Control Panel Wiring (with LED's) - How To - Model Railroads

[@davidbaldie5401]

Great tutorial, I have followed your instructions & have finally completed my control panel. Could not have attempted the job without such good detail, Thanks again, Regards, David

[@DavidBealeakaFKD]

GREAT - you just saved me a pile of cash - was thinking I needed to buy a batch of about a dozen PL-15 accessory switches to clip on my Peco PL-10 switch machines but the sole purpose was to power LED's on my control panel. This is so much simpler. I trust that it does not matter if the switch machine is a solenoid snap one like the Peco PL-10 instead of a slow motion machine. Very well done.

[@richardclowes6123]

Hi Luke, you make it look so simple. When I'm ready to wire my set up I will most definitely be following your lead on this. Once again, to the master of all thing modelling, thanks, Rick Bulldog

[@paulalderson6920]

Best explanation I've seen on anything on KZbin. Clear, concise and no verbal diarrhea. Bit flummaxed by the last part about the final wiring but I'll watch again (and again). Great stuff.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Paul Alderson lol, I just replied to a comment from you on another video telling you to check out this video! I'm glad like this video. Thanks for the great feedback.Cheers Luke.

[@paulm3965]

Luke, thank you I came across your video today 23.10.2017. I found it informative it has come at the time when i am putting together a mimic box. Excellent, I would not have thought of using a large resistor for the led.

[@mustangk62]

Most orderly wiring job EVER. Nicely done!

[@AntRoberts-w1s]

Great video I am new to soldering so watched a few KZbin videos but your blue tack tip brilliant makes it so much easier than the small clamp I bought.

[@AC-rf1ud]

Just planning a new layout and had all but given up on having a switch board until I found this tutorial. Thanks so much!

[@kenshores9900]

This was a very well done explanation of an easy way of making a local control panel. Thank you for putting it together.

[@ricwolt]

Absolutely well done-clearly explained-clearly spoken-clear view and great design Thanks Richard Brisbane - Redland Bay

[@gtc1961]

Brilliant...EXACTLY what I was looking for, simple and logical.

[@alexmorgan2296]

Thank you for sharing this helpful video - would never have been able to successfully do similar without it.

[@bearafly]

This is what I’m looking for. Explicating is very clear and it’s really a good job. Many thanks.

[@dqauto500]

Amazing Video! Thank you!!! I'm new to model railroading. I've always wanted to since my Dad had a huge layout and worked at SP. But the wiring always scared me and so I didn't do it. Your videos really take the fear out of it~! I adore modeling of all kinds planes, cars, houses, cycles, boats.... The speed of the demonstration and the calm, easy manner that you teach is really great! I like the very specific what you need placed on the screen long enough to read it and write it down! I also like the this is why you don't do it part with the resistors.. because little blue things all look the same! LOL. Using a cell phone charger was a great idea! You can pick those up at any thrift store or good will for cheap!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+Anna Noe Thanks for the fantastic comment Anna, I'm glad you found it enjoyable to watch. The great thing about model railroading is it caters to all modelers of any skill level, right through from beginners to experts. Good luck with your model railroad. Cheers Luke.

[@Larrikins54]

Slick instructional video clearly explained and demonstrated . Hats off - there is lot of rubbish ion the net in this space. Yours are well produced.

[@peterroeland2640]

Very nicely done. This is something I will be undertaking in the not too distant future. I will however, be changing the wire connection set up to have male connectors on the power in side of the switch assembly and insulated female connectors on the out put to the switch machines: A, to prevent confusion between in and out B, To follow the same wiring protocols for my Christmas light set ups and 240 volt power (like extension leads they have male and female for a reason) and C because my OCD says so. Oh I also love the Blue tack solution for holding "whatever" to be soldered - brilliant idea.

[@tjfSIM]

Luke, you're an absolute legend - this is exactly the tutorial I needed for the control panel I hope to make. Thanks for explaining it so clearly, it really helped.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+tjf4375 No worries mate, glad it was helpful. I'm about to rebuild another control panel but I'll be using the same method as this one. Cheers Luke

[@waldenhouse]

VERY good tutorial Luke. Nicely explained with "jargon". Well done!

[@richardredcastle7911]

Another great tutorial Luke. Using blue tack is a ''why didn't I think of that'' thing! Good explanation and demo of resistor usage for LED's. Cheers.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Richard Redcastle lol, for ages I was just trying to wedge stuff against other things and it would always move right when I didn't want it to, when I did eventually work out that blue tack does a fantastic job of holding things I thought to myself "Why didn't I think of this ages ago!". Thanks for the great feedback Richard.

