How complex are Oregon Rail Supply signals to use on a layout? They have N&W signals that are perfect. Before I purchase them, pls provide any thoughts on their products (e.g. how clear are the instructions, ease of use, time required, etc.).
Thanks,
Lee
http://www.oregonrail.com/items.html
I've made dozens of Oregon signals over the years. Most of mine have been PRR position lights, which the N&Ws are patterned after so you should be good there.
PRR_position-light-oa by Edmund, on Flickr
Signal_DB-b by Edmund, on Flickr
I don't know how stable their supply is these days. (Note their website says "see our exciting new products for 2010!) I bought most of my stuff years ago in anticipation of needing a decent supply of parts today.
IMG_6235 by Edmund, on Flickr
The styrene they use is a softer variety so you have to be careful not to apply too much cement. Instructions are very good and molding detail is generally good but making your own railings helps improve looks.
PRR_Westinghouse by Edmund, on Flickr
I use their "yellow" axial LEDs for the PL signals and Evan Designs for the tri-color searchlight signals. The latter have a nice "true-green" look.
PRR_Signal-View-4 by Edmund, on Flickr
Compared to other signal suppliers in HO, Oregon was, for me anyway, a more economical route although I also have several Tomar and NJI signals, too.
I drive them through Logic Rail Signal Animator boards. These provide a good, econimical compromise over other "detection" systems.
Regards, Ed
Ed,
Thanks for the response. I'll like to connect with you to discuss the signal wiring. Pls check your msg box.
I'm curious about the availability of Oregon Rail Supply kits in general. After Dick Yager passed in August, 2015, I'd heard that there was going to be an effort to keep the business going. Since then I haven't seen anything that gives me a clear indication that that has or has not happened.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
fmilhauptI'm curious about the availability of Oregon Rail Supply kits in general.
I had purchased several of the two- and four track signal bridges when they were first available. Then it seemed the inventory of those kits were depleted and a second run was done a few years ago.
After that I haven't seen much activity. They filled a void for economical signal parts that is sorely needed in the hobby.
https://www.trains.com/mrr/news-reviews/news/hobby-news-oregon-rail-supply-to-remain-in-business/
gmpullmanI've made dozens of Oregon signals over the years...
Ed, Thanks for the time it took to write that great reply.
I am going to need top build some signal heads for the brass signal bridges I recently bought. I think I know where I can get some of the Oregon Rail Supply signal heads.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
kasskaboose They have N&W signals that are perfect. Before I purchase them, pls provide any thoughts on their products (e.g. how clear are the instructions, ease of use, time required, etc.).
I did not realize that Oregon Rail Supply was still in business.
I was disappointed in their web site. To place an order you need to print out the order form and then mail them a check. I can't belive they don't even use Venmo or PayPal.
Has anyone ordered directly from them lately?
Kevin My last order was June 2020 and was received quickly. I really like their brass ladder stock.I scratch build all my signals.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.
Their website may be the worst that I have ever visited. Hard to find anything on it except by accident. That said, I did stumble onto their cantilevered signal bridge, and I like it.
Rich
Alton Junction
Kevin, I order direct from Oregon Rail Supply all the time! Walthers is never stocked with their stuff and I live right next to Walthers. Suzanne (now owner) from Oregon Rail Supply, just asks you send a check via snail mail (she does not process credit cards online or over the phone), but she does fill the orders. I ordered 7 positional PRR signals from her back in September 2021 and just submitted another order to her yesterday. I recommend you call her first before placing an order to make sure she has the inventory available that you would be after. It will take about two weeks for you to get your stuff (minimum), so be patien. Best of luck!
Henry
I have two pairs of their cross bucks and one two-track signal bridge. Construction was straightforward. I used the signal bridge as a turnout position indicator looking both directions on a pair of tracks. It was a lot of wires because there were so many lights up top. I drove the crossbucks with a Rob Paisley circuit board. I used another of those for a set of NJI crossing gates.
I use magnet wire for tight wiring jobs like this. It's much thinner than regular insulated hook up wire and allows me to get all the wires through the shafts with no problems. LEDs draw very little current so this is a good application for thin wire.
For he signal bridge I used a thin plastic coffee stirrer as conduit for the wires.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Built several of the PRR signals many years ago and they are still operational. As I remember there was 7 LED's and 5 wires soldered on a PC board the size of a dime. I used magnet wire as others have done. Tune up your soldering skills, the signal heads can be challenging. Good luck