should be utilized where there’s a turntable, transfer table, or a possible switch yard, and when walking around your layout, however push buttons can be placed near the turnout, or operate the switch with the cab remote. Even accessories can have the control button near the accessory, not back on a control panel 25 feet away. Now, my wiring is a bit of a huge mess, but here are pictures showing what I’m saying. Good luck with your wiring and utilizing whatever means of control you choose. It’s all Fine. One thing for sure, going total command is easy, all you have to do is follow the directions of the manuals, or ask questions here on the OGR Forum. My wiring looks terrible, but all can be traced. Happy Railroading Everyone

Adding one more thing, this little control panel allows all of the lead tracks to the turntable and Roundhouse tracks to be turned on or off. It’s small and sits near the end of the side where the turntable is located. Good luck.

I built this slide out drawer years ago.  The drawer slides are readily available in a variety of sizes at any Lowes, Home Depot, and I suspect Menards!  You can even get "iron on" edging, which is on the front of my drawer to hide the particle board edges.

I forgot to mention one important thing, my layout comes Alive by addressing my TPC 400, or my Legacy 360 watt PowerMaster. They are under the table, out of the way, and when the command is given, they come alive. The TPC 400 is connected to 2-180 watt Bricks, going to 19 blocks,BPC’s. Also, the 360 watt powermaster is connected to 2- 180 watt bricks connected to the 19 blocks on other side of the BPC’s. This allows long trains, multi unit lash ups to run flawlessly over the layout. There are 5 levels, some trains have to climb up and over each other on a 2 percent grade. When you run two or three long passenger trains it requires power, and this allows 6 long trains to run with ample power. This is a fun hobby, everyone does it differently. Happy Railroading Everyone

Thanks everyone.  Love the slideout drawers/shelves that many of you have shown.

Just finished a month-long detour re-doing some track and adding backdrops that I originally hadn't planned on.  Looking forward to wiring and getting all the buildings, accessories, and scenery done (or mostly done) before Spring.

I went with a drawer for switch controls and supply storage, with a hanging shelf adjacent to it for the transformers.

I just dont know how you guys do it all ....

I just carry my "control and power" in my pocket ....

If I am feeling spectacular I will break out some of the originals  ....

A control panel might be the right choice for a spare bedroom layout where you don't walk around the outside and inside of the benchwork. I looked seriously at having one panel or 3 panels--one for each MTH DCS TIU. But no matter how I sliced it, the result on my 16x17 U-shaped layout was longer wire runs and other inconveniences.

The closest I come to a panel is across the bottom of the U. The 16 foot-long benchwork along that strip serves as a mounting for: the 3 TIUs, 3 TIU power supplies, and 2 layout power strips that everything plugs into, with associated on-off switches.

So maybe that is my 16 foot long "control panel"!

Don Merz

My layout is similar in size to yours. I went from wrap around control boards all over the layout to NOTHING but a DCS remote, transitioning to I Pad.  I run two TIU's, Two WIU's and 6 AIU's. I have a TMCC base out of service pending an spliter cable to share with a WIU. I run two ZW's for accessories, and two Z4000's for track and yard power. The ZW's and terminal strips are behind the board. I have the Z4000 sitting on top only because I have to use the Handles. On another layout I did we made a shelf for the Z-4000's.  I finished the wiring back in 2000's when DCS was just starting to come out.

The beauty of DCS and Command control is the freedom you get by not being tied to a central control panel. All my accessories, track switches and track power controls are located close by, on the facia. This is particularly helpful when you have guests (especially little engineers) as they can be involved in train activity. My power station is shelved beneath my layout out of the way. All my controls are rocker switches which helps to prevent snags on clothing as was the case when I had toggle switches.   Black oval rockers control accessaries, small red push buttons - uncoupling, large square red rockers - switches and small black rockers - track power.   

Cheers, Dave

Thanks guys.  I'm convinced.....no big, real estate consuming control panel/board. Found out it was mostly unnecessary with Basement Layout 1.0 when I added TMCC but it was already there.  That layout didn't have Powermasters or TIUs, so I needed the throttles for conventional. No more with DCS on 2.0.

I'm going to put the switch toggle controllers and the uncoupling buttons on the table top near the yard. I'm building shelves below the table top for the transformers and TIUs. Then I'll mount one or two if needed power strips so I can turn the transformers on/off as needed.  All the accessories will have on/off switches, as well. I'll put them on the layout itself, as well.

The High Plains Division of the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway Company (O Gauge) does not have a control panel.

Having a choice between a useable pull-out drawer, or a pull-out control panel, I chose to have the drawer and all switches and uncoupling points are controlled by a DCS hand-held controller through an ACU.  It takes longer to line up a main track route, as well as to line yard switches, but I am normally the only one who runs trains and I have the turnout numbers memorized.  Although the current method  works for me, I would have chosen the control panel option if I could rewind time.

I've shown this before, but I thought I would share again. I found a perfect table at Goodwill for cheap. It holds every thing I need.

John

@raising4daughters posted:

Thanks guys.  I'm convinced.....no big, real estate consuming control panel/board. Found out it was mostly unnecessary with Basement Layout 1.0 when I added TMCC but it was already there.  That layout didn't have Powermasters or TIUs, so I needed the throttles for conventional. No more with DCS on 2.0.

I'm going to put the switch toggle controllers and the uncoupling buttons on the table top near the yard. I'm building shelves below the table top for the transformers and TIUs. Then I'll mount one or two if needed power strips so I can turn the transformers on/off as needed.  All the accessories will have on/off switches, as well. I'll put them on the layout itself, as well.

I like using lighted LED toggle switches where it looks good and makes sense. Most common ones available inexpensively on the 'net are rated for 12v, so if you use them for an accessory or in an application where higher voltage is present (like command track voltage at 18v), you should install a diode so the LED light does not prematurely burn out.

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.ogaugerr.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.ogaugerr.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