I posted a few months ago about building a new HO scale train layout, and designing the table vs the layout first. Table is been built, mainline has been laid, and now I'm working on yards and indusry sidings. I really want to add working signals to this layout. I have been reading a lot out different products and how they work. My layout has three main interlockings, while it is a very large layout (24' x 12.5') I think that if I try and add detection blocks between the interlocks it will look to much. I would have signals everywhere, and that gets expensive.
Therefore I would like to have signals for the interlockings. Additionally, I think those interlockings should be mannually controlled. That way the opperator(s) can set the signals to route traffic through the interlocking, simular to an interlocking tour. I have three interlockings
1. Major interlocking, it is in the back corner of the layout. Double main line crosses a single main line with connector tracks to both lines on the double main line.
2. Medium interlocking, double crossover switch on the double main line before leading into the yard arrival/departure track.
3. Minor interlocking, double crossover switch on the double main line.
I would like to use a mix of Atlas (BMLA) modern signals and older style signals. In one of the interlockings, one of the double lines is owned by a shortline. How could I mannual control the signals? Do you have any other recommendations for setting up interlocking signals?
Thanks,
NILE
Hello Nile,
I have my signals on my layout under manual control as I have a dispatcher during operating sessions. I have 3 blocks, all controlled with 3 position rotary switches. Where I have crossovers involved, I have relays that will change the aspect on a track where the switch is against track to change the signal to Red or Stop.
In one section, I have an interlocking on the lower level across the room and can control those crossovers from the dispatcher’s area since I can’t see the area. The engineers will call in when they approach or the tower operator will ask for the signal.
If you’re using double head signals, you may need more than a 3 position rotary switch to control certain aspects.
Here are some images of the signals that protect two interlockings…
Let me know if you need more details if you're interested...
Neal
A suggestion,
You can have detection and automated (dispatcher and detection controlled) CTC interlocking signals on a model layout without having any intermediate block signals. In my opinion that is actually the best way to signal a model layout
I have been doing that for years now. Took the old layout down a few years ago to move, just starting on the new one.
It is simple, the dispatcher sets the routes, that automaticly set the signals just like the prototype, but detection ahead holds the red until cleared.
Here is my new track plan.
Even on a layout this large, I will only have a few places where there is more than one block between interlockings.
Sheldon
I use LogicRail Signal Animators at nearly every signal I have on the layout. I don't use axle resistors or detection other than the I-R detectors between the ties just beyond the signal. Under normal operations I like to see the signal drop to red just as the engines pass the signal.
PRR_Signal-View-3 by Edmund, on Flickr
Night_train by Edmund, on Flickr
The signal will remain red until the last car clears the I-R LEDs then an adjustable timer kicks in to step the signal to medium then to clear. You'll notice the bridge shown above and the two outer arms are "absolute" signals. These are wired in to the turnout so that if I throw the turnout so the siding is lined, the main will immediately go to stop and after a timed delay the siding signal will go to medium, then clear (unless I decide to wire the arms to a less permissive indication)
Signal_DB-west by Edmund, on Flickr
Same here. If I throw the siding switch the main will show red then the signal for the siding will eventually go to clear. Then as the train passes the signal it will drop back to red. It IS a compromise but for simplicity and operating convenience it satisfies all my needs. To me there's nothing more unrealistic than to see an engine pass into the next block and the signal is still green.
IMG_6236 by Edmund, on Flickr
The signals are also setup so that opposing traffic is shown a red signal. I've seen photos in some of the model magazines showing a train coming toward the viewer and the signal facing you is green.
IMG_8577 by Edmund, on Flickr
IMG_5968_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
Position_Light by Edmund, on Flickr
Good Luck, Ed
As the OP wanted to control signals manually, here's one of my interlocking panels that control both signals and switches..
nealknows As the OP wanted to control signals manually, here's one of my interlocking panels that control both signals and switches..
Very nice.
I don't have any pictures, buy my new dispatchers panel will align turnouts and give authority much like yours. But it also has detection that will hold a red and show a red as soon as the train passes the signal like Ed was describing. And, any occupancy shows red at both ends of the block to avoid the other condition Ed was describing - green signals against the flow of traffic.
Prototype CTC signaling is "semi-automatic", the dispatcher does not see the signals, he only knows where the trains are, the routes he selected, and the permissions he has issued.
I use less buttons/switches, but my system does the same thing.
I just eliminate almost all the intermediate signals and only model the absolute signals and a few approach signals.
I use DC, and when the dispatcher sets a route and gives permission, that action automaticly connects the correct throttle to the correct block. I don't use resistor wheel sets, I use inductive detectors and all my cabooses are lighted, as are many passenger cars, especially those typically on the end of the train. So the beginning and end of every train is "marked" and there is no voltage drop because of the detection. And it uses a high frequency carrier signal to provide detection when the train is stopped.
Thank you Sheldon. I run DCC and as you see on the panel (I have another one like that for the other interlocking), any turnout that's on the main is controlled by those panels. Turnouts on the secondary tracks / industries are controlled by the operator of his train. Signals are tied into the turnouts if the turnout is against traffic. Operators follow the signals and know their routes, so they proceed as the signals allow them. Makes everyone, including the dispatcher, pay attention!