Dwarf Signals 2020

[BroadwayLion]

If they are next to a switch then you do not need any sensors to make them work. Next to a switch or protecting a switch they are called "home signals" and are controlled by the tower, each switch (turnout) and each signal has its own lever (or electrical switch device). Once the plant is aligned then the towerman will clear the signal.

Switches are said to be in their normal position when they are -- well -- in thier normal position, the lever on the console would be DOWN or In (GSS) or other normal position (US&S).

The normal position for these signals is always RED regardless of the position of the switch (turnout). When the entire interlocking plant is aligned for the movement ot that train, the Home Signal is moved to GREEN, and it does not matter which way the turnout is pointed.

 

If you need sensors, then you are building Automatic Block Signals (ABS). These only tell the train crew if the next blocks are occupied or not. This is automatic and has no reference to the tower.

[willy6]

Logic Rail has them and the sensors and circuits to make them work realistically. Photo sensors or Infa-red.

[hon30critter]

Dwarf signals are not hard to make. Granted these do not have all the nice nut and bolt details, but they work. Here are my dwarf signals in their rough form. They are compsed of a couple of pieces of brass tube and a small piece of brass sheet bent into a curve:

0605 bicolour LEDs will finish the job.

Dave

[RR_Mel]

My LHS has the brass in stock and I’m going to pick up a 3/16” round file to make some dwarf signals for my yard.  I’m planning to use 3mm bi-color LEDs and use the BLMA Dwarf as a go by.


I should have some finished for next weeks WPF.


Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[kenben]

RR_Mel

Single head bi-color or double head red green?

I was looking for a double light green over red. But I'm actually open to either. 

[xdford]

I made a number of dwarfs initially as markers but now fitted with a Bidirectional LED with two prongs for about $1 each plus switches.  You won't have that hassle with Tortoise machine contacts

https://sites.google.com/view/stagnesrailway07 or 

https://magazine.sscaleresource.com/books/kjnu/#p=42 which shows the completed versions and the circuit I used!

Cheers from Australia

Trevor

 

[RR_Mel]

I did a bit of research and figure I can make a two or three color head dwarf signal from brass for under $2.50 each including the LED, much cheaper for two color heads.

I have the material ordered for (25 signals) and on the way from US dealers so it should be here shortly. (a bit under $40 total for 25 three color heads)


Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[RR_Mel]

 

I haven’t attempted a dwarf signal but it shouldn’t be to hard to do.  I haven’t used any on my layout but I can see where they would workout pretty good.  I think I’ll give it a shot and see what I come up with.

Thanks for the incentive!  I’ve got a couple hundred 3mm bi-color LEDs, both common anode and common cathode.  

 

Question:

Single head bi-color or double head red green?


Mel



 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

 

[kenben]

Didn't know these dwarf signals would be so expensive for such a small item. Some of the cheaper ones you have to assemble and don't look very pleasing. Prices for assembled 2-led dwarf signals range from $7.79 to $22.00 each. Some that require assembly and are cheap one-sided casings are as low as $10 for 10. I need about 20 of these signals and I want a realistic looking layout and not s cheap toy-looking layout.. Many sources are out of stock everywhere and not many even supply these items. And some of the websites look like there were designed back in 1998 and haven't even been update in years. They don't look trustworthy.

[RR_Mel]

You could make your own for about $2.25 for dwarf and about $4 for single head tri-color mast signals.

I found these itty bitty three color LED at Mouser for $1.30, SMTL4.

They don’t have a lens but they are easy to come up with.  I make my own lenses but clear white 3mm LED lens can be chopped off and glued to the SMTL4.

A sort piece of 3mm clear rod in a drill chuck against some 120 grit sandpaper works real good.

The signal bridge is a TrainCat Models SP Cantilevered Signal Bridge.



Mel



 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[nealknows]

I'm using a company called Custom Signal Systems out of Utah. Bought some 3 color dwarfs and 2 signal bridges with "D" heads on them. Nice stuff..

Neal

[richhotrain]

Check out Tomar Industries.

Rich

[MisterBeasley]

Oregon Rail Supply sells simple LED signals.  They have both dwarf and taller signals.  I have neither, but I did buy grade crossing crossbucks and they look and work great.

[kenben]

I'm in the need for some dwarf signals, 2 lights, led green and red for my new HO layout. Also some regular track signals with 2 lights. What is currently available that are realistic, good and ready to just instal and wire up to my Tortoise switch machines?

Thanks for the feedback.