Control of RailKing 30-11030 Pennsylvania Railroad Signal Bridge

I understand what you are trying to do, but I'm not sure if the MTH signal bridge can be adapted to suit your application. Most MTH signals were designed to work with a track activation device or an insulated block coupled to a spdt relay. When the train activated the device or tripped the block, the signal would change from proceed to stop. After the train cleared the block, a timing circuit was activated to display the approach signal for ~10 seconds (this was factory set), then the signal would automatically change to clear. 

My guess would be you would need to remove the stock MTH board in the base of the unit and connect the wires to individual relays in order to gain the functionality you are looking for. Alternatively, you might want to consider products made by Custom Signals or Z-Stuff for Trains. Custom Signals offers a comprehensive line of PRR position light signals coupled to solid state circuitry for almost any track configuration (bidirectional signalling, crossovers, diverging routes, etc.); Z-stuff offers standalone PRR signals capable of being linked together to display clear/approach/stop signals in the proper sequence.

Hope this helps.

-John

Ah... you want to have bi-directional signalling on both tracks, triggered by relays. However since the MTH signal automatically reverts to green, you will not need blocks B, D, F, or H.

This is the wiring diagram for using relays and isolated blocks with MTH (or Lionel) signals; each signal head would need one single pole double throw relay to operate properly.

On the relay, "P" is for power, "A" is the normally open contact, and "B" is the normally closed contact. The normally closed contact is usually connected to the clear signal.

When the train enters the isolated block, the relay closes and changes the signal from clear to stop. As soon as the train leaves the block, the signal will change from stop to approach, and then reset to clear after a few seconds.

You can add a capacitor across the two coil wires to compensate for dirty track or to prevent the relay from dropping out as soon as the train clears the block.

-John

Pipe dream, but would have been nice if MTH had included a yellow wire (or whatever form manual control would involve) so the more sophisicated modeler (like us 'ens) could control all three aspects manually.  Granted this accessory is made for mass marketing and the number who would use use a yellow override wire is probably a small minute group.

I used the MTH double headed three light signals with my Custom Signal installation.  Had to tear out the MTH boards and wire the LEDs to the phone cord cable which plugged into the Custom Signal control board.

Just another addition, Atlas has a very nice signal system that is also compatible with Custom Signals, I think.

I think Pro Hobby is asking about PRR prototype standards for bi-directional operation? 

If I understand his proposed configuration, the aspect only changes facing the direction of follow-on trains.  That is the aspect remains "clear" to trains coming in the opposite direction on the same track.  Is this prototypical?

Hard to believe that the track would be marked as "all clear" if you were going the wrong direction on that track!  A switching error could be disastrous!  If you think switching error never happen, just search the threads in the forum.

Just another addition, Atlas has a very nice signal system that is also compatible with Custom Signals, I think

Rtr12 - you're absolutely right! Custom Signals worked with Atlas to design the 21st Century Signal System. Atlas sells the basic signals and control boards for single tracks; Custom Signals has additional signal styles (color position light, D-type, searchlight, etc.) and boards to handle more complex signalling.

-John

Thanks, that clarifies things a bit for me. Wasn't sure of the differences or if there even were any. Just thought I had read somewhere that Steve from Atlas worked with Custom Signals to develop the system/systems. I believe Steve has now left Atlas, too bad as he had helped me with something one time and was really great at providing the help I needed. Bent over backwards to help!

I think Steve still works for Atlas. He just moved out of state. I'll check with him.

Steve did the overall system design for the 21st Century signal system. Terry of Custom Signals supplied the prototype signal drawings and had input for signal operation and I did the electronics. I also did other circuits for Custom Signals such as the TSC-Turnout Signal Controller, GCF- Gate Crossing Flasher, etc.

That would be great if he did. I am planning on using the Atlas signal system on my layout someday, must budget this stuff a bit at a time. Would be great to have him still be there if I had a question. I will have to check into the custom signals and see what the differences are. Haven't looked at them too closely. It would be really exciting to work on things like this, like all you have, sounds like a dream job!

AFAIK the Atlas System is just the Custom Signal sytem repackaged, the control board inside a signal bungalow.  But seems to me to be the same stuff as Custom Signal supplies.  But could be wrong.

Other way around. The Custom Signal stuff is the Atlas stuff. The deal is Atlas only wanted to do the basic system - single head signals. Custom Signals expands on that with the multi head signals and Turnout Controller boards, etc.

rtr12

This is Steve from Atlas. Thank you for the kind words. I would like to explain in more detail how the Signal System all came together. At the start I had Jim  Weavers ear about doing a signal system. In the discussions I mentioned it would be a good idea to contact Terry from Custom Signals about prototypical Signal Operations and physical design. Terry was a friend from the hobby who knew much more than I about how all the different signals were used. I wanted to see a modular system with quality circuit boards that would last and allow for easy installation. The next player is the person who lines up all the "1"s & "0"s and makes it all work, that is Gary E who posts on the forums. And thanks to Tom H. the owner of Atlas for letting us bring this product to market. I know it was something Terry , Gary and myself enjoyed and hope to see it continued in the future. I have moved to the West and although not an employee of Atlas I still like to provide any help to other model railroaders that need information or direction on the Atlas Signal System.

Steve,

Thank you for further explanation. Kind words were well deserved! And thank you again for being so helpful! It's really nice it is to hear from the people that actually designed and built the things we want to have on our layouts! Also nice to know you are still around and willing to help us (and Gary E also), right here on the OGR forums. Don't run off! Many great folks here on these forums! It's also nice to see companies that make our train stuff working together to develop the best possible products. I too hope it is continued, and I will be trying to support the signals as budget permits!

I think Atlas makes some fine products, the track and signal systems being my favorites to date. Don't have any train items from Atlas, but have been impressed with their quality as well. Purchases are planned for the future.

Went to Custom Signals website yesterday to learn more about their products only to find that the owner is wanting to retire and trying to sell the business. I hope there is someone out there to take up where he leaves off and continue making the products they offer, some look very interesting. Would be a shame if they were not continued. While I am happy for anyone wanting to retire (I'm also retired), it's sad to see people leaving that have been in on developing a lot of nice products and adding so much to our hobby.

You can construct the relay diagram listed above for running in one direction.  I have one but am working out the kinks.  An alternative which works very well is the Z-stuff relay item number 1008.  You will need one for each of the signal heads on the bridge. The one I did pick up (only because the dealer at Allentown only had one) works great for this function.  You can pick them up from Ross Switches.