My Layout
This layout was built with no space underneath for any switch machines so all the track work was laid and the DCC wiring was done first. Now it is time to install the 4 side mounted switch machines, make a control panel for the switches. My first time installing these Peco PL-11 side mounted switch machines. I finally got the diagram correct using my own toggle switches. From the original more cork road roadbed was added beside the track for the oil tank and switch tower. Now the land area platform is even with the track roadbed in the above 2 photos. Below Photo: On Dec. 7, 2021 I got it all painted, the basic. Now to start ballasting the yard first and maybe the main line circle around the yard. I will make a few ballast samples first before ballasting the layout yard. The top left sky base will have different shades of shrubs and so on. The green area will have different shades of green turf and shrubs. Shrubs will go along the bottom of the sky backdrop.
OK, I got the 4 side mounted switch machines install, made a 8 X 11 inch control panel of the layout for the 4 toggle switches.
The middle section is a Reverse Loop with 3 sidings. There is a ground throw switch at both ends for this.
The right ground throw switch has a set of dwarf signals and 2 sets of dwarf signals with the 2 switch machines.
The top center switch has a switch machine because it cannot be reached by hand. This is the oil company siding (tank cars).
Control panel completed with 4 switches, made the wiring compact with one small terminal strip. All switches work perfect.
I decided to just have the 4 toggle switches on my 11 X 8 control panel, plus 18 ground throw switches. Keeping it simple.
I may not have a great voice for a video but I made one anyway. YouTube Video: Dwarf Signals Assembly & Installation
Next was to complete the dwarf signals on 3 of the switches. There are one set of dwarf signals on the left and 3 sets of dwarf signals on the right. There is one set of dwarf signals on one ground throw switch and the other 2 sets of dwarf signals are on the 2 switch machine switches. Switch Tower View: Standing in front of the switch tower looking left, you can view the yard also the left switch machine and dwarf signal. Looking to the right from the switch tower, you can view the the other switch machines and dwarf signals. The switch tower controls the switch machines on the main line going in and out of the yard.
The last 2 ground throw for the switches were added at the Switch Tower. When you can't put a switch machine or switch ground throw beside a switch, there are other ways to fix this. I had to do 2 like this. No room underneath. The fun part was cutting the knob off flush and drilling a hole in it so the bent up wire can go in from underneath.
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