do model RRs need signals other than STOP, APPROACH, CLEAR?

[gregc]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

but Ed's description sounds like a multi head signal?

yes, understood

but i'm being pragmatic about what would be useful on a model RR without the expense of multi-headed signals.

again, yellow means APPROACH on the non-diverging track.   flashing yellow means the switch is aligned for the diverging route and is clear, that the block on the diverging route is un-occupied.

is this SLOW APPROACH, rule 288

412

[ROBERT PETRICK]

The signals on my layout indicate what's going on in the next two blocks, for either the main route or for the diverging route. Green indicates that the next two blocks (straight or diverging) are clear. Yellow indicates that the next block (straight or diverging) is clear, but the following block is occupied or the next turnout is thrown against traffic. Red indicates red.

Is this needed? Not really, I suppose.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

gregc

 

 

gmpullman

My turnout leading off the main and into the staging yard will show a 'diverging approach medium' (Red over flashing Yellow over Red) when the facing points are set for the diverging route.

 

 

this sounds useful.  without adding a 2nd head, flashing yellow can indicate that the switch is aligned for the diveging route and it is clear while yellow simply mean approach along the non-diverging route.

 

I could be wrong, but Ed's description sounds like a multi head signal?

Sheldon

[gregc]

gmpullman

My turnout leading off the main and into the staging yard will show a 'diverging approach medium' (Red over flashing Yellow over Red) when the facing points are set for the diverging route.

this sounds useful.  without adding a 2nd head, flashing yellow can indicate that the switch is aligned for the diveging route and it is clear while yellow simply mean approach along the non-diverging route.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

Prototype signaling as you know is very complex and varies considerably depending on era and railroad.

There were many great modelers in the past who believed all that is not nessasary, or even valueable on our model layouts.

I use a streamlined signaling system on my ATLANTIC CENTRAL.

My signals are based around only using the absolute or interlocking (control point) signals of a CTC system.

You mention the term route signals, but with route signaling in CTC, the same signal also conveys all three pieces of information - route, occupancy and permission. This is actually easy to do on our models and is easy for operators to understand. and like Ed's example, my siginals confirm turnout position, and in my case confirm control authority.

Being a DC operator, signals need to instruct operators when they must stop, and when they can proceed.

I do have some intermediate signals that make the system appear to be more advanced than it is, but given the operation needs of a model railroad and our relatively short distances (even on a layout of considerable sze) I agree with those old timers like Ed Ravenscroft, there is no need for prototype level complexity - espeically for those modeling older historic systems.

My ATLANTIC CENTRAL is set in 1954, from what I understand there were few if any flashing indications in that era as just one example.

I would be happy to explain later what indications I do use and how they are generated if you are interested.

Sheldon

[gmpullman]

My turnout leading off the main and into the staging yard will show a 'diverging approach medium' (Red over flashing Yellow over Red) when the facing points are set for the diverging route. I used a Circuitron FRED flasher unit to make the middle signal flash. As the engines pass the signal it will drop to red as the block becomes occupied.

It is handy for operators to know the switch is set for the yard.

Regards, Ed

[gregc]

i've found basics signals to be surprisingly helpful on a large layout where the next block is hidden around a corner or inside a tunnel.

do model RRs need more than the 3 basic signals except to possibly more realistically model a particular prototype setting?

is there some value is route signalling to possibly confirm for a knowledgeable operator that switches aren't aligned properly?