[@richiesquest3283]

what a great tutorial thanks to people like you ive learnt more from the internet than i ever did at school.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+richies quest Cool, that's really good to know. I'm glad people are able to pick up and learn some info from my videos. Thanks for the great feedback and comment. Cheers Luke

[@mach37]

I wish I had seen this when you first posted it; I already made my switch panel, but I am going to re-do it in this much tidier manner. A ton of information and how-to-do-it; most videos I have seen on making panels are 3 or 4 times as long, and not nearly so neat.

[@Fughley]

excellent how to video Luke. great explanation of why resistors are important and how to change the light output with a change in resistance. keep them coming!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+Christopher Bryant Thanks mate, don't worry I've got plenty more videos in the works! Cheers Luke.

[@peetywondr3256]

Luke, GREAT! tutorial. I am doing this part of my layout right now and the only difference is, I'm using two color LED's (red / green). I've placed them so the the green side is for straight thru and the red side is the diverging route. One lead (red) gets a 470 Ohm resistor, other (green) side gets 3K resistor, because the green, by far, out shined the red. This configuration "balances" out the LED brightness. I know this is more resistors than your common cathode method but resistors are cheap . . . I have these tied to a small circuit board that has a logic gate chip (NAND gate) to "hold" the LED on since i don't use switch machine that can withstand a constant voltage to be applied, just a quick "pulse" to activate the solenoid. Operation is simple with a DPDT momentary switch. A quick touch of the switch throws my turnout and switches the LED color to the corresponding color. I'm running DC only . . . Also, glad to know I'm not the only one still using Paint for graphic work.

[@ForkliftVideos]

Like the blue tack idea. I'll be trying that, thanks

[@rgs455atw]

Very well done. Clear and to the point, just what I need to wire my control panel. I think the only thing I will do different is use a different color LED, maybe green for straight and red or yellow for divergent.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Bill Beverly That sounds like a very good idea Bill, I also considered doing that however I couldn't get my hands on bi colored LED's in time to do the video. Thanks for the great idea and comment. Cheers Luke.

[@davidcurtis5398]

I very much like this way of making a panel. I think that I will do the same from now on and I am in the first stages of a new layout. In the past I would put the switches in the middle of the turnout diagram and then there was not enough space for the lED's... Thanks for doing this video.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Glad to have helped you David 😊

[@adhamkamal6272]

This is an EXCELLENT tutorial in both content and presentation.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

wow thanks for the fantastic compliment :) Cheers Luke

[@markloyd5082]

This is an EXCELLENT tutorial in both content and presentation. Many thanks.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+Mark Loyd No worries Mark, thanks for watching. Cheers Luke

[@PhillipMcCallum]

You explained the wiring well now i understand how it works thank you

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Phillip McCallum No worries Phillip, the real star is the blue-tack! Its amazing how simple yet effective it is for all sorts of things.... not just holding up "Star Wars" posters in my room! Although they had to go a long time ago and got replaced with canvas paintings of flowers and sunsets! Happy Wife, Happy Life ;-) Cheers. Luke.

[@peterpocock9062]

Ah Luke, you've done it again! This time you've saved me a heap of wiring, well done. I've got a dozen tortoise switch machines to wire up and they're all aver the place like Brown's cows! Cheers Pete

[@ultimatehorizonsbusinessso5714]

Hi Luke, always enjoy your videos. They are easy to follow and very informative. Thanks

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries mate, glad you enjoy them

[@duckofftopic207]

Very nice work, patience of a saint and great attention to detail. I Cant stop watching!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+eric coots thanks Eric, glad you enjoy the videos Cheers Luke

[@fergusonrail]

Nice video Luke. Clearly presented and tidy wiring. Good to see other aussies inspiring modellers too. I'm designing my panel now and looking into laser cutting the face plate.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Ferguson Bros Rail No worries mate, I checked out your channel as well. Pretty well done! Thanks for the great comment. Cheers Luke

[@andyg1645]

Very professional presentation (as ever), easy to follow and understand.

[@joshuasmith5979]

Hey Luke, your video was very good and helpful. You had stated that the long wire was the positive. After making up a few of them as the way you described in your video, my lights did not work as they were supposed to. I had bought a package of 300 3mm bulbs of various colors. After a few hours I figured out that that the positive of these bulbs was the short wire. Really not sure why.

