Over the years I've seen a number of model railroads similar to what you are describing featured in issues of Model Railroader. If memory serves, the Ohio Southern by Bruce Chubb (I think) was often mentioned and even had an article about building a dispatcher console and how it worked to route power to blocks and control signals.
The V&O, another famous model railroad had a dispatcher too. I think there is, or soon will be, a book about the V&O available.
Perhaps a search over at Trains.com might help. I believe you can access the archives for MR there and at least find which issues contained useful articles. Of course finding them is another matter!
I wonder if some of the larger clubs operate with dispatcher boards and might be willing to share information? If you have one in your area it would be worth finding out. Otherwise perhaps you can find an example of such a layout in a model magazine and correspond with a representative....
Interesting and ambitious project!
Best wishes,
Ralph