The use of signals

[msacco]

I'm starting to add some signals and I've sort of decided to follow some advice from John Kouba's Greenberg book titled Model Railroading with Lionel trains volume II. It's a old book now but John says in the book that he uses signals such as block target, signal bridges, and dwarf signals, to indicate turnout status in place of the traditional switch lantern.

     I know this isn't prototypical practice but I like the idea of using signals to do this especially where a structure is blocking a lantern. Does anyone else use signals this way? And if you do, are you happy with kind of method?

 Mike s.

[otftch]

I have done this for a freind.We also put a couple to signal when the train is in a block.As long as signals change while your running the trains it looks great.

                                                                           Ed

[Roger Bielen]

I've also used dwarf block and spot light signals to indicate switch position and/or track occupancy.  A signal can be wire with parrallel triggers to indicate both switch and track condition.  I also have signals to indicate when the tracks in my tunnel are occupied.  I've started adding some Z-Stuff semiphores for a bit of movement since they're easy to add to an existing layout, self contained IR trigger.

Since I freelanced the CB&Q I've tried to stay with the types of signals they used during the transition period.

[luther_stanton]

I use Lionel Dwarf Signals to indicate the status of switches on my mainline.  Since I am using Atlas switches, this is the only visible indicator (other than the points of course!) as to the switch position.

I like the look of using the Dwarf for switch position and mainline / cantilever signals for block status.