Model Railway layout update January 2025: Elvenhome N Gauge Model Railway Ep 173

In this video of my N Gauge Model Railway layout Elvenhome, I can update you on the plans for building a control panel for Elvenhome including the electronics that will allow me to retro-fit LED directional lights; I can also update with the plans for the Underground layout and the electronics that will control that. Two running sessions to balance all the talk, all with LMS engines in Crimson Lake - although two of them had to wait for preservation to be painted in that colour.
The video I mention in that explains the units I am going to be using to control the LEDs can be found here
• See how your Points ar...
Clive Heathcote's website is
www.heathcote-...

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Good afternoon Stephen. Highly informative video around the intricacies of control panel planning and building. The momentary switches - make sure you leave sufficient room between switches and lights on the underside of the panel display - just in the same way as you mentioned re the topside. If I could offer any advice I'd move the LED'S a bit away from the switches. When they are close together they tend to merge together ( mind you could just be my eyes 👀). This leads to the route nor being clear to see. Great to see the trains running not once but twice ! The Heathcote Electronics are great bits of kit. Clive drew me a wiring diagram to allow me to wire in a CR Signals 3 aspect with two route indicators - could never have done it without his help. Just three weeks to MRS !! Cheers Euan

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Euan and thanks. Your comments arrived just as I had finished punching out all the holes in the template to see if there was enough space. I had almost kidded myself that it was probably OK when I read your comment. So they were both timely and helpful (as usual). I have however confirmed that the red circle is the right diameter for the retaining nut and the diameter of the LED fascia caps. So I have spent the last hour moving things around the mimic diagram. I think I am there now but will punch them out tomorrow and see. Thanks for your advice. Tony from the Heritage Line is free between 11-12 on Friday so maybe we can arrange to meet up as we did last year. Donald is coming over too I think and Nat from Austin Valley is up on the Friday. Stephen

[@hayridgemodelrail4046]

A great video Stephen. I always enjoy anything that includes electrical work. As has been mentioned by @thegrowler-blackwoodngauge, make sure the base of the toggle switches have plenty of clearance. Looking forward to seeing more progress. All the best Allan.

[@highlandersixtysix]

Sat down with my tea and bacon sandwich this morning, and thoroughly enjoyed this hugely informative session. The reproduction of the layout in a format suitable for the control panel, allowing for the birds nest of wiring to switches and LEDs is no 'walk in the park', and is perhaps the most stressful part of the build for those of us who are not an electronics wiz. You rather deftly dropped in the tease of a possible shunting layout in the midst of talking underground, I laughed out aloud when I heard that - there is no end to the satisfaction of creativity in this hobby. The use of micro-LEDs for the signals is an absolute smasher, and Arthur's suggestion of them being heat-shrunk is so practical and effective - the responses in the comments section of your videos is a fabulous source of practical problem solving. Looking forward to catching up at MRS in a few weeks ~ Donald

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Donald. I need to work out how I am going to run all the wires. I think I shall have enough . The control panel plan has changed quite a bit in the light of the comments I have had back. I think I am going to get some thin plywood so that I can have a dry run at drilling everything and fitting everything in. (it will also give me a back up if everything goes belly up with the Perspex. Oh what fun. I'll message you separately about meeting up at MRS which will be good. Stephen

[@SC68]

Hi Stephen, enjoyed the video and the control panel should look great when it’s finished it will be a challenge getting all the components wired in but know you will nail it! Always enjoy your running sessions! Bring it in every two weeks as you say once it gets to 30 minutes it’s about the limit of a video. Cheers Gary

[@Elvenhome]

Thanks Gary. Working in the control panel is going to be a challenge and I am not going to rush it. Already completed a revealing test fit of the control panel design which you will see in the next video. I had to leave a lot out in the last video and it still ran 33mins. I find it hard to watch that long, so moving to two weekly was plainly necessary. Stephen

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Interesting stuff Stephen, as regards the panel you also have to allow enough space around the switch body behind the panel. I found when drilling the holes i used a centre punch to mark the spot and it helped me get the hole in the exact spot, also i was advised to drill very slowly so the grill did not grab and crack the Perspex. May also be worth considering a master on off switch for the panel and potentially a switch for the layout lighting? Love the plan view looking down. All the best

[@Elvenhome]

@@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932 Thanks Chris. Evan’s comments arrived just after I had punched out the holes. They still looked too clustered and I have now moved things around. I had test fitted a switch a some LED holders in the paper to check on the size of the body. I’m going to see f I can get some thin ply so that I can make a mock up and test fit all the switched before I drill the Perspex. I’ve been watching a number of videos on drilling the Perspex. I have some cone drills and I’ve seen about drilling slowly and letting the drill do the work rather than forcing it through. Should be an adventure, and I do have second piece if I make a mess the first time. Stephen

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

@@Elvenhome Think i may have used a masonary drill?

