Introducing The PistonBroke Line

[OBJack]

Whoops!!
missed my deadline.
I started 6 months ago, pondering the next steps on my layout, and need some advice from the experts.

Well two things really
# 1. What sort of signaling system is usually used on layouts, what I mean is:
Do you wire the signal up so the red and green aspects of the signal represent the way the turnout is positioned like traffic lights ie, clear or thrown,
...or is it wired to show a clear or occupied block ahead....

Or can you set it up to show either /or or both.
And I guess that's when you go to the next stage, with detectors in the rails, so the train to stops on any red signal?

And I will want bi-polar (is that the word for a two colour LED ) LEDs on the main control panel for indications of open or closed routes.

#2. I guess that creates the next problem: A control Panel
What type of construction and a "how to build" would be a great starting point for me, so if anyone has any ideas or websites that they know of feel free...
I know I have not finished other areas of the Pistonbroke line, but feel the need to confuse myself with other imponderables.

Someone out there has signals and control panels installed, so don't be shy, tell me how you have done it.

Maybe I should split this into two separate posts?


I decided to strike out on my own, and I tried my hand at constructing a control panel.

The objective being, to build an experimental panel and see what problems came, then maybe build the real one with the bugs fixed.

And again, if anyone can shed some light on the issue, or internet sites they know of, on control panels they would like to part with ... please let me know.

I searched the internet and with my limited knowledge of things electrical, I could not find any sites where anyone who has built a control panel, has given instructions on how to achieve it .

So I am flying blind here..............yep nothin's changed.

Anywho, ......first off I bought a sheet of polycarbonate, and reading things on the internet it seemed like I was going to have lots of trouble cutting it to size without it any splitting, cracking, or even exploding once the saw hit it.

Maybe it was different stuff from what I bought

but I had no trouble and cut it with this band saw, and a jigsaw, And it drilled easy enough

It has the plastic on to stop scratching which happens very easily.

Next I went to the computer and tried to draw and print a graphic of the lines for the board

This is the half baked result

Now question one: How do I print out a design that is bigger than a sheet of paper without a join showing?
Is that a printer issue? Or do I have to maybe paint a schematic on something else if I want to make it bigger?

I have finished the prototype..... but still need a few more clues on how to best make a panel
More on the blundering construction later...

Jack
(of clubs)