Hi!
This is a follow up question to my previous posts about signal bridges…
Obviously signal bridges were expensive to build - especially for just one track. So what type of signal was used instead (of a signal bridge)? I model the Santa Fe / Illinois Central, postwar period, midwest.
I could certainly guess a couple of types, and maybe be correct, but I look to you guys for the real scoop.
Thank you !
Signal or signals on a mast?
Don’t really understand the question. Are you asking what types of signal heads or used or what types of signal masts are used?
Signal heads varied by when the signals were installed or upgraded and how many heads were required to convey the aspects required for the situation. Signal masts were normally a round pole with signals on one or both sides.
Though not unversal, many railroads used signals like this –
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/mdp/mdp1684.htm
There are two big drawbacks to the Model Power signals shown here – they use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs, and they have the red on top instead of green.
The mast and most other parts are brass. I remove the bulbs and put 3mm LEDs into them.
More prototypically scale sized signal masts are available from Tomar Industries, NJ International, BLMA, Oregon Rail Supply, and others.
Good Morning Mobilman,
I know virtually nothing about signals but the link posted by “cacole” looks very similar to what I saw for many years traveling on the San Francisco Chief between Oakland and Newton, Kansas. Not saying it is prototypical for your particular layout but it sure looks like what I was used to seeing on that part of the Santa Fe.
From the Wilds of Montana, home of the Big Sky Country,
Wayne [:-^]
Thanks all!
Dave,
A railroad would build a signal bridge to convey a light signal to oncoming trains - which I presume was to indicate occupancy of the next section of trackage.
If - for whatever reason - they didn’t build a signal bridge, what type of signal would they then install?
Again, I’m looking for a 1950s timeframe…
Thanks,
Mobilman44
On a mast beside the tracks, as already stated.
I think you have it a little backwards actually; they would use a signal bridge only when they couldn’t fit a mast in between multiple tracks. The indications and arrangement of the heads would be exactly the same whether mounted on a mast or on the bridge.
All signals, whether a regular mast or mounted on a bridge or bracket structure apply at the point they are located, controlling the track beyond.
Thank you!
The links and explanations bore out what I thought - but my thinking it doesn’t always make it true.
It took me a longggg time to figure that out.
Thanks again,
Mobilman44
If you look closely at pictures of prototype sidings in CTC you often will see where they even swung the siding out further to allow room to put the mast for the main track (or siding) signal between the main track and the siding rather than go to the expense of a signal bridge or cantilever signal. After the signal the siding swings back in to normal 13-15 ft spacing until it gets to the other end of the siding where it swings out again to clear the signal at that end.
The BNSF used to have signal bridges at the control points on the two main tracks between Ashland and Lincoln, NE, but have gone in and changed them all to mast signals.
Santa Fe made extensive use of cantilever signals.
Rich
This is where you need to do some research to see what signal types were used on the railroad you are modeling. In your research, you also need to find the rules governing the way your railroad used the signals. Signals are a specialized subject in model railroading. Almost a hobby within a hobby.
You can start here, but copy it all off the web site as it will not be there after the middle of August. It will be re-posted on another site when I get it up and running.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzescsbb/HO_MRR/Signals/Signals_getting_started1.html