[@crown56travel]

You are very talented individual. It pisses me off. Lol. Love your scenery and Dioramas too. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@rakshitbhatt4168]

AWESOME work dude I can't even imagine that it can be sooooooo easy....I m new in doing all diy stuff...but your video helped me so much that now I m building up a whole setup of transport system at my home with my friends...but needs a lot of investment😂😂but really I appreciate your work well done!!hats off!!

[@Castlebridge-00]

Your panel looks very neat. Please take this as a compliment as I am going to copy your idea. Many thanksBarry. Devon

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+OBowner No worries mate, I put the video up for people to use the ideas so it's a compliment for sure :) Cheers Luke

[@cokidjazz]

Thanks Luke, some real good ideas, got some of "Pen" soldering flux. Good investment. Keep up the good work

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Great how to. Using blue tack is a great idea. I will use that since my wires are always in the way.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Scott Downey Thanks Scott, it's funny because I was doing this for ages with wires going everywhere and getting in the way before I stumbled across blue tack! Thanks for the great feedback.

[@JonnyTeMoni]

Thanks Luke, This Will Come in Handy for my Layout with isolating Regions

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Jonte Te Moni thanks Jonte, I'm glad the video was helpful. Cheers Luke.

[@jhonny1392]

Thanks a lot for this Great Vid, Luke. I've just discovered your channel and all your Vids are very instructives and very well done, as well. I wanna thank you very much for taking the time and sharing what you've learn about this great hobby. You English guys, are the Best in model railroding. What I like the most from you, is the fine way to work you all have in this hobby. Many cheers for you from Chile (South America), John.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

jhonny1392 Thanks John, I'm very happy that you like my videos. I'm planning to continue to make many more videos as I gradually build my model train layout. It's good to hear great comments like your's, it keeps me motivated to continue making these videos.Thanks again, Cheers Luke

[@jhonny1392]

Luke Towan Well, fair is fair my friend. You've done a great job with this Panel, so you deserve great comments as well !., but the real value into all this is the fact that you've decided to share this expierence with the rest of the world and people like me, that are located at the other side of the world (literally) and where this hobby is a luxury, could have the chance to watch very good railway modeling like yours !. We really appreciate that !. So, please keep going.

[@rogersea6529]

brilliant explanation ! - also very clear video - thanks !

[@carte1209]

Excellent Luke thanks for your great videos.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Carl, thanks for watching :)

[@ChessieFan2]

Really well done how-to and a great looking control panel! Nice work and thanks for sharing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ChessieFan2 Thanks for the comment, its simple but effective and most of all pretty easy to make. I appreciate the positive feedback, cheers.

[@christopherkingsland4604]

Absolutely excellent instructional video.

[@JoseRodriguez-cf8oc]

Excellent work!! Following this!!

[@Steven_Rowe]

Hello Luke, luv yer work. I do like the modularity of each switch, not something I do but perhaps should. I use cobalts on mu O gauge layout. I feed them via a 12 volt plugpack and use Jaycar standard dpdt standard toogles. I use one chang over contact on the cobalts to power the frog on my live frog points Im building a control panel and wanted to use leds Im thinking of using red green bi polar led and simply wiring them in parallel with the turnout power so they turn green when the road is set and red when Its not. Think this should do the trick. Your a very practical no nonsense keep it simple bloke and that is what I like.

[@peterpocock9062]

Well done Luke. I was going to ask why you did not use one the switches on the Cobalt, but then you would have to run a whole lot more wires! Duh! I use cat 5 cable for all my Cobalt and Tortoise installs and over the quite long distances. Never had an issue. The Cobalts draw only tiny amounts of power! You may like to consider this. It's easier soldering the smaller wires to small lugs too.

[@oceancity2006]

Well impressed. Will be very useful for my layout which is in construction. Regards Robert

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Ocean City Thanks Robert, I'm glad you found the video useful. Cheers Luke.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Luke, great advice and help

[@williamarseneau1575]

That's really slick!! Thanks for posting

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+William Arseneau No worries mate, glad you liked it. Cheers Luke

[@MrSteve666999]

Brilliant thanks for sharing I will be doing this in the near future, much appreciated. Steve

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

MrSteve666999 G'day Steve, I glad the video has helped. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@MrSteve666999]

No worries mate

[@nalinpremaratna925]

Thank you, excellent video

[@FarlandHowe]

Well done instructional. Your system results in a neat and clear to understand system.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Rob McCrain Cheers Rob, sometimes it can be difficult to understand wiring switches and LED's and I tried to make it as clear as I could. So I'm very happy to hear that it has come across clearly.

