Question! Does anyone have an operational signal system on their layouts or modules? If so; Please post photos and tell us all about it If not; Are you interested in this topic? Next Question! Do you know of anyone who does have an operational signal system on their module or layout? ----------------- I know that Atlas has an HO and N scale signal system that they came out with in 2006. Custom Signals has a huge selection of O scale signal system components. What other companies makes operational signal systems? Which might be the best out there? Comments Please!!!!!! Hobo Tim
My signals are controlled at the tower (panel). The engineer must look for the aspects and run his engine according to. For me the question is: which aspects should you model! Wolfgang
Hi Tim, I have signals on my layout that are controlled by switches mounted under turnouts. The lights on my signal bridge in this photo tell me that the main line is open to through traffic but the lines to the yard (left track) and from the intermodal yard (right track) are closed. It's a bit crude but it is signalling of sorts. I can have a situation where all the lights are red and still roll a train down the main line. It will cross through the slip points from main to yard line, in which case there should be other signal aspects, yellow for instance. I will in time change my signals to opperate via a computer interface but my focus at the moment is on building the layout, scenery etc. I scratch built all the signals on my HO layout which may be a little difficult in Z scale Tim. I use 3mm two leg bi-polar LED's the color changes from red to green depending on the polarity of the DC current. You can also get yellow if you run AC current through them. Red and green blinking on and off real quick fool the eyes and you think that the light is yellow. To opperate signals like the prototype requires some form of block detection to sense the presence of a train. You also need computer logic control to interlock the whole system. So it can get quite complicated and expensive too. But, I still like the idea and in a year or so will get my signals right.
On a local group N-Scale layout (canyon mountain ngineers) we've been using Sunrise bi-color LED target signals (see picture). They are controlled by boards I designed that network together and optionally to a PC. They handle block occupancy detection, turnout motor control, and signals. On the picture the track power connections are on the bottom left and the network on the bottom right. The 10 pin connectors are for the signals and turnout motors for westbound and eastbound. I'm currently working on an HO layout using Roco Austrian rolling stock. Unfortunately I've never found any company that makes signals that actually follow the Austrian prototypes so I'm going to have to scratch build those.
Here you go... http://www.bahnundhobby.at/alphasignale.htm hope this gets you started .. and Google is your friend, just search for "ÖBB Signale" Michael
Here is a pic of the signals on my NTrak corner module. I went the low tech way, instead of the fancy boards that are used nowadays. Our layout has standard NTrak detectors, with 12V out. I take this signal and feed it into an array of relays to create the logic needed. For example, the signal below is interlocked so that when you open the switch, the top signal is red and green below. Otherwise, the signal shows occupation in the block ahead. There are two other poles, one tall and one dwarf. The relays are a coupla bucks apiece (you need 7 for the interlocking), and I can now make duplicates of the signals for $3 instead of the $27 Sunrise gets. :teeth: Relays are unkillable by static surges, a BIG plus for portable layouts.
The alpha main track signals all seem to be pre-1980 versions. See http://web.utanet.at/smiderkr/asr/ensigahv.html or http://www.carreweb.fr/european-railway-signalling-server/stat/slat_en.html
I'd like to know how you managed that! My boards have all wires protected by transient protectors, not much of a concern these days (except for the cheap consumer products).
That was a good suggestion! I did find this maker of the required "Epoche V" signals: http://www.krois-modell.at/produkt/signal/ The big question is if I want to spend 380 Euro for signals I need or make another attempt at scratch-built. My first attempt was using 3mm LEDs and modelling clay to form the "lamp enclosure" and met with limited success. I found some 2mm LEDs which would be much closer to scale but need to find a better way to enclose the leads, maybe caulk of some type.
May do a clinic some day... I have an integrated transient protector, plus signal logic, $1.25 for the relay... :teeth:
This is a few photos of my Z scale scratchbuilt signal parts. Will try fiber optics first then might have to revert back to the Nano LED to the back of the Signal. I have been studying the circuits on this website. I find them interesting!!! Anyone agree? http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html Lots of good info!!! Hobo Tim
I would like to find a source for some 2mm bi-color 3 lead LEDs with common cathode. The standard T-1 LEDs are too big and I don't have the ability to solder on a SMD LED. David B.
Liquid Conductives You can use the "Circuit Writer" from Radio Shack. It is a conductive paint pen. Works great once dry. Also, Electronic Goldmine has a carbon conductive adhesive that has awesome conductability. Once stirred good, a very sharp toothpick can place the liquid where needed. No Heat Needed! http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16133 Use on a 0603 Bi-Color SMD LED. Just an idea!!!! Hobo Tim
