Operating Wig Wag (HO Scale)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m thinking of trying out the HO scale American Limited Models operating wig wag signal on our layout. Here is a link to this Wig Wag signal:

American Limited Models Wig Wag

The particular kit I’m looking at getting is #5400.

I have three questions about this wig wag kit that I hope someone can help me out with:

Question 1:

There is not much information online about these so I’m wondering if anyone who has installed these has any advice or suggestions on this particular wig wag kit?

Question 2:

I’m also wondering if these are sold as two signals, or just one? I can’t seem to find an answer. I need two of them.

Question 3:

I don’t plan on using a track detector to activate these but rather a simple on-off toggle switch. Just like how I operate my Tomar crossing gates, which work really nicely.

But I’m wondering about sound. The distinct wig wag bell sound is very unique and not like the typical crossing gate bell. Below is a link to a YouTube clip that has the exact style of bell I’m looking for (go to 1:38 to see it start up and you’ll here the bell sound)

WigWag Video Clip

So are there any sound modules out there for a wig wag?

2

A couple of months ago, someone on this forum posted a video of a wig-wag signal he had restored and installed in his back yard. Look for the Search Our community box in the right margin and search wig-wag

3

Here you go. Funny I just read this as we were just outside playing with this and the others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOY3k7lN0lg

The semaphore in action if you’re modeling one of those too. (for you purists the yellow roundel has since been replaced with a correct red one)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmJ_mNwarQ

And the rest of my collection if you need some more inspiration for your layout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCvTFK9cus4[](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dUbPXOOKhU)

4

Impressive collection of signals and equipment. Better then most museum collections.

Your Wig Wag bell sounds great. Almost too good, as most still operating Wig Wag bells are off tune a bit.

Appreciate the help thus far, but anyone know anything about the American Ltd. Wig Wag?

I can’t confirm if the Wig Wag )not the motor, but the signal itself) is a kit to assemble and paint or if it comes assembled. I still can’t even figure out if the operating version comes with two or one Wig Wag. Very little info out there, and what I have found contradicts other info posted [:S]

5

A friend built a set of these a couple of years ago.

There is not much information online about these so I’m wondering if anyone who has installed these has any advice or suggestions on this particular wig wag kit?

I recall that the kit was very finicky and it took a long time and many tricks to get the wig wags to operate correctly. Having said that, they are some of the coolest things I have ever seen on a layout.

Guy

6

I bet I could take a recording of my wig wag, send it to http://ittproducts.com/ and have him put it on a chip and board (he’s right here in Southern California), take that board, the servo controlling the wig wag action, and connect it to an optical detector from http://www.logicrailtech.com/ for one very cool layout gadget.

Hmmm…

7

I have found a working example here in Queensland,a different style with two arms that rotate and one hits a bell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A09hi7lLhZE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCh6p4F3gEk

RAYMOND T

8

Hmmm is right [;)]

I’ve actually been in contact with ittproducts about making a Wig Wag bell sound chip. Stay tuned [:#] But if you (or anyone else) can get a clear recording would really help. Finding a sound clip without any background noise has hindered ittproducts up to this point for a Wig Wag sound module. Really simple when you think of it since it would be a loop of the bell sound and nothing more. It’s just finding a clear recording that is the only issue.

(I’m in SoCal as well…Anaheim)

I’m planning on using a simple on/off toggle switch to trigger the Wig Wags but an optical detector is a good idea for very realistic operation.

Just wish I knew if one or two Wig Wags come in the set. I’ve emailed American Ltd. and eagerly await their response.

9

It’s pretty quiet here around 2am…LOL!

10

Got the kit and I’m working on installing them. Yep two come per kit so that is good.

Here is what they look like test fit on our layout:

I still have some touch up to do with the silver paint, then add the decals.

I added LEDs so, in addition to moving, they will light up too. Also got a sound board for them [;)]

11

I beleive there’s still a Wig Wag Signal still in use in Brenham,Texas on the BNSF KC-Galveston mainline.

12

There is a restored and operating wig-wag signal at the Boothbay Railway Village museum in Maine

http://www.railwayvillage.org/

13

I believe there’s an operating wig-wag signal at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA.

14

Sadly those were removed several years ago. I believe they did go to good homes rather than the scrapyard, though.

15

Robert is right. They were replaced with modern flashers a couple of years ago. When I started working in Brenham ten years ago, there were three sets on the old SP main, which is now a switching lead out to the Blue Bell plants. I did see them operate, but was not able to film their operation.

16

Could you post in detail what exactly you did? I may be interested in doing something like that in the future.

Thanks,

sfb

17

I heard they are maintenance headaches as even after you get them working you have problems later…

18

This website:

http://www.trainweb.org/dansrailpix/WIG_WAG_PAGE2.htm

is a pretty good source for prototype Wig-Wags.

Sorry for not making the above URL active but my browser (Safari) and this website are not playing well together today.

19

http://www.trainweb.org/dansrailpix/WIG_WAG_PAGE1c.htm

That should work.

Chuck

20

There are a couple of operating wig wags in Niles Canyon (between Fremont and Niles, CA) as well as an inoperative (?) but-still-installed one in Pt. Richmond, CA The Pt. Richmond one is at ground level in the meridian of the street. There is also an operable one inside the old freight station in Santa Clara, CA.