[@ricwolt]

Just watched you video, great job. Clear explanation thank youRichard Brisbane Aus

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

+Richard “on the move” Wolters Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video Cheers Luke

[@philnewman1110]

Hey Luke, Brilliant video as always.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Phil, glad you liked it Cheers Luke

[@voodooutt]

Hey there. Thanks for the video! I am wondering if this can be modified to accommodate a pushbutton? instead of the double pole double switch, use a momentary pushbutton to change the track direction and light the appropriate LED.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Very useful - thank you.

[@nobbyse16]

Great tutorial, really informative and easy to follow. You have inspired me to greater things!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Colin Bailey Thanks Colin, even if I only inspire one person then it's worth it ;-) Thanks for the great comment. Cheers, Luke.

[@antonioramirezyramos9602]

Muy buen video, muchas gracias.🐕🐕✌️❌️

[@markking8333]

Only just subscribed although I had seen some of your videos before. Great vid for the control panel, very clear and instructive and one I'll be following as I'm soon to be making one for my NEW layout. Also just seen your Grass applicator which I'll review as I had started to make one using the electrics from a fly swat but never got around to completing it. Yours look very tasty. Many thanks for your time and efforts. Definitely one channel to follow.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Mark King Thanks heaps Mark, I haven't tried the fly swatter technique for the static grass applicator but I have seen some people get really good results. I'm sure you'll be very impressed with the results you get. Thanks for subscribing ;-) Cheers Luke.

[@bforcier991]

Hi, there, just wondering how I could improve on this method and use 2 colors LEDs and have them change color from green to red and the other one from red to green when pressing on the switcher. Any ideas? Thanks

[@panoramix3192]

Gold! Thank you :)

[@williamparker3765]

Hello Luke, thanks for your video very easy to follow, but a question please, I see you are connecting to the Tortoise point motor, how do you connect to Hornby point motors because they have three wires not two as in the Tortoise. Please forgive my ignorance, I am new to the model world.

[@flightsimmer9809]

This is a fantastic video thank you so much. Can i ask towards the end of the video when you said you connected the wires in series when you are connecting the wires are you soldering 2 wires onto one conecter to feed into the other for example 2 black wires connected to one female that plugs into a female then repeat for the others. Also is that a DC cobalt point motor and do you use the connectors at each end you didnt mention that on the video. Many thanks

[@lionellance]

Great job... thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance

[@rauti73]

Brilliant Luke Thank you very much !

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I Rauti I Thanks mate, I very appreciative of the great feedback.

[@wesap1]

Very nece. Looks like a good project for me. Thanks

[@davidsamuels1954]

Very neat job. I will be watching this a lot when I wire my layout. Could you possibly show how you wire underside of a layout neatly?

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I'm in the process of building a new layout so i'll be sure to post some new wiring videos when I get to that stage. Thanks for watching :) Cheers Luke

[@conrail079]

Excellent video, good job

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

conrail079 thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video. cheers Luke

[@jgriff4222]

This looks simple !! Im running N scale. I will set the panel up as you described. Question: can i run another set of lights to the track as indicators also, with the transister or am i limited to just one set of lights for the panel

[@kevintregunna]

Hi Luke great how to liked and subscribed cheers Kevin

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

kevintregunna Cheers Kevin, thanks for the positive feedback and sub. I've got plenty more videos to come :)Luke

[@anthonysurman8192]

Hi Mate Great video. Will this set up work with Cobalt iP Digital Motors ? Cheers

[@williammosher9278]

Great how to video.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

william mosher Hi William, thanks for the positive feedback.

[@eileencoles682]

Hi Luke Great video very helpful I have wired the lights and the switches and everything works but when I connect to the switch machine the lights blow. Any suggestions. Kind regards Bob

[@fulhamboy70]

Fantastic video Luke, I wanted LED’s to show the throw of the point. 2 questions, what switch would you need to throw 2 points at the same time facing each other ? (My original use for a DPDT switch), is there such a switch, and, I use Gaugemaster PM1 point motors, does that change the wiring on the DPDT as the polarity is changed in the point motor ? Many thanks

[@THEINSANESOCIETY]

May I presume this will not work with peco solenoid motors? Perhaps you may suggest as to what switch/wiring would be required for that scenario??

