Work continues on the big helix rebuild project. I'm almost done. There are just 3 of the 16 support columns left to do. I hope to wrap this up this afternoon, then I can finish the wiring once and for all, and install the new deck for the turntable and roundhouse.
Now there's plenty of clearance for the long cars and engines.
There are two basic types of signals: Block signals and interlocking signals. Block signals control linear track, something my railroad has very little of. Interlocking signals involve turnouts, from one to very complex multiples. Because my layout represents 60 miles in the real world, but is only 6 scale miles long, all the blocks have been "squeezed out", so trains end up going from interlocking to interlocking.
I've been working with my schematics to figure out how many signals I'm going to need. The main level is close to 70 heads. Lots of doubles and triples as the track dictates.
The upper deck is getting close to 100 heads.
Finally, Joe and I have been working on these. This is one of 4 detection panels located around the room. The detection wires from the insulated rails terminate here, and the CMRI inputs connect here so the computer will know where the trains are.