Armand, you also have some great working signals. I was impressed with the video. Do you have a layout you plan on using these on?
Hi Joe, Hi James, I always plan an US layout, hope that it will be done in some time. The signal-circuits are working, for the test I just used the resistance of the Märklin-motor to simulate the output of an occupancy-detector. For testing enough, in real layout you will need them. Here are the Gerber and the Drill files for circuit N° 1 : http://www.zclub.eu/Searchsignal/SrcSigV2_5.gbr http://www.zclub.eu/Searchsignal/SrcSigV2_5.drl
A more realistic size than the previous lighted version, by about 1/4" shorter. What's on my Workbench!
Tim, I did these at shapeways and designed the light and pole are hollow and trying the fiber optic line for this single light. I know the brass or copper are a lot stronger then the FUD (Frosted ultra Detailed) material I used, but it works I did a short video of one of my lights with a red led in a box under the light and it wok pretty good. So I think your light would be great with the Fiber optic line . Great job on the lights. we really need them as we do the crossing signals. http://www.trainboard.com/highball/...southernnscale-printed-at-shapeway.16132/full
RP is an awesome avenue to get those things we want and desire, especially in Z scale, but I have always had an issue in the delicate and brittle material. If it breaks, its gone! For this reason I prefer the use of etched metal and casting resins for my projects. Just my preference. I do envy you and others for your 3D modeling skills cause I have a want and desire list of things to make in RP, but only to make a master for which I can mold and cast in stronger and harder resins or wax for metal casting! I do enjoy looking at your RP creations! Tim
Tim, Outstanding job on the signals. and the work you put in on them another item needed! I think they look great!
As small as they are they are really sturdy. The center post is actually solid with all nickel silver etchings soldered to it. I probably could use brass tubing but would most likely require the center post to be bigger than proto so that 8 micro wires could fit so the signal heads could be fitted with 0603 SMD LEDs. The only reason I say 0603 is because KingbrightUSA.com makes (or made) a 0603 with a dome lens that fits perfectly in each signal light hole. The larger dual track signal cantilever bridge I have is complete with 4 working 0603 SMD LED signal heads.
The day will soon be here when the electronic stuff will be small enought to design in Z as you see the note pad and phones are getting better and better as time goes by and these SMD Leds are getting smaller and smaller! My 3D printed signals are strong to a point! but must be careful do to the tube like plastic and the light head being hollow! Yes they do break! but I think with the type of work your doing they will look great !
