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pardon me if I'm a little behind the times.   I just discovered that custom signals is going out of business hoping to be sold to a new owner.    I am disappointed, hopefully the new owner carries on with the signals and the service.     They have some great looking signals

 

joe in buffalo

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That outfit survived in a tiny niche market and made highly detailed scale railroad signals that were nice. Although they are gone I do not see their departure creating a void. There are still many sources of quality O scale signals available. The Lionel Mainline series, MTH scale size, Z stuff, Atlas and NJ International all make very nice signals. Look around, click on the banner ads and you should find what you are looking for.

I hope you guys realize Custom Signals did more than just sell really nice signal models. The control system is pretty elaborate and if fully implemented will give a layout a very realistic signal system. I am working on my CS setup this weekend and while it will be mostly OK as far as getting the right indications for block status and routing, I will barely scratch the surface in regards to the capabilities of Terry's full system.

That really sucks! I had talked to him the past 2 October York's about signals for our layout, but we're just not ready for them yet. He had some really cool ideas, especially for our blind reverse loop as far as how to signal when the train was clear of the return switch. 

Originally Posted by NYC 428:

They make a very nice product, hope the new owners carry on the good work.

 

An FYI, the Atlas signals were developed by Custom Signals.

Other way around, Atlas developed the system. Custom Signals uses it and added on to the system with a lot of their own custom controls and additions. They did provide input to Atlas on proper signal operation for the development.

 

I do hope someone picks up the line and continues the operation of Custom Signals. I was wanting to use these on my layout, but I'm afraid it's at least 2-3 years down the road before I will be ready and able to add signals. Too many other items are ahead of signals and the struggling budget is limited.

Last edited by rtr12

I hope you guys realize Custom Signals did more than just sell really nice signal models. The control system is pretty elaborate and if fully implemented will give a layout a very realistic signal system. I am working on my CS setup this weekend and while it will be mostly OK as far as getting the right indications for block status and routing, I will barely scratch the surface in regards to the capabilities of Terry's full system.

 

That really sucks! I had talked to him the past 2 October York's about signals for our layout, but we're just not ready for them yet. He had some really cool ideas, especially for our blind reverse loop as far as how to signal when the train was clear of the return switch. 

Those who know about signaling are aware there was nothing like a CS system.  I brought this up when I saw his website over 6 months ago.  Their signals were not as toy like as those made by other manufacturers and CS was able to develop a very sophisticated signaling system that was much more than the simple triggers use by other manufacturers to actuate a signal.  

 

Atlas worked with him and I'm curious if they plan to continue their O scale signal system.  

I've wanted some Atlas dwarf switch signals and haven't been able to find any.

 

Laidoff- I'm with you, I just wasn't quite ready for it.  Now that I am, there really isn't anywhere to go to find the sophistication of such a system.  

 

I am toying with the idea of a simplified CTC system.  I have picked up some Rix CTC knob kits and am using them to control some turnouts.  

 

ctc

 

 

I like them and the electrical switches I picked up from Mouser.

 

Here is a picture of very nice board done with Rix control knobs.

 

 

 

ctcwm3

 

 

I doubt I would even be looking at this stuff if CS was still in business.

 

I do hope someone picks up the line and continues the operation of Custom Signals. I was wanting to use these on my layout, but I'm afraid it's at least 2-3 years down the road before I will be ready and able to add signals. Too many other items are ahead of signals and the struggling budget is limited.

 

Me too!

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Last edited by marker

So I think I am going to wait and see how things turn out with a new owner.  I'm really not ready yet for full on signal installation, but was trying to complete my yard first.    Wanted to install signals beforei ballasted etc.   but I guess I can retro fit them in after.      Patience is a virtue after all.... That doesn't mean I have a lot of it.  Lol. !!!

Originally Posted by Dennis LaGrua:

That outfit survived in a tiny niche market and made highly detailed scale railroad signals that were nice. Although they are gone I do not see their departure creating a void. There are still many sources of quality O scale signals available

If you merely want signals which change aspect as the train passes, you're right -- there are other sources.  But Custom Signals produces all the relays required to have a working signal system, in which the signals actually indicate the route and track occupancy.  I don't think you'll find as much available elsewhere, and certainly not all from one source.

Last edited by Number 90
Originally Posted by Number 90:
Originally Posted by Dennis LaGrua:

That outfit survived in a tiny niche market and made highly detailed scale railroad signals that were nice. Although they are gone I do not see their departure creating a void. There are still many sources of quality O scale signals available

If you merely want signals which change aspect as the train passes, you're right -- there are other sources.  But Custom Signals produces all the relays required to have a working signal system, in which the signals actually indicate the route and track occupancy.  I don't think you'll find as much available elsewhere, and certainly not all from one source.

They make an excellent system, cost could get high if you have 25 switches and multi direction traffic for signaling, with great looks and operation.

 

Now if your friends just like to run in circles with colored lights, that's a lot cheaper!

I did a relatively simple dwarf light signal system several years ago. Atlas components that hooked to the switch motors.   Maybe a good start point for someone considering a signal system.  The red and green dwarf lights  show through and out. IMO Still relatively expensive to do for 25 switches. IMO

 

6935 (4 pack)  X 6 = relatively expensive.  Atlas 6931 Dwarf light bases were fabricated.  Item link indicates back order/pre-order?????

 

 

Last edited by Mike CT
If Atlas O was smart, they would buy out Terry and continue his system. No other imported/ mfg offered the most realistic as well as variety of signals that cs had. Darn, I was ready to send out a month for a bunch of prr signals. And I don't remember mth/ Lionel/ Atlas o one over one position light signals and prr dwarf signals. Only Shiloh Signals came close in prr signal heads but it was NOT a system.

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