Control Panel Drawing Software - ideas?

[DarrwestLU6]

 
Planning Software:
I am looking to build my own control panels / mimic diagrams using wood and Perspex with line diagrams laser printed, under the Perspex . Can anyone recommend any good software to plan this? Would track planning software do the trick? Panel sizes are approx A4 and A4 folded in half, longwise. Currently I'm using MS PowerPoint but it's not great for this, particularly if I move things around!
Any recommendations?
Many thanks!

[Newportnobby]

I'm not 'pooter savvy enough for a program so came up with this...........

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=22084.msg507777#msg507777

However, I believe @Zogbert Splod may be able to help you out.

[koyli55002]

For the control panels for our club layout "Holgate", I used the drawing function in MS Word. The diagrams were then printed out, laminated and glued to the top surface of the control box.

[austinbob]

I used MS Word for my panels as well, although I didn't bother with the laminating stuff - just stuck tape on to a white polycarbonate panel.
I believe MS Word drawing is the same drawing package used in other MS apps like Powerpoint. Its pretty easy to use although sometimes things move around when you're not expecting!!

[Paul-H]

As long as you only need straight lines and 45deg angles MS Paint does a good job.

Paul

[Mito]

Inkscape is another good program

[kirky]

I just used Anyrail. Made up a schematic and then exported as jpeg. The resulting picture can then be manipulated in a dtp.

cheers
Kirky

[njee20]

I used PowerPoint.

[Zogbert Splod]

@DarrwestLU6
The dreaded Nobster tagged me on this thread.  All I can really add is that I use a very old CAD prog to do all of my drawings of this nature.  (AutoSketch 2.0)  I can't recommend that software unless you have a very old machine to load it into, I use an aged laptop to run it.  It is actually a 16 bit prog!
I have tried using the MS Office stuff but I really can't get on with it.  I find it quirky.  Only word that fits for me.

DarrwestLU6, have you uploaded your track plan on any other forum thread?  It may help people to help you if we know what you are trying to achieve.

Allan.....
@Newportnobby

[snitchthebudgie]

I use (and recommend) Paint.net, an open source program somewhere between Paint and Photoshop.  Simple but effective.  This is my simple control panel for my N-club modules and switching layout.

[NinOz]

Corel Draw.

[njee20]

The advantage of PowerPoint over more bespoke graphics package is features like distribute vertically - you can draw 12 lines for your fiddle yard and then space them evenly at the touch of a button. Very satisfying.

I'm sure you can do it in the various graphics packages, but it's a bit 'sledgehammer to crack a walnut' IMO.

[ntpntpntp]

I'm a big fan of Visio, I've used it for years for all my layout diagramming, buildings, decal production etc.   

Recently at work we've been using Draw-IO which does a very similar job to Visio and is available free.

For control panels I design in Visio and print on paper, but transfer the lines to aluminium sheet and use car striping tape to mark out the trackwork. Switches and LEDs are then directly mounted on the aluminium.

[Mark Pelham]

I use Xara for most drawing work on the PC - also web design, although my current site uses the Weebly designer.

I have not yet built a panel using an Xara produced fascia print, although a friend has built a couple using the same design principle. Previously I had masked the track plan on the reverse side of perspex and painted with enamel/acrylic paint, then glossed over the whole thing. When viewed from the front the paint is nice and flat against the rear face of the perspex.

A couple of designs are my 'Robertsfield' panel fascia and 'Bridgtown' Signalling Plan:






Below are some photos of the panel I built for Crawley MRS' 'West Tilgate' using the painted approach - one thing I did learn from it is enamel paints give a crisper finish than acrylics when removing the masking tape!:

The plan drawn in reverse, pilot holes drilled, with the masking tape removed as each colour is applied.


The completed fascia prior to opening out the switch and LED holes.


The fascia mounted in the panel; all switches fitted and LEDs progressively being installed and connected.


Inside rear face of the fascia with track lines drawn over the gloss emulsion to indicate the track lines for reference during assembly.


Cheers,

Mark

[kirky]

@Pelhama
Hi Mark
Can you remember what thickness perspex you used for the painted facia?
Ta

Kirky