[@Elvenhome]

Yes that’s one option, but also a cone drill which is what I have gone for. A funny looking thing and we shall see if I’ve chosen wisely 😬

[@afm1948]

Thanks for going with my tunnel signal suggestion and the mention. Best of luck with the control panel build and that Murphy stays home. cheers. Arthur

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Arthur. Very pleased to go with your suggestion which is going to work well. The control panel is going to test me but it should look good once it's finished. I defiantly agree about Murphy staying at home. Stephen

[@piccadillymodelrailways]

Lots of exciting things going on Stephen. Have to say I don't envy you with all that wiring, lol. I am certain it will be fantastic once youve done it. Not forgetting the new underground adventure, things become very real when you have the baseboards.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi John. The thought of all the wiring and soldering is quite daunting but it has to be faced. As I've said on other replies the Whisky cupboard is well stocked if things get too much to take. I'm really hopeful on the baseboards. I hope to be able to say more about those in the next video. Stephen

[@philnewman1110]

Hello Stephen, great video as always, with regards your control panel, I built some for my layout using a similar method to what you are doing. The difference was that I used the sheet of paper that you had the plan on and I used photo paper and best quality printing that I could and then used clear perspex (not acrylic as it shatters when you drill it) and put the clear perspex over the top so it saved on all the printing of names on it. I was quite pleased with the out come, looking forward to the next instalment! Well done.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Phil and thanks. I did check before I bought the white perspex that it could be drilled, and I have bought the cone drills which are recommended for drilling perspex. However if it doesn't work I like your approach and I will give that a go. At least I will know pretty quickly whether the perspex I have bought can be drilled or not. Stephen

[@iansngauge]

Good morning Stephen! Great work working out how you're going to make the control panel! I've decided that there are too many wires to deal with for a "physical" panel, and will be going down the DCC control route, with a tablet to switch points! Not sure exactly how I'm going to do this yet, but I'll figure it out eventually! :) The work on the Underground seems to be set to leave the planning stages soon! Those little LED's wrapped in heat shrink should be ideal for the lighting! Hope you figure something out with the baseboard builder, and the Underground stock isn't delayed for too much longer! Yay! Back to fortnightly videos! :) All the best, Ian.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Ian. The control panel design has changed quite a bit as a result of all the really helpful comments I've had. How to manage all the wire is testing me now, but solving problems is all part of the fun (so I keep telling myself). If I were starting again I would go with a controller that was app based and move to DCC control of points. My Prodigy is hopeless for controlling accessories (or using sound features), When I can get the wifi unit to keep its connection using my iPad to run trains is so much easier. I'm very hopeful on the baseboards for the Underground layout. Just waiting now for the 3D image for me to approve once the CAD has been completed. Stephen

[@iansngauge]

@@Elvenhome - Fun? Yeah! Right! :) I must admit that I hate controlling the actual trains using a tablet or phone! I love the physical buttons, dials and knobs that a handset gives me! However, like you say, they're hopeless for quickly controlling accessories, which is where a tablet wins for sure! I think sound control only comes into its own when you have automation on a layout, as you can initiate different sounds as a trains enter different blocks! Station announcements, horns, whistles, wheel screeches, braking sounds can all be triggered without you having to press a single button! Can't wait to get to that stage - in a couple of decade's time maybe? Lol! Sounds promising with the baseboards! Good luck! Ian

[@TheHeritageLine]

Hi Stephen, Great update! plenty of different projects coming on. In regards to the control panel, When I designed mine for Goathland I did exactly what you did, but the thing that caught me out was the nuts that hold the switches, I had some switches to close to each other and had to slightly alter my design, so if you haven't already, make sure the switches and lights actual will fit. I agree with the code 55 for the underground those inspection pits seem to be the best route to go, but you will see better once you mock up one track for the station. In regards to Glasgow I will be free between 11:00 -12:00 if you fancy a meet up on Friday. All the best Tony.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Tony. Thanks for the warning. I punched out the template this afternoon and one thing I was able to confirm is that the retaining nut does sit within the red circle. However you may have seen Euan's comment so I have now moved everything around to give more space. I would dearly loved to have built the Underground layout in Code 40 but the Inspection Pits make everything so much easier that going with Code 55 is a no brainer. Happy to meet up on the Friday at MRS. WE may do the same and meet near the AMRSS stand with Euan and a few others. I'll drop you a message on messenger as we firm up the plans. Stephen

