My next big step is to complete my wiring and build a control panel. How about some picture from you "Oldtimers" out there so I can steal some ideas!!!!!!
John,
While you're waiting, do a Google search for "model railroad control panels". You will find 1,790,000 web sites. The NMRA site is a good place to start.
http://www.nmra.org/beginner/CtrlPanel.html
I'm not an oldtimer yet, but pushing it a bit. :D
Bob
Get a piece of 1/4" ply 1' x 2' or what size you want. drill holes for toggles if you line them up or draw a schematic of your layout and mount the toggles where they belong. DPDT center off for blocks and momentary contact for switches if you use solenoid type or smaller DPDT for motor switch machines. Or do what a lot are doing now, Get a descent DCC system like Dynamis or Digitrax's Zephyr and control everything from the handheld DCC unit, including switches. Only a couple of wires for a small layout.