Large Scale Central

What to use to mark track layout on black plexi control panel?

Problem Solving
#1

This is another one of those dumb beginner questions. :stuck_out_tongue:

I’m assembling some local power distribution control panels for the track-powered portions of the DC&M. The panels are 1/4-inch thick black Plexiglas. What’s a good, reasonably permanent way to mark the track plan on the panel? It needs to stand sun and possibly some rain.

White paint is one obvious idea, but is there a better way? I’ve heard some people use “chart tape,” whatever that is, for this purpose. What the heck is “chart tape?”

More to the point, what has worked well for you? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Steve Seitel

#2

What about going to your local auto parts store and picking up some pin stripping tape. If it can stand up to auto usage then must be good for your app.

#3

Great idea, Randy. I never thought of that. Thanks!
Steve

#4

Hi Steve,
Randy’s suggestion of striping tape will work well,
it is very flexible and should run smoothly around
small radius turns.

Years ago when I was still playing with little trains
I built several panels from white plexi and used 1/16
mask tape to lay out the lines then sprayed the surface
with the gloss black “wrinkle finish” paint. Then, of course,
removed the tape. Made a neat durable finish.
Good Luck
Rick

#5

Steve, Free is best price. Stop by the local sign shop and pick up a bit of scrap sign vinyl. they have it in many colors to choose from. cut to the size you want, peel off the backing and stick down.

If your in a area with out a sign shop e-mail me and Ill send you more then you could ever use…

#6

Just a note - once you get your track plan put down with the vinyl tape and everything is like you want it. Over spray with a clear polyurethane to keep the striping from lifting. It pays to wipe plastic down with alcohol, before and after installing striping, lot’s of oil on your fingers as you rub the striping into place. :wink:

#7

From applying vinyl stencils, I learned that a bit of soapy water on the surface lets you slide the vinyl stencil around as you apply it. Over a few days, the water will pass through the vinyl and you’ll have a perfectly applied sticker.

I have been reading elsewhere about the method of laserprinting an image on parchment paper (in reverse) and then using an iron to heat transfer it to an aluminum cover. I’m guessing that looks pretty slick when done right.

#8

If you only knew how much plex we thur away at a sign shop… right now have 1 or maybe 2 truck loads of scrape…

#9

Thanks guys, all good suggestions. I have several things to try out now.

Steve

#10

Chart tape is what people used to make graphs before computer graphics became the norm. It comes in 1/8" to about 1/2" widths.

I’ve made control panels by placing the track outline on the BACK of the (clear) panel. Then paint the back black. When the paint is dry, remove the tape and spray the back again, this time with white. Then (from the front) you’ve got white lines on a black background. And the paint is away from weather and fading. Then you can drill holes for toggles, etc. Be sure to cut the outline tape to represent blocks before applying the black paint.

#11

Dick Friedman’s suggestion above is very effective. You then can clean the panel top without damaging tape or paint.
Another method is cover with clear plexiglass a computer generated graphic. Problem can be the paper graphic later gets stained from an open joint around the edge of the plexiglass and backer material.
Wendell

#12

Thanks Wendell. I made a small plexi panel for my air switches. It’s about three inches on a side, and has been sitting on the ground for about three or four years. It’s muddy and dirty, but (since there’s no electricity nearby) I just wash it off and it still looks good as new. Not sure I’ve got a picture of it, but tomorrow when it’s light, I’ll take a picture.