I used to have signals with bulbs and so much light leaked out from the back that you could readily tell what color was being displayed. This was useful operationally when signals were located on the layout at positions were you would be forced to view their backside. I recently installed a couple of searchlight signals in positions such that one has to move to a best line of sight to tell what color is displayed. I am contemplating drilling little holes in the back or side to create a discreet indicator for operations. Any other solutions out there?
Wire up a signal indication panel on the side of the layout with bulbs that show the signal indication. Wire the bulbs on the panel in parallel with bulbs in the signal. Here’s an idea:
Indication Circuit
l ------------- Panel Green --------
l / \
l ------------------------------ Signal Green -----------------
When I was a Signal Maintainer on the NYCTA every signal had a rear lens that was about 3/4" diameter so you could tell what aspect was lit when walking up to the signals from behind. A small drill bit in a pin vise should do the trick.
Grade crossing flashers used to have something similar so the train crew could verify that the flashers were operating. I never saw any liek that, but have read about them. I’ve seen more modern ones that have small repeater flashers facing the train for the same purpose.
LION installs mirrors high up on the walls, him can see all sides of the layout from the control tower.
Since LION has automated system, him needs to know signal color. If train is facing a red signal, of course it is stopped, but if it is not moving when facing a green (or yellow) signal, LION must climb out of his tower to see what the issue is.
I h,brought signals with protruding LEDs and small “hoods” for the same reason. Because they weren’t prototypical, they are also cheap! I would definitely recommend the small hole approach over the panel approach just because I lost my willingness to live wiring the 4 I have so far.
How are you driving the signals? If your setup involves computer control, usually the software would show a layout that can also show status of signals. I like this approach because I would let intel do a WHOLE bunch of wiring rather than I having to do it. I have an old (bought for $50 from my employer) laptop running my railroad.