How do you ID turnouts on layout??

[RexHea]

I have always had a problem with visitors trying to figure out the number for a powered turnout they need to throw. I now use maps with paper markers, but as the layout moves toward more detailing, I need something better that is actually on the layout along with the map. It doesn't have to be prototypical, but needs to look like it belongs and is easily read. What do you use?

 

[Rico]

Maps with markers are a great start! Operators get a timetable with maps and mileages on my layout, along with operating rules and restrictions.
My switches right now are simply numbered in the direction of travel on the main from East to West, 1, 2, 3, etc.
They will be numbered according to their location later. For instance... Grand Coulee East 1,2 & 3 and Grand Coulee West 1 & 2.
In the timetable notes they will be GC1East, or GC1West etc.
The yard is classified by East Lead or West lead, EL 1 2 3 and WL 1 2 3 as well as the terminal T1, T2, & T3.
Yard tracks carry numbers from the Mainline outwards, South1, South2, S3 etc. Tracks on the backdrop side of the main are North1, North2, N3 etc.
From there on it gets a little more complicated, but that's about the jist of it.

 

[WCWBrassHat]

Rex,

What about making a small sign to mount near the turnout that resembles a milepost marker?

Glenn

 

[ChevelleSSguy]

I always figured an easy was to lay out a track plan on the fascia to help operators determine this. But then again, I suppose there isnt always space for that.

 

[RexHea]

Rico, my last Op session, I gave out maps of the routes with the train manifests and no one looked at them. I know...their fault...but I was the one bombarded with questions. When I first started the layout, I tried to sequence my turnout numbers in some logical manner. However, with all the additions and changes I've made over the years, that soon became obsolete. To renumber would be a monstrous task.

Chris, that is what I have for each major section and that works real good when the operator is at those locations. Since the operator is not always at the map for where he is going next, maybe something like Glenn's idea would work in support. I'm not sure how I could make them easily read from several feet away and yet still look right. In addition, I could always add more maps, but that would be like adding a safety device to a safety device to prevent someone from being unsafe (stupid).

Can you buy blank trackside signs like the packs of miscellaneous signs? or even packs of one type of sign? I could always paint and decal numbers.

 

[Davejb]

My plan with my 36" x 80" N layout (still in the planning stage, no permanent track laid yet) is to use a central panel with a track plan on it. I plan on using this.

I'll mask off and paint my plan on it, and will be using Ken's turnout switches with LED indication at each turnout on the panel.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/751D.HTM

This is mostly for my benefit as I don't plan on anyone but me running on it, but I figured it would be easier than trying to remember numbers, my original plan was to control the turnouts with DCC, but I think this will be cheaper and easier.

 

[Rico]

Rex, yeah it totally depends on how serious the operator is as to how well they'll operate from the timetable.
Sometimes we operate and sometimes we just sit back and enjoy the show.
I have all the layout station names printed out in white on the fascia in 1" letters and other location names printed in 1/2" letters. The back drop is always North to help with directions.
I still get the odd visitor who is standing right in front of the big white letters saying "Huard" and looking at the one and only switch asking "Is this where I'm supposed to stop the train?" while they watch a Westbound round the corner and head straight on towards their loco that just ran that same switch.
Not much you can do untill they change the gun laws I suppose.

 

[RexHea]

LOL Rico!
Fortunately, I use Railroad&Co. software that controls/reserves mainline turnouts for the routes, two blocks ahead if clear. It also stops trains from going into blocks that haven't been reserved for them. This is fine up to a point, but when an operator needs to throw an unreserved turnout for local switching, etc., the ID problems come to light. We operate with radios to the Dispatcher and I could throw them for the operator, but they HAVE TO ASK...they don't. They are also suppose to ask for permission to cross or get on the mainline...they don't. LOL

 

[MLW]

Rico posted

Not much you can do untill they change the gun laws I suppose.

Now, THAT was priceless!

.

 

[MLW]

I use ground throw, so I don't have that problem.......yet

BUT, I've seen on a layout I operate on the switches/turnout (pick one!) have small numbers
(black number on white background -thin plastic-) beside them, which correspond to the
toggle switch on the fascia/panel/switch/track diagram thingy.

Also the layout owner assumes the role of supervisor/trouble-shooter/
superintendant/foreman/manager/instructor/helper/God and does not operate a train
but oversee the smooth running of the layout.

I think that help a lot at the begining until the crew got the hang of it: operation/task/direction/switches and not running
train into each other etc..



.

 

[RexHea]

Thanks MLW. Yeah, I was thinking along the lines of what WCWBrasshat said of something like a mile marker or maybe even a rectangular sign on a pole. Who's to know

Also the layout owner assumes the role of supervisor/trouble-shooter/
superintendant/foreman/manager/instructor/helper/God and does not operate a train
but oversee the smooth running of the layout.

How well I know and there needs to be two of you, but you forgot Host. There are always those that are not assigned trains that want to visit while you are in deep concentration trying to do all the rest. That is why I try to setup a visit time before and after each session. It works pretty good.

Also, you can't help someone when they don't ask. One fellow (experienced) had the habit of when he had something wrong with a car, he would just set it aside and go on. Talking about screwing up a manifest and car location....

 

[UP2CSX]

Rex, remember, I'm always armed, so changing the gun laws won't work for you.

I'm thinking Popsicle sticks, cut in half, and sprayed black. Some white dry transfer numbers that correspond to the number of the switch. Put one next to each switch so it's about a scale six feet high. It should blend in good enough to sort of look like mileposts but be big enough to see. Then you can radio "Hey, Jim, you big dummy, you're supposed to be taking the diverging route on switch 27". Even I can figure that one out.

 

[hamltnblue]

Mine are numbered counter clockwise. Double crossovers share the same address since the Torti's are wired to the same decoder outputs.

 

[RexHea]

Jim: that sounds like a good idea. I will do some experimenting with that

Blue: The idea of a sequence or even having them numbered by the district they are located is a good one. It certainly would make the numbers easier to remember. I would have to do a lot of either rewiring (48) or reprogramming my decoders to accomplish this, but maybe someday. Too bad they didn't design our systems to use alpha-numeric I.D. and I could have done this from the start, e.g. 27A=District 1, 27B=District 2, etc.

Thanks guys for the input.

 

[julienjj]

Rex, remember, I'm always armed, so changing the gun laws won't work for you.

I'm thinking Popsicle sticks, cut in half, and sprayed black. Some white dry transfer numbers that correspond to the number of the switch. Put one next to each switch so it's about a scale six feet high. It should blend in good enough to sort of look like mileposts but be big enough to see. Then you can radio "Hey, Jim, you big dummy, you're supposed to be taking the diverging route on switch 27". Even I can figure that one out.

Our club is set like that