HELP WITH SIGNALING

Dave,

You will have to tell us the signals you have, how many you plan to use, and give us some idea of how you intend to use them.  Use can go from very simple (rear-end protection or head-on collision avoidance) to routing and automatic train control.  Please let every one know.

Chuck

PS:  A track plan might also be helpful,

The design of the signal is important to how it must be wired. The electronic board design that comes with the signal, and if the system you have also includes the logic of switches is relevant to how the signals can be wired.

As stated above, you need to tell us about the signal (supplier) and include a layout showing where you want to put the signals (if you have gotten that far). Also the number of signals you plan on using. Layouts generally have "dark areas" that are not signalled, such as some yards and sidings. I have signals covering my main line and main line sidings. industrial sidings are generally not included, however the switch stand is lighted to show how the switch is aligned. (I have Lionel Fastrack switches, which include a lighted switch stand). Other types of switches may or may not include a lighted switch stand, however you can typically add this as part of your signalling system if you want.

@PRR1950 posted:

Dave,

You will have to tell us the signals you have, how many you plan to use, and give us some idea of how you intend to use them.  Use can go from very simple (rear-end protection or head-on collision avoidance) to routing and automatic train control.  Please let every one know.

Chuck

PS:  A track plan might also be helpful,

I have the PRR position signals from Custom Signals. I have 14 signals. My purpose for them is for collision avoidance and routing. I have 5 signals that indicate 3 possible routes, 3 signals that indicate 2 possible routes, and 6 signals for block detection.

I have provided an older track plan of the layout. The plan shows the upper level and lower level of the layout. The lower level of the layout is a 2 track main. Let's just concentrate on the yard to the right. The yard has not changed since the track was originally installed. As you can see the yard has 6 tracks. Each track will act as a block. On either end of the yard I will have 2 signals on each end that indicate 3 possible routes per track, as you enter the yard.  Additionally, I will have 2 signals on each end for block detection. That's the plan as of now. My issue is not where to install the signals but how to wire them so that they operate correctly.

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

... As you can see the yard has 6 tracks. Each track will act as a block. On either end of the yard I will have 2 signals on each end that indicate 3 possible routes per track, as you enter the yard.  Additionally, I will have 2 signals on each end for block detection.

Dave: The route indications are a function of the turnout positions. I don't know of a prototypical system that would indicate routing other than showing the positions as red/green before reaching each turnout. But your railroad may be different. Please elaborate on what signal aspects you want to use for routing.

So the six yard tracks will be individual blocks with signals at both ends which can show red if the block is occupied or green if the block is clear. Is that correct? Meaning that if there is anything on one of the yard tracks, the signals will show red. What do you plan to use to determine block occupancy? And how will an occupied yard track affect what is permitted in terms of routing?

@Consolidated Leo posted:

Dave: The route indications are a function of the turnout positions. I don't know of a prototypical system that would indicate routing other than showing the positions as red/green before reaching each turnout. But your railroad may be different. Please elaborate on what signal aspects you want to use for routing.

So the six yard tracks will be individual blocks with signals at both ends which can show red if the block is occupied or green if the block is clear. Is that correct? Meaning that if there is anything on one of the yard tracks, the signals will show red. What do you plan to use to determine block occupancy? And how will an occupied yard track affect what is permitted in terms of routing?

You are correct that the signals at both ends will show red if any block is occupied or green if clear. I do plan to add dwarf signals within the yard. Between the block signal, the two target position signal, and the dwarf signal, the goal is to determine which way the switch is thrown, which track(s) are occupied, and the speed at which a train can go as it enters the yard. I'm no signal expert but I believe this was why the signaling design was set up for my layout this way.

If I am missing something or if this can be simplified I'm certainly open to suggestions.

Dave

Dave: In general, the speed within "yard limits" are set as a rule to be something like 10mph or less. So I doubt that your signals will be involved in showing any speed indications.

But let's back up a second and figure out what you've got there.

You say your system was designed (apparently by the folks from Custom Signals) for your particular layout. From what I've read, they were going out of business recently but I'm not aware of how that stands at the moment. So some more questions are in order.

Is this an upgrade of a system that has already been installed on your layout? Do you have any documentation that you can share about this system? Or did they just send you the signals and accessories for you to put together on your own?

What I'm getting at is -- How can we help you? What are you trying to do? Can you explain your situation in more detail? So far, our advice is all just guess work. And it is not possible, for me anyway, to tell you what Custom Signals would have done without more guess work. So it would be helpful if you could fill us in on some history before we guess ourselves into a corner. Thanks!