RTA/Metra signals?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m hit by an RTA/Metra bug… so now I’m wondering what signals would be seen along their routes…?

Anyone help me out with at least where to look for real-life examples please?

(Clairification… from this side of the pond I’d need curved binoculars to actually see the real thing so any web sites etc would be really useful please).

Does anyone make suitable good models please?

TIA

[8D]

2

Look at a GCOR for the aspects and indications.

You could pretty much go with anything the CNW/UP or CB&Q/BN/BNSF used. Metra operates over several different class one railrads so the signals would be whatever the railroad it operates over uses.

3

Like Dave said,depends on the line and the era. I know there is a Metra fan goup on yahoo I think. I cant find the link right now but I will look later.Good luck!

4

The 3 main routes are C&NW/UP, MILW/Soo, CB&Q/BNSF.
GM&O/IC (Heritage Line) used B&O position lights.
Not sure what RI or Wabash/NW/NS uses.

A lot of the older systems are getting replaced.

C&NW/UP lines run left handed, the reverse of normal.

You may get some video of Chicago rail. Then you can decide what style is available in your area.
Depends what era you want for color schemes. You may want to run BN green E9’s a bit longer on your layout till the F40’s replace them. Gallery cars in a stainless CB&Q/MILW?RI style or smoothsides in C&NW/RI give you some choice.

You could get by with a 3-4 car scoot with 1 cab car & 2 coaches. pulled by a E,F, or F40.

5

Dave,

These pics show searchlight signals:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/metra/metx051dsa.jpg

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/metra/rta161dsa.jpg

Here are some D head (traffic light) color lights:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/metra/metx52ads.jpg

PRR dwarf signals:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/metra/meta45ads.jpg

So far I haven’t found an pics of the G head (triangle) signals. I make my own signals using IHC heads, as well as, IHC signal bridges. Oregon Rail Supply also makes both signal heads and complete signal kits. Tomar and NJ International are also good choices for complete signals.

Nick