Model Railroad Control Panel

Summary of Steps
1. Create layout on Powerpoint (leave 1/4" to 3/8 " margins all around)
2. Print out on color laser printer at Staples (use same printer each time for consistent magnification)
3. Have Staples laminate using their heat lamination process (middle thickness laminate)
4. Using metal punch, locate holes on metal backing using laminated layout as a template
5. Drill out holes in metal backing.
6. Punch out holes in laminated layout using hollow punch chisel set
7. Install switches through laminated layout sheet and metal.backing

[@maypoleman]

Your patience is amazing. Really enjoyed your video, its important to learn what not to do as well. A big thank you.

[@ACLTony]

Very well done! This would work for small and club sized layouts. Thank you for sharing this.

[@RM-io7qo]

The final result of your control panel is truly awesome! Well made. Take care...

[@conorleroy2362]

You all probably dont care at all but does someone know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost my password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.

[@hudsonmarcus8880]

@Conor Leroy Instablaster :)

[@conorleroy2362]

@Hudson Marcus thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@conorleroy2362]

@Hudson Marcus it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@hudsonmarcus8880]

@Conor Leroy You are welcome =)

[@plantfoot6672]

Great shuff I went through the same learning curve , I ended up using a black plastic clip board A4 size which was 2.5 mm thick

[@billclark81]

Great idea. Just starting my layout. Are you using the Kato to power your switches? Is that a Dcc next to it?

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

Yes it is.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

excellent video, I learned a lot thanks

[@ingor.522]

When working with metal sheets don't forget to drill bigger holes for any kind of insulating stuff of the electronical components, I did the mistake myself and was wondering and concerned about a short circuit onto my control panel, so tha me changed the panel sheet into a 3 mm hard paper like PC board material to eliminate the short circuit problem until I found out the mistake I did.

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

Good point. Thanks for you comments

[@davidlang9087]

You're really good with that damned Power Point!!! Also do you have stock in a toggle switch company?

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

I wish I did, but no

[@ScottiesTrains]

How big are the panels? 11x14?

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

9 X 12

[@loustrains2053]

Have you tried pcb board?

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

No I did not.. That could work because it is .062 thick

[@johnnyappleseed8995]

Do it on some hardboard

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

I thought of that but the thinist hardboard I could find was 1/8" and it was too thick for the switches.

[@niteshkumargaur8539]

first to comment.

[@LTBROYT6A]

Tom, Your method looks great,I might try it myself, thanks for the video !!! Barry.