Signal Placement for Model Railroads

I started with trying to understand the prototype.   Because of that these two books, as a set, were very good at helping because they are quite detailed:

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/...99&idiq=27789149

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/...&edition=9424705

The subject turned out to be more complex than I had imagined.  IMHO starting with one simple situation on your wish list, like your interest in turnout status for instance, would be a good idea.

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

I started with trying to understand the prototype.   Because of that these two books, as a set, were very good at helping because they are quite detailed:

Mike

Thanks Mike!!!  Exactly what I was looking for.

dennis

Of course, types of signal and signal placement can depend a lot on the railroad you choose to model and the location of the railroad you choose to model.   So, if you are modeling a particular railroad, search for info on their signal types and rules.

The most important thing I've learned about this subject is that for realistic modeling purposes, signals weren't used to show which way a switch was thrown.  They are used to control train movements and, thus, to prevent collisions.  In some instances, the dictated movement might indicate which way a switch should be set, but it is not always a 1-to-1 corollary.

Chuck

I have some unfinished 3D printed custom style signal lights that are visible both back and front and one uses a bicolor special sized LED.  The thought was to place one next to the switch and the other some small distance on the turn out track.  They weren't necessarily meant to be period specific or realistic for that matter, albeit I have seen the tombstone type used in modern facilities (more rectangular than tombstone). I really should take photos but I'm so embarrassed since the tombstone variant doesn't have the colored lens installed.  They were meant to feed into an Atlas Switch Sensor I designed.

Anthony