The Cashaway Valley Railroad

With connections to the Norfolk & Western Railway

"On time and on track to the future"

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     The original CVRR control panels were stained 1/8' wood with the schematic layed out using engineering chart tape. Once the conversion to DCC started, it became obvious that these panels would have to go.  I had seen some very nice plexiglass panels in various model layout photos.  That, I decided, was the way to go.

     On my layout, I calculated that 4 panels were required, a Mainline Panel, a panel for the Oak Hill industrial area, a panel for the village of Hillside and of course a panel for the Yard.

     The size was determined by the size of the facia board around the railroad and the number of tracks to be displayed on the schematic.

     I used a CAD program to design the schematics for each of the panels.  It would have probably been just as easy to use a ruler and a pencil.  Anyway, the drawings confirmed that the size I wanted, 5" high by 9" long, would be adequate for the schematic, toggles and lettering.

     I purchased 4 pieces of  Plexiglass cut to size for $20.00 (this was 1998).  I also purchased two drill bits designed for Plexiglass.  They have a little point on them which seems to prevent cracking.  Key point:  Drill slowly!!!

     I printed the Cad drawings and used them as a drilling guide.  Simply taped them on the face of the panel and drilled 1/8' holes where ever I had noted a hole.  I then redrilled larger holes for toggles with a 3/8" drill bit.

     I went back to the Cad program and reversed the drawings, (mirror image).  This gave me the template to tape to the front side of the panel with the schematic showing through to the back of the panel.  I them used Chart tape to layout the schematic on the back side of the panel.  To be honest, this does get confusing.  After I had the Chart tape the way I wanted it,  I simply spray painted the back of the Panel with Testors Hunters Green.

     After this had dried, I pulled the Chart tape off and spray painted the back of the panel with Testors yellow.

     I use Woodland Scenics dry transfer lettering to letter the panel.  Once I was satisfied with the lettering I sprayed the panel, liberally, with Dullcote to set and protect the dry transfer lettering.

     If you are wondering what the toggles are for, I use doublepole, double throw toggles to set up the power routing for the switch machines.  I then press the little red button to throw the turnout.  The little holes visible in the photo are for LEDS which I have not yet installed.  I use the other side of the double pole toggle for power to the LEDS. 

     Not real sophisticated, but everyone who has operated on the CVRR seem to either like the technique or adapts to it quickly.