It doesn't take much research to discover that identifying the best correct physical locations for your model railroad signals has been a blind spot in our modeling publications. The 3 Brian Solomon books on train signals are wonderful, and need to be on your shelf if you are interested in the topic. But as a guide to WHERE to locate signals on your model train layout, they fall short because "model trains" are simply not the focus of those volumes. Solomon's emphasis is on REAL TRAINS, not on solving modeling problems like how to compress complex prototype signaling systems onto your train layout.
Kalmbach's recent "Guide to Signals and Interlockings" by Dave Abeles IS aimed at modelers. It covers a lot of good info on HO scale, CATS, JMRI, Digitrax, loconet, mechanical interlocking panels, and CTC boards. But in terms of WHERE on your layout, the signals that display their indications to your enginemen should be placed, the book is strangely silent. To be clear, there is some coverage of signal locations, but what is there quickly gets bogged down in minutia. We are shown lots of trees, but not a single forest.
And YET, Kalmbach had previously published the very information that you are looking for, though you do have to go back a ways... In the April, 1943 issue of their flagship publication, Model Railroader, my hero Boomer Pete, simply and succinctly identifies EXACTLY which signals you are going to want in specific situations and WHERE THOSE SIGNALS SHOULD BE LOCATED on your layout, complete with clear diagrams of everything from simple turnouts to double-crossovers and yard throats. Go get that issue, enlarge pages 168 to 174 and post them to your wall--they are almost all you are going to need. That's right--the entire subject is covered in 7 superbly-written and sublimely-edited magazine pages--and this was in the days of MR's small format! Talent always shines through and the Kalmbach crew sure had it and to spare in 1943.
Finally, Pete followed up this tour-de-force in MR's March of 1946 issue with 4 more pages that cover "How To Use Signals." You should add those pages to your wall.
Some details were not covered by Boomer Pete's 11 pages of instant clarity. For instance, see my thread requesting help properly signaling my double-slip switches. But in general, these two articles should be all you need.
Happy signaling 3-railers!!
Don Merz
