I don’t know how to wire switching signals for approaching trains. I also don’t know how to wire signals for right of way trains and level crossings.
If any one could help me that would be great. Thanks.
first off, [#welcome] to the forums!
You’ve just opened a can of worms for yourself with the signalling - there’s probably just as many ways to do it as there are members on the forums (ok, well maybe not THAT many, but you get the idea).
Since you haven’t stated whether or not you’re using DC or DCC, I’ll fill you in with the best I know about both systems… I will also assume that you are using 2-rail trains (as opposed to the O scale/tinplate 3-rail trains, a la Lionel)
In order for others to help you better, it is usually a good idea to specify the control system you’re using (DC or DCC) as well as scale. Although I will admit that scale is somewhat irrevelant in this situation.
Now, I’m not too familiar with the DC way of doing detection (if there is one anyway), but I think a lot of model RR’s with “working” signals have one (or more) guys working a CTC board, and watching teh trains to determine block occupancy. If that’s not the case, then the signals would be controlled as the blocks are switched to a certain engineer’s controller number (say engineer 2 is following engineer 4 – engineer 2 will have red signals until the blocks are switched over to his control). IMO, DC wiring for more than two cabs (controllers) is a pain, and well beyond my understanding. Note - I never wired for more than two cabs, so there are gaps in my knowledge here; though I have seen the insides of control panels with DC block wiring… save for the really well thought out ones, they look like a rats nest…
Turnouts are a little easier in DC - a relay connected to the switch machine that will turn on/off LEDS or lamps (standard light bulbs) as the machine flips the turnout to the straight-through or diverging route (or using the contacts on a switch machine, like the Tortoise).
In DCC, things are (somewhat) easier, as there are tools that allow you to “see” where a train is on
One of the things that you need to do is define what type of signal system you want. By that I mean, do you want the signals to change aspects (colors) to protect the train that is in a block, or signals to tell you if a route is set correctly for a train, or grade crossing signals. Or all of them. Signaling can get expensive if you want all the bells and whistles. A system that will do everything will need block detection, turnout direction sensing, and some form of logic control (computer and program) to take the inputs from detection and sensing and turn that into signal aspects for all of the signals.
There are systems on the market that are basic and then there are those that are more structured for large layouts. So layout size also has a piece in the puzzel.
So, the things we need to know are: 1)The scale you are modeling; 2)The size of your layout; 3)What you want your signal system to do; and 4)how much time, effort, and cost are you willing to put into the project.
go to www.atlasrr.com and type in signals in the search box. they have detection and signal systems that are supposed to be easy to wire. i’m using their g type signals and current type detectors from dallee electronics to build a system for my layout.
It’s for DC Trains. I also need to know how to wire signals to keep collisions from happening.
I need the color aspect, grade crossing, and the train route signal.
It’s and HO Layout
It’s in a small corner, maybe about 4-5 ft wide and about 41/2-5 ft long.
I’m willing to pay no mare than $50. I want the signal system to do is, tell when trains are approaching other trains and stations and when it’s going to cross a road. I’m willing to spend maybe a few days on the signals.
all that for $50? it’s going to cost more than that to have something to do what you want. one atlas signal with a control board and block detector will run you more than $50. do you have a birthday coming up? the atlas signals work on dc or dcc. christmas is only nine months away too.
Signaling is a very expensive venture. Let’s say you want to operate 4 signals. For each signal, you need the two other componets like mentioned above. Each signal ( depending on exact type ) is in the $ 20’s. The block detector is $10 , the signal control board is @ $15. Add that together & then multiply by the number of signals you actually want & soon, you too will be wondering why you even gave it a thought ! …lol.