Signals--A Good Reference for Modeling?

I'm no expert, but I was advised by a more experienced modeler that you just want to use common sense -- i.e., place signals where it would make sense to have one (and of proper type). Going into visually blind areas like tunnels or twisty areas through mountains or "urban canyons" that could hide a train would make sense. In the case of diverging routes like a turnout to a branch or a siding, a two-head signal tells you both the direction the train would take and whether that direction is clear.

A signal can also tell you how fast you can go into the next zone -- a green meaning all clear, but a yellow meaning slow down and prepare to stop (I won't get into flashing signals). As an model operator, reacting to signals keeps your trains spaced properly and prevents rear-end collisions, plus it looks really cool having signals change as trains pass.

As for placement, you want them where the engineer would be able to see them from a distance and in time to react to them at posted track speed (though I've seen a couple of questionable prototype placements). Placing one on a blind curve isn't a good idea for appearances, though as a model train operator you might be able to see it better.

Finally, set up your signals for two-way traffic on the layout. Looks and works better overall.

Hope this helps some.

As Matt says, draw it out and think about them from a traffic standpoint. The two-way traffic signaling makes for great night time viewing and operation. Even if the signals don't change, you'll know where the turnouts are!

These might help get you started:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...can_railroad_signals

http://www.lundsten.dk/us_signaling/movement.html

http://trn.trains.com/railroad.../05/railroad-signals

 http://garymgreen.com/Sig_place01.pdf

Interlockings, and spaced out in between.

Railroad Signaling by Brian Soloman

Do a google search.   Bunch of stuff out there.    Here are some books I have. Some are a bit dated, but still good stuff.

"All about Signals"  John Armstrong  ( 1957 )           "How to Operate your Model Railroad"  Bruce Chubb   ( 1977 )

I found this NMRA PDF on line   http://www.hubdiv.org/articles/signalsClinic.pdf

How simple or complicated do you want to get ?     Many older Lionel books show how to set up signal systems that use relays that are controlled by outside control rail that will change signal from green to red.  Also turn off center rail power to stop a following train until the first train has cleared the block.

Do a search on this site.  There are many forum topics on signals.  How to build signal relays systems or use commercial packaged signal control board.

Good Luck searching and have fun.

Steve

Here is an old but reliable relay system.  See Link

http://www.toytrainrevue.com/block-relay.htm

Steve

I have a couple of #153 Block Signals and a #151 semaphore at points on the layout, and they just serve to inform me as to when a train has hit that point. Very simple. That being said, I admire more prototypical signalling systems on layouts.

RMC recently had an exhaustive article on signals spread over a number of issues.  I tried to take it in, month by month, but it's probably easier to understand read in its entirety.

Bruce

Dwarf lights to indicate switch direction.  All that I have done on my layout. 

Thanks to all for these wonderful references and pointers. I have a lot of research to do. I am not looking for perfection. I just want to make good use of the stuff I have picked up over time. I think signals add some pizazz to the layout. 

Big thanks or all the replies!

Don

brwebster posted:

RMC recently had an exhaustive article on signals spread over a number of issues.  I tried to take it in, month by month, but it's probably easier to understand read in its entirety.

Bruce

I believe that series was Bruce Chubb again. Yeah, it's like wait til the series is complete, then "binge read".

Don, there are two types of signals, BLOCK signals and INTERLOCKING signals. Interlocking signals involve switches and diamonds, and control movements through the plant. Block signals convey information about track conditions ahead in areas that have no switches or diamonds.

As others have said, for modeling purposes, you can get as complicated as you want. For block signals they should be spaced at least one train length apart. Interlocking signals are placed at all entrances to the plant.

I'm building a large layout, but I don't have many block signals. Most of mine are interlocking. I build all of my own signals using bi-colored LED's and plastic targets from WeHonest on the bay.

Here I've taken one and a half 450 signal bridges to make a triple track bridge, then applied my home made signals.

A close up of the construction process.

Mass production.

The four signal masts on this Plasticville bridge are among the few BLOCK signals on the layout.

Different railroads used a wide variety of signals, some rather complex. As railroads have merged themselves down to six class ones, old signal systems of predecessor roads have been replaced in the name of standardization and simplification. The time period you model is just as important as the railroad.

Signalling is something that can get complicated quickly.  On the Panhandle, I am taking a simple approach:

1. Track is signalled for only 1 direction (trains travel roughly counter-clockwise) on the layout.
2. I use Pennsy 7-light position signals and signal heads.  I am not using lower or additional signal heads.
3. Trailing point switches on the mainline have signals indicating the aspect of the switch.
4. Several block occupancy signals are in place;  when the block ahead is occupied the signal indicates "STOP".

I think it looks good without being too complicated to understand by visitors.  Is it prototypical?  Nope.  But it seems practical.

George