Switchboard

Matt Jun 20, 2000

  1. Matt

    Matt E-Mail Bounces

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    Should I have a switch board on my layout which is under construction? [​IMG]
     
  2. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Matt, it depends on how many trains you wish to run at the same time, also how complex your layout is.

    A good rule for a complete beginner, is to keep it as simple as possible.

    Some information on wiring trackwork is provided with Peco points, but if you get stuck, get your dad to bring you round again, with a copy of your track plan [​IMG]

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    Alan

    The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

    www.ac-models.com
    Andersley Western Railroad
    Alan's American Gallery
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  3. BC Rail King

    BC Rail King E-Mail Bounces

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    What is a switch board? Would I be correct it is similar to a CTC board? If that is what it is, wouldn't that in some respects make the layout simpler? In terms of construction, which I believe Alan was referring too-it would be harder, but if you are the engineer and there are several trains on the layout it would make it eisier. My dad has decided for something equivilant to a switch board (if a switch board is what I think it is), we are going to have lights like the real RR, only we will have Red and Green, and they will be out of scale alittle for people who have trouble seeing the small light.

    But anyway, if you could answer what a switch board is, it would be great.

    Happy Railroading!!

    Dane N.

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    BC Rail King
    TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info.
    BCRailKing@Canada.com
     
  4. Matt

    Matt E-Mail Bounces

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    A switch board is a board that you have wires from and go to points on your track to direct and redirect current .
     
  5. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  6. nbrail

    nbrail E-Mail Bounces

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    Alan,

    Where do we find your switchboard?

    Jean-Marc
     
  7. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  8. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    We also use the term "control panel" here in Australia. I use a control panel on my layout to control signals and points. I also have block switches for my 2 cabs. Here is a picture of my control panel. If you go to my site it explains my control panel in more detail.
    [​IMG]

    Please note my website will be moving to a new server next week. I'll post in the forum once this is completed

    Colonel


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    http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pcassar/index

    [This message has been edited by Colonel (edited 27 June 2000).]
     
  9. Patrick

    Patrick Guest

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    Very nice Colonel! [​IMG] By the way, is the center bridge span built with Plastruct, kit, or? Wondering because I just received a kit from Plastruct that looks like that Warren design.
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    Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI



    [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 27 June 2000).]
     
  10. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  11. Robin Matthysen

    Robin Matthysen Passed Away October 17, 2005 In Memoriam

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    I will have ten control panels on my layout to control various points. I still use cab control so two operators can work the layout. It can be cumbersome compared to DCC but a lot cheaper. Wiring can get confusing as DPDT switches are needed. The gauge of wiring has to be heavy which doesn't make this an easy task [​IMG] but if you take your time it's OK.
    The MR book on wiring shows how nicely.

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    Robin
    Maberly and Tayside
     
  12. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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