Touch Toggles for Turnout Control

One of my goals for this model railroad is to try new technologies and techniques that can improve my modeling experience, and create a more enjoyable, authentic model railroad.  On the previous layout, I initially had control panels with Rotary-switch block controls, and DPDT switches to control turnouts.  When I converted the layout to DCC, I eliminated all block controls.  I also decided to convert to turnout control using DCC accessory decoders.  While this worked well, visitors to the layout found it difficult to remember turnout numbers, and how to throw the turnouts using the handheld throttles.  A new product has been introduced, Touch Toggles from Berrett Hill Trains.  I decided to give these a try after evaluating them at a couple of train shows.

I am using Tortoise slow motion switch machines to control turnouts on the entire layout.  The town of Dolores has ten turnouts, and the Lost Canon stock pens has one, for a total of eleven turnouts to be controlled by Touch Toggles.  I purchased two four-output Direct System packages, each of which consist of a four-output Direct Base, four one-light Touch Toggles (which change color from red to green), and a 12-volt power supply.  I also purchased two additional two-output Direct Bases, two one-light Touch Toggles, and a new Mini-Cup Toggle, to control the lone turnout in Lost Canon.

I mounted the Direct Bases to the layout framing, and connected the power supply to the 110 volt layout power.  I plugged the Touch Toggles into the Direct Base, and the Tortoises are wired up to the screw connectors on the  Tortoise connectors.  This is much easier than soldering to the Tortoise.  Note:  the turnouts in Dolores are connected using SNAPS! wiring connectors from Accu-lites.  Similar connectors are available from Berrett Hill Trains; solder-style edge connectors are available from Greenway Products.  All turnouts in the Durango portion of the layout make use of the Greenway Products edge connectors.  I personally prefer a connector with screw terminals.

The Mini-Cup Toggle is intended for installations where a single control is needed, such as at the Lost Canon.

These are the Touch Toggle components used on each end of Dolores.  At the top is the 110 volt power supply.  From left to right are the:  4-position Direct Base; 2-position Direct Base; 5 single-light Touch Toggles; Mini-Cup Toggle.  Located below the Direct Base units are the #6x3/4" screws used to mount the Direct Base to the layout framework.  Note that only one power supply is required.  The Direct Bases can be connected together by removing the red cover from the pins, and plugging them together. 

Rio Grande Southern reaches Dolores, CO

I recently completed the trackwork into Dolores, Colorado.  The latest expansion to the layout consists of the crossing of the Animas River just outside Durango.  The track then passes by the Lost Canon stock pens, and climbs up a 1.75% grade into the town of Dolores.  The photos show that the diorama containing the Depot, Goose Barn, Toilet Building, and Gas Pump has been installed in a new location, compared to the previous track plan.  This demonstrates that track plans are fluid, and subject to change as construction progresses.  Future buildings include the Dolores Feed and Fruit Warehouse, Ford Dealer, Water Tank, and Pump House.  Eleven turnouts are in place, and controlled by Tortoise slow-motion switch machines.  The track is Code 55 Flex Track by Micro Engineering, and the No. 6 turnouts are scratchbuilt using Fast Tracks fixtures.  Turnout control, which is to be installed, will be accomplished using Berrett Hill Trains Touch Toggles.  Wiring has been completed, and trains have successfully negotiated the new trackwork into Dolores.  The following photos show the progress so far.

Rio Grande Southern bridge over the Animas River.

Overview of the Lost Canon trackage.  The Animas River bridge is to the right; the turnout will service the Lost Canon Stock Pens.  In the distance can be seen the town of Dolores.

Dolores CO.  Original diorama installed in permanent location on the layout.  Two inch blue foam was used as the base for the module, and additional sections. 

Overview of the town of Dolores.  The original diorama is located in the distance.  The ashpit/locomtive service tracks have been added.

A closer view of the original Dolores diorama, with the locomotive service tracks installed.

A view of the Dolores Depot installed in the layout.

View showing how the Dolores diorama was integrated into the layout.

The Dolores, CO CONOCO oil facility.  This is a Raggs...to Riches kit.  The main line will curve around to the left behind the oil facility.

Updated Trackplan

I have updated the track plan as follows.  Note that Ridgway has been moved to the end "blob", with a return loop added for continuous running.  This eliminates the need for a second deck.  Yes indeed, this track plan has been undergoing continuous modification.  However, construction is also proceeding.  The track is complete into Dolores, and is the subject of the next post.

Rio Grande Southern Railroad, v2.4.  Track from Dolores  to Ridgway is subject to change.