I have a situation where I could really use a signal bridge over 2 tracks coming into a turnout joining both tracks into one. I do not have room to put a single 2-light signal between the tracks and don't want to put that signal on the left-hand side of that track. The signal bridge needs two LED lights. Either a single light that changes green to red or a 2-light LED green over red. I found a modern bridge at Walthers but ot's $95! Ouch. But no info on the lights that come with it. My searching has not found anything that looks usable. Prefer ready made instead of a kit.
Thanks for any sources.
Because of all the possible different signal light combinations that might be required for various situations, no model company has gone deep into the idea of providing RTR signal bridges with working lights.
And yes, if they did, they would be expensive for a number of reasons.
Bachmann makes an affordable signal bridge that is not bad looking. Not a super detailed highly accurate model, but not toy like either.
You can add your own lights as required.
Other than that, I suspect the only other choices are a few specialty companies that build signal systems and will build whatever you need, for a price......
Signaling remains a "do it yourself" part of this hobby, largely because "one sized does NOT fit all".
Each signal system is custom tailored to the layout, hard to put that in RTR box.....
Sheldon
I had 2 signal bridges made for me by a company called Custom Signal Systems out of Utah. They span 2 tracks and I had them made bi-directional. Nothing like it is available commerically out of the box, so I reached out to them.
http://www.customsignalsystems.com/
Disclaimer-I have no affiliation with them, just a happy customer.
Neal
Hi there,
You may not WANT to put the signal on the left side of the track - perfectly normal here in Australia where we run on the left - but there are many exceptions to be found around the world for space or visibility reasons where a signal is placed on the "wrong side".
I also have a Bachmann signal bridge where 2 tracks become 3 with a siding and a crossover to which I will eventually fit a couple of LED signals when I get around to it. The reverse part of this with another Airfix/Dapol bridge is the stumbling block where effectlvely 4 tracks will become two and I would like to interlock these.
If you check out the layout plan on https://sites.google.com/view/stagnesrailway04
The first bridge is between "E" and "C" on that map, so the inner track has 4 options in the route a train can travel. The second bridge I am talking about is in the area labelled A where the inner second line meets the road from the loco depot and in inner most passing siding. I also have an issue with room on the control panel to manage the switches hence part of the delay.
Cheers from Australia
Trevor
I bought a pair of brass Cantilever Signal Bridge Kits from Train Cat Models for $40 ea about 10 years ago. His wife passed and I don’t know if he has returned to his business.Extremely nice product. You might try NJI, I’ve tried to buy from them several times without any success. http://www.njinternational.com/sigbridgekits.htmYou could try BLMA models but they can be a bit pricy. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I have a few OREGON RAIL SUPPLY signal bridges. It's a black plastic kit, easy to build, w/ signal heads, NO LIGHTS come with the Bridges. Part # 538-151 is a two track bridge priced around $25.15. You can get #150 two track w/ PRR targets, #153 four track w/ PRR targets, the above noted #151 two track w/ US&S targets or #154 four track w/ US&S targets.
A #144 two Printed Circuit boards w/ 14 yellow LEDs for two PRR targets, #145 w/ six US&S targets and #143 w/ four PRR targets are available at an extra cost. I never yet used ORS's PCB or LED's. I use a different co.'s signal heads.
I would not call these 'Modern'.
It's common practice for a railroad to put signals on both sides of the track, where 2 tracks converge, or to protect an interlocking.
The cantilever-style signal mast like RR Mel posted above works, too. The Erie used a lot of them in North Jersey when I worked there.
I also have an Oregon Rail Supply signal bridge. Mine came with several signal heads, as I recall. I bought LEDs separately. This was a kit. I have 3 lights on each of two tracks facing one direction, and two lights facing the other direction.
I cut the LED leads short and used very thin magnet wire, because all those LEDs needed a lot of connections. Once beneath the layout, I went back to normal hookup wire. I use the auxiliary connections on Tortoises to control the lights.
I found that my original plan to use parallel wiring for the LEDs didn't work, because different colored LEDs have different current demands, so I made all my circuits series and they worked fine.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
nealknowsI had 2 signal bridges made for me by a company called Custom Signal Systems out of Utah. They span 2 tracks and I had them made bi-directional. Nothing like it is available commerically out of the box, so I reached out to them.
Would you like to share some photos of what they did for you. And maybe a cost?
THX
kenben Would you like to share some photos of what they did for you. And maybe a cost? THX
Below is one of the two signal bridges he made for me. I'm in the process of designing my interlocking as there are more signals that need to be installed along with a new panel. I should have the rest of the signals by Thanksgiving and installed by the end of the year. These are 3 color "D" signals, bi-directional. The signals are positioned over the right rail. I chose it this way after consulting with some of my fellow model railroaders in my area who are also railroad employees, both current and retired.
Feel free to message me if you want more details...