Signaling for Dummies

[MisterBeasley]

My signals are simple turnout-position indicators.  They help me see which way a turnout is set from far away, so they serve a useful purpose.  I don't pretend that they are terribly prototypical, but they satisfy my need for signals of some sort.

[RR_Mel]

If you’re into DYI take a look at my blog, I built my signal system from scratch.  By using 3mm bi color LEDs I ended up with red/amber/green single target signals.

 

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/p/page-17.html 

 

I originally used older DC/Analog current type detection and it didn’t work quite as good when I cut over to DCC.  I replaced the current detectors with IR optical Detectors and I like them much better than current detection.  Optical detection doesn’t need any mods to wheels and they will trip if anything blocks the track, even with the power off to the rails.

 

I use optical detection for other things such as spotting a locomotive on a hidden siding, I can stop a locomotive within a ½”.

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[Ron High]

I have no problem at   http://www.njinternational.com/ . They do have pictures of all their signals with a very brief description of what they are but not much help on their application.

http://tomarindustries.com/ they have a nice line of signals but again a brief description and not much more info.

You can search on the forum for info and  Kalmbach has books that cover signals.

Ron High

 

[gmpullman]

Hi, Henry

I'm with you that I like to see some signals on my layout and I like to have them animated so that they perform "just like the real thing"... almost.

My signals are mostly annimated using the Signal Animator from Logic-Rail.

https://www.logicrailtech.com/

Some of my earlier signals were triggered by photocells but when the IR detection became available I went with those.

There are modelers who want block detection so that nearly every piece of rolling stoch has a resistance in order for an electronic detector can "see" it. Well, that's fine for some but in a practical sense that is way too involved for what I need.

Here's one thread that has some discussion:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/253037.aspx

 

I have a few of my signals interlocked with turnouts so that a proper aspect is displayed in relation to the turnout. A nice feature of the Signal Animator is that the IR loop can be shorted to drop the signal to red. I also use this to drop the signal when the directon of traffic is reversed (nothing worse than seeing a clear signal when there is an on-coming train approaching).

Another link here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/243185.aspx

 

After you read through these, come back with more questions and I'll try to help.

Regards, Ed

 

[BigDaddy]

I never had signaling in my previous layouts.  Now, as I return to the hobby, I would like some signalling (DCC layout)  I am a freelancer, so it doesn't have to be absoulutely prototypical to a specific RR nor does it have to be all encompassing.  Just a couple signals would be nice.  I think the word I am looking for is verisimilitude.

I went to the NJ International website and I am inundated with JS/Exploit virus warnings.  No joy to be found there.

Is there an old thread that would be helpful for electrically challenged newbies?

I'm interested in signaling vs track crossings and the Chicom dwarf lights are not quite what I am looking for.

Thanks.