Understanding Block Signals!!!

Allan,

Need a little more info from you before anyone can try to help.

First, is your question about wiring block signals (power to this spot, changing signal color or position with this wiring, wiring for the type of operation you are looking for, etc.) or about placement and type of signals (how many and what types of signals at a crossover, how close should signals be on the mainline, etc.)?

Second, what manufacturer and type of signals (Atlas, MTH, Lionel, etc. and single light, position light, semaphore, etc.) do you plan to use?

Third, what type of track (Ross, Gargraves, Atlas, MTH, Lionel, etc.) do you plan to use?

Fourth, do you plan to model a specific real railroad signal system?  If so, which railroad?

And fifth, do you plan to use a separate power supply to wire and operate the signals?

It would also help a lot if we knew what your trackplan looked like and how you plan to run/operate.  I might also suggest you look at this website - http://www.customsignals.com/ - which provides valuable signal information.

Chuck

I notice from your number you are in or near St. Louis. I'm in St James and come to the city often.

I have a basic understanding of a few simple ways to accomplish what you want, However, as Chuck points out there are many ways to accomplish this, It just depends on what your "this" is. You can be era specific, RR specific and get the realism you desire. Or..........you can just get them to work so they look nice, but might not work as one would call prototypical.

As for the chatter and sounds being used in conjunction with the signals, well, excuse my Missouri, I have no idea what you mean there.

Welcome to the Forum!