Hello from RJR

[Trev]

I like the choice of number plate John.

[RJR]

After trying several plans for signals it became obvious i couldnt get the true prototype look partly because of my lack of knowldege partly because the track layout is non prototypical.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...n30/gantry.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...30/gantry1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...30/gantry2.jpg

The lights along with a single colour signal at the other end of the tunnel are controlled by a 3 pole 4way rotary switch.

John
RJR

[Foghut]

Could you not stack 4 miniature leds in a black plastic strip like this, and hang them off the gantry ?
http://www.cravenmodels.com/SIGNALS_files/image010.jpg

Also have you considered using infrared sensors or magnets for automated signalling ?

[swisstrains]

John,
You have obviously put a lot of time and effort into building what is a very realistic looking layout and as such I think you should seriously consider installing more prototypically correct signalling.
Unless your track layout is totally unrealistic (which I very much doubt) it will be possible to signal it as per the real thing using the basic rules of signalling. There are a number of books available on the subject and I'm sure that certain members of this forum will also be willing to help with any queries.
Here's one book that I can personally recommend.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Signalling-Handbook-Stanley-Hall/dp/0711031436

[RJR]

Originally Posted by swisstrains

John,
I think you should seriously consider installing more prototypically correct signalling.
Unless your track layout is totally unrealistic (which I very much doubt) it will be possible to signal it as per the real thing using the basic rules of signalling.

Here are a couple of pre scenery pctures that show the track plan, (I dont have a track plan available at the moment)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w.../fromdoor1.jpg

THis is the area where the gantry now sits. On the left you can see the double slip. Going away from you..

The left leg drops to the traverser.
The right leg goes t the double track station.
Coming towards ...
you the left leg of the double slip goes into the tunnel and is a hidden sidding. The right leg goes into he tunnel and exits onto the viaduct as a single line

Stepping back a bit
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...0/fromdoor.jpg

In this overview you can see that over the viaduct on the right the track splits back into two to reenter the station top left corner as double track

My intention with the gantry in this pic

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...n30/gantry.jpg

was to indicate that the right of way for the single track over the viaduct was yours not trains coming the other way.

If anyone has a more prototypical solution feel free to suggest / advise
Foghut. The basic problem with your 5 stack lights is I havent a clue what the 5 lights mean !!!!! A summary would be good ?

After starting this layout 4 months ago I have realised that any abilities I have in modelling can often by overshadowed by my lack of prototypical knowledge

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

The signal shown in Foghuts picture is a 4-aspect junction signal. Working from the top the lights on each head show yellow, green, yellow, red where green=clear, both yellows=preliminary caution(i.e. next signal showing yellow), lower yellow=caution(i.e. next signal showing red) and red=danger stop.

I think that this type of signal is more suited to routes with high traffic flows and that your layout would only require 2-aspect or possibly 3-aspect signals (i.e. red and green, yellow and green or red, yellow and green)

In your double-slip example the main signals controlling entry into the tunnel would be placed further back. One between the Virgin 57 and white van at the end of the double-track section and one on the line coming from the traverser. I would suggest that both were able to display red, green and yellow.
Did you have any particular scenario in mind when you incorporated the double-slip and the hidden siding into your plan? To me it gives the impression that the tunnel was once double track and that the engineers are in the process of simplifying the trackwork and haven't yet got round to removing the double-slip.

[Foghut]

Originally Posted by swisstrains

I think that this type of signal is more suited to routes with high traffic flows and that your layout would only require 2-aspect or possibly 3-aspect signals (i.e. red and green, yellow and green or red, yellow and green)

Yes a valid point. What I was really aiming to say is that it would be nice to see 'scale sized' signal heads. You could get some Eckon signal heads, rip them off the posts that they come with, and mount them on the gantry. It would be acceptable to file them down so that they were rectangular and took up the minimum amount of room as this is done in real life with gantry-hung heads.

There's a selection of commercially available ones here...http://www.cravenmodels.com/SIGNALS%20OO.htm

Or as I mentioned above, for a fraction of the price just get some mini LEDs from maplin and drill out a strip of black plastic/wood.

[RJR]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions but at this point I am probably at the limits of my wiring ability !! So Im living with the single lense bicolour lights. The other problem is as was suggested the first signal warning should be about where the platform is now!!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...0/S7003207.jpg

I Think the comment about the size of light is valid and think these next pics show some improvement, I have blacked out some of the light. The closer shot of the gantry also shows that I did actually use a signal kit with "peak" to mount the LED



On the otherside of the tunnel
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...0/S7003204.jpg

A bit of maintainance
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...0/S7003198.jpg

Weathered the track around the station more
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...0/S7003209.jpg

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

John. This afternoon I sketched a rough plan of your layout based on what I can see in your photos and marked on it what I consider to be the basic signal positions.
I have since read your comments about not wishing to get too complicated but thought you might still like to see it.
layout_signals01.jpg

[RJR]

Originally Posted by swisstrains

John. This afternoon I sketched a rough plan of your layout based on what I can see in your photos and marked on it what I consider to be the basic signal positions.
I have since read your comments about not wishing to get too complicated but thought you might still like to see it.
Attachment 302

Thankyou for taking the time to do that, Im not saying I will never upgrade its just not the highest item on my todo list !! So having said that I have taken a copy of your plan (You got it right) and am keeping it for future reference.

John
RJR