Hi guys
I am running a DC layout with plans never to change that.
I want to set up a small section probably 4 to 6 signals if I have enough room as automatic signals
Which will display red yellow green in the correct order and on being red stop the trains.
I understand simple two position controlled semaphore wiring.
But not how to wire three position signals and just to complicate things further have them automatic.
I suppose the first question is are electric three position semaphore signals available as working models
as that could sink things before I even start..
regards John
I don't think there is a ready to buy semaphore system available for DC. However, I tend to think outside of the box, and I have an idea that could work for you.
The Digitrax SE8C board is compatible with and will control eight semaphores. They would each have three positions and use the Tortoise switch machine for mechanical control. I know that Digitrax is a DCC manufacturer, but the SE8C does not connect to the layout. It connects to a computer via the LocoNet jacks, and you can use the LocoBuffer-USB for that. You could set up some block detection in DC that also would connect to the computer. Depending on what block detection system you choose, you could use JMRI Panel Pro for the controlling program. JMRI is free and runs on Windows, Apple, and Linux computer systems.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.