Relay Houses

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Guys,

I was just looking at a catalogue which showed relay houses made by Grandt Line. I’d like to get some because they look like a great detail to add to the layout but I have no idea where they would be located and therefore, don’t know how many I need. Any ideas where they would be found?

Thank you,

Mondo

2

These are many times called ‘instrument’ houses. They contain the the electonic equipment used to control things like signals/switches/crossings. One sees them by grade crossings, CTC installations, or equipment defect detectors. They protect the electonic equipment from the weather and vandals…

Jim

3

Relay Sheds are located anywhere there is a controlled device, such as interlockings, and grade crossings. They can also be used for storage sheds, or offices at distant points. At one yard I worked, the relay shed held a desk, telephone, and place to keep track lists, air slips, and waybills.

I have several of the Grand Line sheds on my layout.

Here’s a rusted up one, used as an office:

Here’s a newer looking one at an interlocking:

Nick

4

Nice looking layout Nick. You got some more pics?

5

Hi Nick,

Thanks so much for the input. When you say, here’s one at an “interlocking”, I’m not sure what an interlocking is. I had just posted a question about where towers go and the guys mentioned that interlocking “towers” go where there is a cross-over. So, am I guessing right that an interlocking is the same as a cross-over? If I’m correct, I’m going to need to not only buy several more towers but about a dozen or more relay boxes to go with the 9 cross-overs I have on my layout and several grade crossings.

Thanks,

Mondo

6

You can check out some of my layout pics here:

For an overview: http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/882628/ShowPost.aspx

For close ups: http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/882964/ShowPost.aspx

Nick

7

Mondo,

An interlocking is really a type of control system that prevents trains from being routed onto conflicting routes. It can be as simple as one turnout leading into a siding. Or as complex as Philadelphia Zoo where PRR four track east west main, met the four track north south main,

Each group of closely spaced turnouts would need thier own relay box, but one tower could control several sets of crossovers. After the introduction of electrical and pnuematic control, one tower could control several interlockings many miles apart.

Nick