Can anyone pls suggest a supplier of realistic N&W signals? I saw that Oregon Rail Supply has them but they only have ones that show red or yellow signals. Is there an inexpensive place to buy or way to make ones that show red, yellow, and green? Similar to the full round ones seen here (called upper head signals in the "Signal Variations" area):
https://www.railroadsignals.us/signals/nwcpl/index.htm
If not these, what other signal types are suitable for a N&W layout in Southern VA during the early 1980s?
Thanks,
Lee
All you need to do is substitute the yellow LEDs supplied by Oregon with green axial 1.2mm LEDs.
PRR_position-light by Edmund, on Flickr
I used to buy many of my LEDs from a fellow that has since closed up his shop but you can find them easily enough at eBay or perhaps Evan Designs. There are others.
Here are R-Y-G, axial LEDs arranged for a three-color light signal:
Signal_LED-3 by Edmund, on Flickr
Finding the Oregon kits with the PC boards may prove tricky but you can "stuff" the signal heads without the PC board. Make a jig with the holes spaced the same as the target and solder the LEDs anodes together in the center (depending on what kind of control you are using. Some are common anode, others common cathode. Similar to what I did here:
Signal_LED by Edmund, on Flickr
You can easily blank the PRR center lamp opening which I've done with plastic "sprue" and clipped and sanded the visor which would represent the N&W's style of target.
Good Luck, Ed
I've used Oregon Rail Supply for a two track signal bridge and two sets of cross bucks. Small LEDs, available in many colors, will work just fine in their signal heads.
My signal bridge was wired to show turnout position of both that and a subsequent turnout. So, there are lots of wires going to lots of LEDs. I got them all to fit because I used magnet wire and it worked well running the LEDs in series.
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