I’m looking ahead to the day when I would like to add a few signals and operating crossbucks to my smaller n scale layout. The trackplan is a simple double track oval with some industrial sidings and an interchange track. I’m trying to figure out what kind and brand of block detection, signal circuits, and maybe even signals I would use. My guess at this point is that I would only need 5 signals and one pair, maybe two, of flashing crossbuck (no gates). I included a simplified track diagram above to make it easier to ask questions and get some help in my understanding of signals and what I need. Red lines marks the electrical block boundaries and the green squares are the potential signal locations. Some starting points:
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Layout will always be dual-cab DC block controlled (no chance of DCC)
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Signals are for counter-clockwise traffic on the outer loop, and clockwise traffic on the inter loop. Traffic going again the normal flow is handled by train order.
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No signaling or detection needed on the rear passing/storage tracks. They are visible through a tree lined scenery block.
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An example of how I think the signaling would work in in the counter-clockwise direction:
As a train entered block B1 signal A would be GREEN, and Signal B would be YELLOW
When the train enters block B2, signal A would turn RED, signal B would turn GREEN
When the train enters block B3, signal B would turn RED, and signal A would turn YELLOW
When the train enters the back passing/storage tracks, signal B would turn YELLOW and signal A would turn GREEN.
The inter loop would work the same for the opposite direction.
- Since I sometimes operate at night with lighted buildings and trackside scenery is already done, train detectio
I would take a look at Atlas’ signal system.
David B
Jim,
Have you taken a look at what I did?
http://www.thevollmerfamily.com/Pennsy/Projects/signals.html
I use optical sensors and Logic Rail Tech signal “animators” to mimick block signalling. The system is bi-directional, requires no special track wiring (in fact, my signal circuits are completely seperate from the track power), and works equally well with DC or DCC. Covering the oprical sensor completes a circuit which triggers a “stop” aspect. A timer starts when the optical sensor is uncovered (i.e., the train has passed). The user can choose 10 or 30 seconds; I use 10 for my door-sized layout. When the time is up, the signal displays an “approach” aspect, and then the timer starts again, eventually returning the apsect to “clear.” This would work very well for your application if you’re doing right-hand running like I am, and you wouldn’t be running against the signals often (since the signal always cycles through approach).
The downside, obviously, is that the train can stop just beyond the sensor and the signal will happily cycle back to clear, even though the block it’s “protecting” is still occupied. But for the price, the simplicity, and the shear fun of watching PRR’s distinctive position light signals change aspects in response to train movements, the loss of operating fidelity is acceptable to me.
Here’s the company website:
http://www.logicrailtech.com/
By the way, they also have grade crossing animation systems using the optical sensors. I haven’t used them, but I’m considering setting one up.
As exciting as Atlas’ system is, I don’t know how/if it will work with Pennsy 7-bulb signals. Logic Rail Tech has products designed for position lights, to include both bulb-type and LED. I currently use NJ Interantional bulb-style signals, but I’m transitioning to Alkem Scale Mode
Jim:
I would take David’s advice and give a look at the Atlas N scale system. I believe the October Model Railroad News has a complete review of this system in both HO and N scale ( a somewhat shameless plug). Since you are in DC only at this time, the Atlas system has all the things you need and the simple instructions do exactly what you want the system to do. It even has a three color signal rather the just red and green. Also you can substitute your own types of signals if you want. If you need more help, give me an e-mail message and I will walk you through the setup…
Dick Foster
Dave,
Yes, I have taken a look at the very nice work you have done especially with PRR signaling. But since my layout is located in less than consistent lighting conditions and sometimes I run as a night operation, optical sensors in-between the ties, as you have done, will not reliably work for me. I decided to go with current sensing block detection under the layout.
I like the idea of having the signaling based on the true occupancy of the blocks. I don’t think the cost should be too outrageous with such a simple track plan and a small number of blocks. It’s a matter of trying to find a working combination of current block detectors (kit form OK), signaling circuitry, and the actual signal. I don’t know how it’s going to work, circuit wise, when the trains go into the dark territory of the back tracks.
There are only a couple of PRR signal makers so far in n scale as you mentioned - Atlas is not one of them. The lighted crossbucks from Berkshire Junction are also very nice.
I’m doing some research on signaling now since I probably will be crazy after attempting to hand paint 120 n scale figures.
Good luck with your layout also and I’m glad it survived the cross-country move.
Jim
Dick,
I just downloaded the signaling documentation from the Atlas site and will try to understand how their Block Detection Board and Signal Control Board work and interact with each other, and try to get a feel if it will drive the PRR type signals from NJI or Alkem.
In my track plan example, could I just tie the signaling feedback from B3 back to B1 to complete the signaling loop? And, could the Atlas Block Detection Board drive a crossbuck activation circuit in addition to the signal board?
Jim