Turnout Control

Goal

When the dispatcher/computer system is off, turnout control remains with the local panel. If the dispatcher is on, turnout control is from the dispatcher's levers, and the local control is ignored. The dispatcher can return control to the local panel by flipping the "Switch Lock" toggle to the unlock position.

Signal Levels

All signals are active low.

For turnout position (Normal/Reverse), Reverse is considered active.

For turnout lock (Lock/Unlock), Lock is considered active. This will allow local control of turnouts if the dispatcher control electronics are turned off.

Alternatives

The local turnout control in Chubb's book has three-position toggles on the local panel (Remote,Normal,Reverse). This was not chosen in order to minimize the complexity of the local panels.

Separate lock toggles on the local panel were also ruled out to reduce local complexity.

Current Local Panel Wiring

For automation and future CTC control, two mainline turnouts in Lumby have had decoders attached and the local panels modified to allow control from the local panel, throttles or computer controlled. As well, four turnouts in Vernon to allow for control from multiple local panels. For these turnouts, SPDT toggles have been replaced with SPDT momentary centre off toggles

Commercial Possibilities

To achieve our objectives, we are using RR-CirKits and N3IX circuit boards.

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Most recent update: 2025 March 11 by Peter U