Turnout Indicators for an HO Model Train Layout

In my case with the Atlas turnout, I needed some sort of latching circuit to remember the state of the turnout as it is not constantly energized; it is only hit with an electric current for a short time in order to change the direction of the track.

Through some online searching I found this great web page offering instructions on how to build a turnout indicator system for many different makes/models of turnouts.

Once I successfully tested the turnout indicator circuit on the breadboard by connecting it to one of my electric turnouts on my layout it was time to commit it to a perf board. Perf board is basically a predrilled printed circuit board with copper pads on one side which you can solder electronic components to make circuits.
Here is a picture of the completed turnout indicator circuit board component side.

This perfboard contains seven turnout indicator circuits, one for each turnout in my layout.

Here is a picture of the completed turnout indicator circuit board foil side where electronic components are soldered to make the circuits.

Now it was time to permanently mount the turnout indicator board onto my control panel. This is the big circuit board in the picture above.

Here is a picture of the control panel with the turnout indicator LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These are the lights that are red and green next to the switches labeled SW1 through SW7. The LED turns green when the turnout is set so that the model train will go straight through the turnout track and red when the model train will get diverted to the branch rails of the turnout track. Please see picture.

Finally here is a picture of how the turnouts are electrically connected to the control panel. I use terminal blocks to make quick secure connections between the turnout track terminals and the control panel.

So with some basic knowledge of electronics and a little time you to can build a turnout indicator system as described in this Squidoo Lens.

Armadillo Railroad Website


Intro to model railroading on NMRA Website