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

Greetings Elvenhome and hello Stephen 👋 I built a control panel once 🤔 then accidentally reprogrammed the addresses of all the points 😳 thus began the Pointless Railway 😇 Excellent tips on making sure the switches are kept apart for ease of installation and later use 👍 everything always looks so neat on paper 😇 Great news that you're going bi-weekly again 😁 maybe with a return of two to watch 😉 Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Paul. At least with my points being DC powered I won't have to worry about reprogramming them. I've had some great responses to this video, so much so that the plan has been through four versions just today. I had so much material for this video I had to leave out quite a few things but I can pick those up in the next video. Stephen

[@lynganddistrict]

Wow Stephen a lot of work going to be done there - good luck with all the wiring - it can get very very confusing very quickly. As an ex Technology Teacher in schools, one tip for drilling the acrylic is to go slowly but also leave the thin film of material on the acrylic or place a square of masking tape over the hole before drilling. Acrylic has a tendency to be slippery and the drill will not bite at first, but it also helps from cracking when drilling. If you use a small drill first to just mark the hole then swap to the correct size it will help in locating the centre of the hole and avoid slippage. I am having great success with the 3mm bi colour LED's for my points (my video should be out soon) perhaps these in nano form would cut down on the wiring? Anyway I am sure you will do a great job and I certainly am looking forward to seeing how the end result looks. Regards Steve

[@Elvenhome]

Thanks Steve. Thanks for the tips on drilling the perspex. I've seen a few videos about drilling Perspex. I have bought some cone drills, yet another thing I have learned exists because of my model railway, which are supposed to work well. We shall see. I am just starting to work out how all the wiring will run, and all the helpful comments in response to this video has already caused the panel template to be quite substantially changed. I'm going to make sure I have several clear days before I start the wiring. I also have a good stock of whisky in case it all goes awry. Stephen

[@philbrown3685]

Hi Stephen, great update and great news the frequency may increase, lots to look forward to, cheers. phil

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Phil and thanks. There is enough going to on to allow me to do more frequent videos. I've almost got enough for a video just from the comments to this one. The control panel design has changed four times today alone!. Stephen

[@Avondaleandhalshawmoor]

Great vid Steven I'll be watching this closely as I've yet to start all the electronics on my layout....and like you I've masses of wiring!

[@Elvenhome]

Thanks Lloyd. I'm looking forward to starting this once I can be sure I have the design of the control panel mimic diagram right. I can't wait to loose all those messy wires. Stephen

[@Avondaleandhalshawmoor]

@Elvenhome yeah getting the planning done right the first time is gona help and save a lot of headaches.....and yards of wire 😄

[@jimoc2045]

Thanks for the heads up Steven on the Heathcote Electronics Point Indicators. My layout is N guage DC. So I'm well used to lots of wiring. I thought I had LED indicator lights for the points which are powered by the track. I then remembered that the LED's only work in one direction but only have provision for one LED. I then found some LED's which have two filaments. Wonderful, one LED that that lights up red for one direction and green for the other. Sounds good but then gets quite confusing, of which I'll spare you the details. Heathcote Electronics could well have the answer. Thanks againSteven, and keep up the good work.

[@Elvenhome]

Your's very welcome Jim. I was so pleased to come across them while I was looking at the shuttle unit. Hope they do turn out to help you too. Stephen

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Stephen. Since watching this video I have come to realise two things: 1) The bi-colour LEDs (which I do believe exist) were actually illuminated push buttons for my own control panel. 2) You only wanted amber LEDs, so bi-coloured LEDs were no use to you. I designed and printed my control panel layout using Libre's Draw application.

[@Elvenhome]

@@PaulSmith-pl7fo Hi Paul. I thought things would be clearer once you saw this video. I think I not settled on yellow LEDs after I recorded the December edition. Just need to work out the wiring runs and how to fit everything in. That is a bit of a challenge given how many points the panel is controlling, but one or two bright ideas came to me today. We shall have to see if they survive a nights sleep. Stephen.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

@@Elvenhome Good luck.