[@joe.a5350]

Great Video tutorial

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Do you need a resister using the coleslaw. Point motor, previous video stated resister included in point motor

[@milepost41railfanproductio24]

Luke, I love this video on wiring a switch panel. May I ask how I can include a signal on my railroad to this scheme. Another words, when the switch is flipped I'd get a green or red signal lining the route on my layout. Thanks, Doug

[@TrainQuest-Model-Railroad]

Very nice video tutorial 🚂

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

no worries mate :) thanks for watching :) Cheers Luke

[@tradejason956]

I need a third wire for my servo set up. No toggles machine. Third wire tells servo to move. Where would I solder this wire to on the switch. Just don't work out for me. Having bit trouble. This vid has saved me so much time and so well explained

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Jason Longman Hi Jason, you've got me at a blank there! I'm not familiar with servo motors at all. It's something I'll be looking at in the near future because I plan to use a servo to animate a fence for an industry I'm planning. I guess you could try some forums for answers. I've seen it done on a layout that used push button switches. Sorry I couldn't help you, but thanks for the question and great feedback. Cheers Luke.

[@tradejason956]

Luke Towan. Great worked it out. Need a 3pole switch so u can add the arduino uno. Got it today and works perfect. Doing the programme was hard but eventually found a 9 servo 9 switch code on line. This way u need to run separate 5 v or 6v for servo. I have now completed half. Is anyone interested and think I should post it. But thanks to Luke for doing the part where I think is harder.

[@ianpotter1253]

Luke, as usual a fantastic presentation, clear and concise instructions. May I ask 2 questions, can you tell me where you obtain the led and resistors, my local Jaycar cannot help and the 2 nd question, will a 2 amp power supply be too big. Thanks.

[@Arrowone-xj1cl]

Hey Luke what switch machine did you use and when installing the wires into the switch machine didi you follow instructions off the switch machine?

[@phillipg1588]

I plan on doing something similar except using push button switches and bi-color (green and red LED's). Green for points in normal position and red when points are reversed.

[@friesianstallion151]

Excellent tutorial. Only questions I have are: 1. The type of resistor used. I’m having trouble finding what you specify. 2. How you connected all the components in sequence.

[@BarneySaysHi]

The resistor used here is a 6K2, or 6,200 Ohm resistor, 0,25 Watts.

[@davidrobinson8224]

Hi Luke, Excellent video on wiring up point switch board, only thing is I don't think this would work on SEEP PM1 point motors. Not having much luck in my searches for circuitry so if you have any ideas they would be much appreciated. Best Rgds, Dave R

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Great share! How many volts run through your bus lines? And, how many volts travel up your feeders to the track? Thanks!

[@H105]

Can you use the pre-wired(resisted) leds instead of fiddling with the resister?

[@mjtunstall1976]

nice! so simple i can followbwhat is happening, i prefer toggles on the track diagram less confusion

[@patrickmasse7159]

your videos are always well done. I can't ear the value of the resistor you use. If using a Tortoise switch machine, where would you solder the red wire ? on 1 or on 8 ?? thank you very much for your help.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I can't think off the top of my head but I think there is a diagram on the Tortoise instructions showing where the wires will need to go. I've been using 6.2K Ohm resistors on my control panel to dim the brightness of the LED's 😀

[@giacomopeters9988]

Watch this fairly short video. So impressive!

[@agustipadrosrios1073]

Hi Luke! Did you say you used Microsoft Paint to create the paper design of your layout?

[@christopherboschert8615]

Where do you get the bulbs and switches I'm having a hard time finding them. Could I use an 8k resistor with 20mah bulbs and 6 amp switch

[@leslebreton]

Thank you, very illuimating!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, thanks mate :)

[@Giddykippa65]

hi luke really love the videos im learning a lot i was just wondering i have marklin z gauge and the transformer has an output fell the track points which is about 8v what size/rating resistor would i need for 8v to stop the leds blowing please ? paul

[@austintupperware6071]

What did you use to make the panel that shows your layout (where you put those lights through the hole)?

[@HiFi39]

Casey Sanderson you can get all the parts at Maplin for this board Miniature DPDT slide switch. Hope this helps.