I added some switches and decided to rewire my switches on carpet central to the SC-2's. Previously no matter how I've tried assigning the numbers in a logical order, my memory always seems to require having to look at the ID print-out numbers I've attached to the tracks. There are 11 remote switches on the layout, with eight of these encompassing two separate cross-overs.

I'm curious what kind of numbering system others use.

I have a engine yard that connects to the Main Line. That is switch 1, then I go around the mainline clockwise and number the switches sequentially. Only those on the mainline. Then since I have a second main, I proceed in the same manner with those. Once that is done I go back to the sidings and if there is a secondary switch on a siding then I start with the siding with the lowest number and go through the switches on that siding, again sequential. And, go through all the switches on THAT siding, then procede to the next siding. I name the switches relative to where they are on the layout. Brewery/Culver Loader. Brewery since it is on the straight branch, Culvet Loader second since it is on the curved section. Other areas I will name relative to a physical location. Dinning Room window, Kitchen window, because those switches are close to the windows of the adjacent room.

I have 31 switches on the layout. I made signposts from very large round toothpicks. Made the signs with a label maker. the labels have the switch number twice like: I SW 14 SW14 I The I's represent the ends of the label. The labels are adhesive so I fold them around the toothpick,
drill a very small pilot hole in the homosote and stick the signs in place. Look pretty good and can be seen from anywhere around the layout.

Hi

i have a lot of switches and some are far away from where i normally stand to operate the layout. I got 'map pin flags'. they are rectangles, though they come in a lot of shapes. i put numbers on the flags like taylorra. because they are colored and about the size of a 'dime' i can see them from any part of the layout without bending over the switch to see a label-maker number, but they don't interfere in the scene. the pin is easy to push into most surfaces. a tiny drop of glue - almost any type -- keeps them straight and permanent.

they come in boxes of 15 or 25...don't remember the price...google map flag pins and you can find the shippers/options and prices

ralph

Switch numbers are available with Atlas Switches easily placed on the switch motors. My grandson likes the numbers.

quote:

Originally posted by taylorra:
I have 31 switches on the layout. I made signposts from very large round toothpicks. Made the signs with a label maker. the labels have the switch number twice like: I SW 14 SW14 I The I's represent the ends of the label. The labels are adhesive so I fold them around the toothpick,
drill a very small pilot hole in the homosote and stick the signs in place. Look pretty good and can be seen from anywhere around the layout.

Any chance you can show a photo of one??

Thanks

Here's my solution to switch numbering. This is a TMCC switch control panel. Like the old style panels just push the button for the appropriate turnout. No numbers to try to remember or find. What you can't see is that there are only 3 wires from this panel - power, common and the TMCC switch command that goes to the Command Base unit. This panel is for a passenger terminal and handles 2 SC-2s or 12 turnouts. I'm in the process of building other panels for other parts of my layout and then I have plans to do a main panel that will show and control the entire track plan. I can have multiple panels controlling the same turnouts.
I brought this panel to York and had a working demonstration. There was zero interest. I find the control panels indispensible when running my layout.

I've (SoCalStu )attached these to posts as separate signs or, if you have above table switch machines, you could attach them to the machines, or, perhaps to dummy switch stands.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Carl_Heinz,