04-05-2012, 09:52 AM
If you're modeling CTC in any way, this problem could be handled by manual-vs-remote control -- the CTC operator would normally operate main line switches from the panel, but could allow the switch to be operated manually at the location by the train crew. The electrics for this would be simple, though the CTC panel itself would be a major, major project. I've been nervous now and then at open houses that someone would throw a main line switch wondering what such-and-such on a yard panel does -- though in ten years or more of open houses, it's never been a problem, and I decided long ago that it wasn't going to be worth building a CTC panel and then trying to find operators to run the layout that way.