Having decided to go DCC to simply the wiring and switching in the yard, a review of all of my loco stock reveals that this decision is a reasonable direction as all of my freight locos (GP-35, SD70, etc.) are readily upgrade-able to DCC with drop-in decoders. But alas, my passenger locos (F7, Mikado, etc.) are not upgrade-able to DCC! That realized leads me to adjust my DCC decision as follows.
A major decision made ...
As I close in on having to install all of the electrical wiring, I've made the decision to "simplify" my life by going with DCC. Some might argue the point about simplification but being certainly quite comfortable with digital computing, that side of things is likely a minimal challenge. The simplification of that I speak relates to the complexity of the wiring and block control switches that I would have to install on the Central End module.
Cabling up the "remote" turnout controls
Operating two controls using a single cable assembly
In two situations on this module, I have opposing turnouts that it make sense to operate them in a ganged arrangement. The BullFrog turnout control solution allows for this using a connecting rod installed at the first of the two controls that allows having the cable assembly continue on to control the second unit.
Another tight fit
Horizontal installations
Continuing to build up turnout controls
The new turnout control solution
I've received my first order of BullFrog turnout controls from Fast Tracks. I've started with acquiring five controls and I built up four of them and installed them as seen in these photos. This solution definitely has no issues with keeping the points in the proper position!
Concerns about the turnout controls
It has been a number of years since the Central End Module was last worked on ... what little time that was spent on modeling focused on detailing the Canyon Module and my daughter's 30° module. On the horizon is the 2015 National Train Show to be held in Portland and I'm getting the urge to take this module to the next level so that it can be included in that event. Given some time playing with the module at home, my real concern at this point is that the turnout control solution isn't reliable enough and I can't see moving forward with the module completion without dealing with this issue head on.
The Central End Module goes public
Most of the track laid
Another turnout control improvement
Another modification that I've implemented with the Hump Yard Purveyance controls is shown here. One thing I didn't like with the first few levers that I installed was how the wire seemed to bind or get laterally stressed as I moved the lever in the direction where the wire is pushed furthest into the teflon sleeve.