Block signals

[Anonymous]

I have a single track main line on my layout. I have some block signals I'm going to add. Then I got to thinking. Which side of the track are these things placed on? Does anyone know the answer. Would it be on the left or on the right side of the track, facing the front of the signal? Please help as I'm ready to start installing some of them.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[dehusman]

If its single track then it will be the one side going east and the other side going west.

In other words it doesn't matter, if there is a single mast then it will be on the "off" side one way ot the other . It will be on the side the pole line is on. If you are using two masts, then it won't make any difference because there will be one on either side.

Dave H.

[nfmisso]

Time for a field trip.....

[Big_Boy_4005]

Generally they are on the right side in the direction of travel, just like roads. However, unlike a car, the engineer sits on the right side of the cab. I have seen examples where a single mast is used with heads for both directions, but that isn't common. If a bridge is used over multiple tracks, the heads are centered over the track they control.

[willy6]

i gave up trying to figure out block signals. i read an article on them, it seems each rr had their own. i bought some, installed them where i thought they should be,and wired them up.it's like a someone said on this forum last year,"it's YOUR layout, build it to please yourself". and besides that the peolple who see my layout(mostly family) don't even know what a block signal is.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Willy, if you are modeling a particular prototype, and you want to be accurate and true, then there is a right and wrong way to do things. If that level of detail doesn't matter to you, no problem. Maybe some day you will change your mind and decide that you want that kind of challenge, or you will be looking at your layout and say something doesn't seem right. It really boils down to what level YOU want to take your modeling to.

In Jeremy's case, he's doing a semi-freelance kind of thing. He's projecting the Rock Island into a future they never had. The real railroad still had rules when they were in business, so he is really wide open as to how he does things. He could follow the old rules, he could make up new rules, or he could follow modern convention.

This is an excerpt taken from the General Code Of Operating Rules. A common set of rules adopted by almost every railroad operating west of Chicago. The Rock would most likely have complied.

QUOTE: Rule 9.2 Location of Signals

When viewed from the train, block and interlocking signals are generally to the right of the track. However, they may be located to the left or above the track. To display indications for two tracks, two bracketed signals may be located on a supporting mast. The signal to the right governs the track to the right, and the signal to the left governs the track to the left.

To view the entire rule book click on this link.
http://www.bnsf-ttc.com/bnsftime/GCOR030704.pdf

[Anonymous]

To me it doesn't matter just put them on the side that you want to.

[cwclark]

Place them on the right side the engine cab, these are read by the engineer...the top lights are searchlights (movement in the next block) and the bottom targets are for siding movements...there is also a target for train movements in the siding on the right side of the engine cab in the siding ..go to www.gatewaynmra.org and look under electronic projects...it has a basic explanation of targets and how to build them using simple train detection circuits....and yes...each railroad does use their own unique system...like the use of plates...if a plate is under the signal, the engineer must go to his "Rulebook / timetable" and look up the rule which applies to the plate letter or number and whatever color light it is...basically red means stop or proceed to the next block and prepare to stop, yellow means to slow down to a prescribed speed or slow down to a prescribed speed when entering a certain siding, and green means to proceed...each target usually has it's own rule that applies to that particular target which are dictated by any particular railroad's rule book ..nothing is etched in stone for all railroads... Chuck[:D]

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by juby4life

I have a single track main line on my layout. I have some block signals I'm going to add. Then I got to thinking. Which side of the track are these things placed on? Does anyone know the answer. Would it be on the left or on the right side of the track, facing the front of the signal? Please help as I'm ready to start installing some of them. Thanks,Jeremy

The Engineer's side facing him - on most American roads - IE the RH side. One exception is the C&NW or roads using LH running.

On a single track Main with Bi-directional running, you will want TWO signals - one facing each way - per Gap.

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

...if you are modeling a particular prototype, and you want to be accurate and true, then there is a right and wrong way to do things.