Dwarf Signals on Every Yard Switch?

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I’d like to use Tomar (or similar) dwarf signals as turnout indicator lights in my layout’s classification yard.

They’d be wired to Tortoises (switch machines).

Is it prototypical to have a dwarf signal on every turnout? I’d rather go this route than use panel LEDS

on the control panel.

Thanks!

Jim

2

It’s prototypical on the JNR and the New York subway system, for interlocked switches with electric switch machines… Can’t say about other railroads.

If you’re freelancing with your own road name, your MOW super could specify it as a requirement.

OTOH, most smaller prototype yards have manual switches, with visible targets on the manual throw mechanism to specify direction.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

3

Short answer, no.

Signals (other than switch targets) are relatively rare in classification yards. I have seen them only in the biggest yards and then mostly on the departure or trim leads.

Not saying you can’t do that or that there isn’t a prototype somewhere, but that it is not typical.

4

Some roads (IHB comes to mind) had a switch position indicator instead of the switch target that showed (IIRC) green for straight route, amber for diverging route and red if the points were hung up and required hand operation. They were at very select locations and the switches were obviously remote controlled. Today there are radio controlled switches in some yards at certain locations that have point indicators and also give a radio message telling which way the points are lined and if locked.

Dick Haave

5

I’d emulate something like this to avoid the “train set-up” effect.

6

I remember seeing in BN’s Northtown Yard in Minneapolis some turnout indicators that were two small rectangular lights, one red and one green, mounted next to each other on one of the long ties for the switch points. I wasn’t real close (was up on a bridge looking down) but I’d guess they were maybe 3-4" by 6-8" and about 1-2" high. I think with today’s super-small LED’s it would be possible to replicate that?

7

You might want to try low illuminated switch stands. Tomar makes them:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/81-851

and

http://www.tomarindustries.com/signals.htm

Ed

8

I’ve decided to use Tomar dwarfs for the mainiine attatched turnouts. I am considering the switch stands in place of some hand throws close to the aisle.

I may still use the dwarfs on every turnout as turnout indicators. Mulling it over. This layout will be for ops sessions and I’ll have to be careful where fragile switch stands might be placed. The dwarfs are “sleeve proof” in comparison… My aisle is too narrow to have operators backing up to look down at panel lights or track diagrams so lighted indications on the layout and/or switch stands are the ticket.

Thanks for the education and additional posts everyone.

Jim