[@exehavenharbour]

Hi Stephen, great to hear you’ll be back every two weeks, I think I’ve been missing my regular dose of Elvenholme! I was trying to pay attention this episode and for the most part I did as I’m going to have to do the same thing but obviously from scratch but I do find the amount of wiring very off putting and to be honest daunting. It has also been in the back of my mind, will I be able to see all of the points and what direction they are, there is so much to think of, lol! So I shall watch with interest as you go about doing this. I’m not even sure yet if I’ll have one central control board or to break it down into separate control panels for each section of the layout. I’m trying to keep the amount of points down to a bare minimum too but the more I move on they seem to increase 🤦🏻‍♂. I was even toying at one point to just manually change them, I found in a box of stuff that I had acquired a lot of manual point lever throws which made it easier to turn them but I have a fair few point motors now and it would be a waste if i didn’t use them. I may use the the manual throws by the dockside, we’ll see. I’m really looking forward to the Underground layout, such an interesting project especially with all the building and so on. Also a hint for a shunting layout, much to look forward to! Lovely running session and I did really like that long rake of private owner wagons, I can see that becoming an obsession of mine once I get Exehaven really up and running. Anyway much like a long video I’ve gone on for too long, cheers for now Stephen, John

[@Elvenhome]

Hi John. I am going to need to go back to two weekly videos. There is going to be more than enough I think. I already have half a video in the changes to the control panel design following the many useful comments to the last one. The control panel is worrying me slightly because there is so much work to create it, and managing all those cables is making my head hurt a bit (although I think I may have over worried myself on that after a bit of careful thought and googling this morning). It is one of those things that is in the too difficult bucket when you start and can just about get your head around wiring the track. It's only later you realise how much easier it would have been to plan for it from the start and how much it will help to know where your trains are going to go. Still I hope others who, along with me, are daunted by the prospect of building one can learn from my attempt. I think you are right to split up the control panels if only to reduce what would otherwise be very long wire runs give the size of your layout. The private owner wagons do look good and most of them have had real ground coal glued over a polystyrene insert. It really makes a difference as the train trundles by. Stephen

[@middleportjunction]

Good day to you Sir. New subscriber here. Glad I’ve found your channel. Amazing layout and fabulous explanation of your intentions. Looking forward to seeing the next instalment. Regards Anthony

[@Elvenhome]

Thank very much Anthony and welcome to the channel. I think I am going to have my hands full over the next few weeks. Stephen

[@roystudds1944]

Always an education watching Elvenholme Stephen. Happy New Year to you. Quite a lot going on with the rewiring and the control panel. Good luck with that. Really enjoyed the running sessions too. Roy.

[@Elvenhome]

Thanks very much Roy. The control panel is quite daunting, and there is still a lot to work out as to where all the wires are going to go. If I can do it, it will make running everything so much easier. Stephen

[@davidrauger]

I haven't finished watching the video yet, but I wanted to share my concerns about the tube layout not being DCC. I agree from a running point of view, it will be fine. But lights!. When you stop the train, the interior lights will go out as well as the lights at the front of the train. I'm sure you lights find this annoying after a while. I've just been running in my class 41 on my son's DC layout and find irritating that the lights are dependent on the voltage applied to the track! I'm just concerned you Light regret going DC.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi David Thanks for your concern and for taking the time to comment. I did take a while to look at the options for running the layout and the shuttle units available both running in DC and DCC. The Heathcote shuttle unit, which also controls the platform signals and the infra red detectors gave me the best combination for all the things I looked at. Inevitably with whatever option I chose there would be trade-offs. I'm happy to sacrifice the lights for the many other benefits I can get using the Heathcote kit. We shall see if I am right, but if it really does bug me it will be easy to convert Stephen

[@PeterBarker-f3b]

Looking forward to seeing your control panel taking shape it is very daunting for myself to do mine i havea the leds on a test panel but cannot manage the plan.

[@Elvenhome]

Hi Peter. I do hope I manage to do this. I think it should all work, and it would be even better if it helped you settle your plan. Stephen

[@hayridgemodelrail4046]

Hi again Stephen, I was thinking that it might be worth using masking tape when you drill the perspex. As this will help give you a clean hole. Looking forward to seeing the results. Allan

[@Elvenhome]

@@hayridgemodelrail4046 Thanks Allan. Drilling the Perspex did have me worried. I’ve left the protective plastic on and bought some cone drills which are supposed to be good. At some point soon I shall have to put my learning and tools to use. Stephen