Model Railroad Signals
Signals and Automation for Model Railroads
And an occasional other item of interest
And an occasional other item of interest
For many Model Railroaders, signalling is as important as scenery. More
so now that we have DCC with "walkaround" capability. It's as much a
matter of understanding the "logic" of signalling as how much you're
willing to spend on circuit boards. Although I sell boards, Model
Railroading is important to me as a hobby as well.
Here, I delve into signalling circuits from a practical perspective. Not so much the actual aspects. There are many more knowledgable than I. The fundamentals of a usable model system. I know the practical "nuts and volts" of the electrics.
Here, I delve into signalling circuits from a practical perspective. Not so much the actual aspects. There are many more knowledgable than I. The fundamentals of a usable model system. I know the practical "nuts and volts" of the electrics.
For information on what signals actually mean, one of the more knowledgable people I know of can be found HERE
. There are Rule Books for a dozen or more roads, some dating back
well into the steam era. And countless photos of signals. in place.
Todd is a collector of signals and more a railfan than a modeler. By
far, the most knowledgable I have found.
Two, three and more aspect signal controllers. Animation control for "stall motor" switch machines, linear actuators, and RC servos. Flashers for crossbucks and extended signalling.
Signal and Animation Controllers
are HERE
The Signals page resides on my professional site,
www.HudsonTelcom.com/Signals.php
www.HudsonTelcom.com/Signals.php
For the electrical experimenter:
A local page containing basic electronic circuits useful in many hobbies;
Most recent update: Jan 12, 2011 (reverseing sections)
Most recent update: Jan 12, 2011 (reverseing sections)
Pete's Signal Kits
For the "Craftsman" modeler, a block's worth of signals can be scratch
built for little more than the cost in time to prowl around the junk
box and cobbling together a circuit.
Actual signal models may be scratched; or kit-bashed from "static" toys, as I frequently do.
Actual signal models may be scratched; or kit-bashed from "static" toys, as I frequently do.
For those that prefer to build signals from kits, a "craftsman kit" in brass is available from Pete Lowry. Unable to find suitable models in kit form, Pete developed an etched brass model of scale dimensions that yields an exquisite model
Designed for LEDs, either miniature or SMD devices may be used. As designed, these signals can be controlled with any desired logic controller from a diode matrix to a computer.
To link to Pete's signal model kits
This site is just starting up as a stand-alone... do have patience.
