Turnout Card Planning Guide 

Table of contents
  1. Turnout Card Planning Guide
    1. Introduction
    2. Planning Context
    3. Physical Planning Considerations
    4. Uses
    5. References

Introduction

Turnouts define how trains move through a layout by determining which routes are available at any given time. In the LCC Fusion Project, turnout control is implemented using the Turnout Card, which drives turnout motors and generates events reflecting turnout state.

The Turnout Card does not decide when a turnout should move; it executes movement in response to LCC events generated by buttons, logic, schedules, or other automation.

Turnouts define where trains can go; logic, signaling, and automation define when and why routes change. The Turnout Card performs motion only and never encodes behavior.

Planning Context

Turnout planning begins during layout design when you decide where routes diverge and how those routes should be controlled. Each turnout exists for a reason, such as enabling alternate paths, supporting operational flexibility, or enforcing safe train movement.

Planning involves determining:

  • Which turnouts are required for the intended operating scheme
  • How turnouts are grouped by location and function
  • Whether control is manual, automated, or a combination
  • How turnout state interacts with signals, detection, and routing logic

The Turnout Card supports multiple turnout outputs, so planning focuses on grouping related turnouts that can be served by the same card.

Physical Planning Considerations

A Turnout Card is installed in a Node Bus Hub and connects via cable to one or more Turnout Breakout Boards, or directly to turnout machines depending on the installation approach.

When planning turnout control:

  • Group nearby turnouts to minimize wiring runs
  • Consider the type of turnout motor being used (stall, servo, coil)
  • Plan for frog polarity control if required
  • Allow spare capacity for future track expansion

Breakout boards are typically placed near turnout machines to simplify wiring and improve serviceability.

Uses

Each use case below represents a reason to include automated turnout control in a layout design. You do not need to implement every item; each entry reflects a planning motivation rather than a required feature.

Category Turnout control use Description
Operations Managing turnout positions Control the precise position of each turnout, switching between “thrown” and “closed”.
Operations Automating route selection Automatically select routes for trains to ensure smooth transitions at junctions.
Operations Creating complex track layouts Operate layouts with multiple junctions and crossover points.
Operations Reducing manual intervention Minimize manual turnout operation during exhibitions or automated running.
Automation Sequencing turnout movements Execute predefined sequences of turnout movements for scenarios or displays.
Signaling Integrating with signal systems Synchronize turnout positions with signals for safe and realistic operation.
Coordination Coordinating with train schedules Align turnout movements with scheduled train movements.
Safety Implementing fail-safe operations Automatically set turnouts to a safe position during faults or emergencies.
Interaction Enhancing layout interactivity Allow operators to manually command turnout positions when desired.

References

Last updated on: January 12, 2026 © 2026 Pat Fleming