I have just received a Model Power 3 aspect colour light signal, which for a production item is probably not too bad, but I am wondering if the target is maybe a little out of scale for HO. It looks just a bit big (scales out at about 36" X 48" I think), and I only purchased one to check it out before committing my Signalling Department to large quantites. Does any one have suggestions for alternative, near scale 3 aspect colour light signals reasonably priced other than Model Power ? Or should I heat up the soldering iron and give K&S brass tube + PCB and LEDs a go ?
Check out NJ International Signals. Apperance-wise they look realistic and the signals lights look decent. I don’t know if they use bulbs or LEDs but they’re worth checking out.
It’s possible some of the guys here use NJs. Hopefully they’ll chime in.
I enjoy building my targets from brass…i use Campbell’s HO brass ladder, brass tubing, a bit of styrene for the deck, an old 1/4 watt resistor for a pole embellishment and bi-color LEDs…the base is made from styrene and balsa wood and the lenses are made from 1/8" brass washers, and thin styrene for the lens cover…they may not look exactly like a perfect kit product ,but they will pass if i keep the rivet counters away and don’t get too much solder on it at the joints…chuck
Geoff,
Along with NJ International (http://www.njinternational.com), try these links as well:
Oregon Rail Supply (http://www.oregonrail.com)
Tomar Industries (http://www.tomarindustries.com/signals.htm)
The nicest ones are made from brass and use LED’s. Hope that helps…
Tom
Accurate SCALE signals will cost you = more like $30 apiece,
Check ISS and Sunise E. Oregon Rail makes kits for you to assemble,. IF you are really skilled.
Most are 3 aspect. 4 requires more compicated software plus a vey looong layout to use. ISS has one stop service (EVERYTHING).
http://www.oregonrail.com/items.html
.
http://www.integratedsignalsystems.com/
Lyctus,
If you are considering making your own, IHC has Qwik-Kits with 1, 2, & 3 aspect target faces that 3mm LED’s fit perfectly. A little brass tubing and ladder stock and you have a very low cost signal. There was an article in a recent issue of Scale Rails… They used IC sockets to mount them on the layout. Very easy, just plug it in on your benchwork.
I’m interested in using single-light signals(either kits or pre-made) and inserting 3 color led’s . Does anyone know of a source for the led’s?
Jeff
Jeff,
DigiKey, Newark Electronics, or Mouser would be good resources. All three should be available on-line. Radio Shack or any electronics shop in your area might also carry them.
Tom
jddav1,
I got 3mm diameter LEDs in red, white, green, and yellow along with the resistors to drop the voltage at radio shack. Their website has a store locator and parts availability service on line.
tstage and Tweet,
Thank you for the rapid response. I accidently miss-led you. I am looking for single lite tri-color led’s. red/green/yellow from one led.
Jeff