This has been asked before but after searching the forums I’m just as confused as before. I’m building a small (5x7) N scale layout and I would like to include working signals. I will be using an NCE Powercab DCC system. I have a small budget to work with so I want to keep this as inexpensive as possible. The layout has a double main with a branch line so I think I will need about 3 blocks. I was looking into the new Atlas signal system but this only works for DC, right? So, I was wondering what I need to have a working signal system. I don’t want to spend more than $200 when it’s all said and done, is this possible? I’m not afraid of building my own signals. I was looking through Digitrax’s website, but all of that went way over my head. Can somebody tell me exactly what I need to have working occupancy detection signal system?
Perhaps you haven’t gotten a response yet because it probably isn’t going to happen, not for under $200.[sigh]
There are various kinds of block detectors: optical, Infra Red, and Electrical (circuits that detect an electrical load in a block) and output an electric signal.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each: sometimes the opticals don’t work in low room light. Sometimes the optical and IRs will briefly show un-occupied when the gaps between cars of a slow train go past the detector. For the electricals, you need resistor-equipped wheelsets for some or all of your freight cars, and any un-lighted passenger cars, so the whole train will be detected, not just the engine.
Then you need something to plug them into, that either has logic of it’s own to turn signals on or off, or can send a message to a computer so a program can do that. I don’t know about the Digitrax system, but it may do that. And I think Atlas has announced something in this area. Many of us use the C/MRI (Computer to Model Railroad Interface) hardware designed by Bruce Chubb, plugged-into a computer. But that’s very quickly out of your price range.
Finally, of course, you need the signals themselves. Again there are many types, and you can buy kits or assembled ones.
I’d recommend searching these forums, browsing Model Railroader (both the magazines and the web site) for ads and articles on signalling. If there’s a club in your area, some members will have some experience and information to help you get started.
Wire and install your signals. Depending on what type you use you can use a simple wiring method like the one I use for my two light and target signals. Example here. I used DPDT toggle switches on a small control panel.
Install a block occ system. I recommend the current sensing type as it has the least ‘cons’ but it does require you to install a small resistor on any rollingstock/loco you want detected. (contrary to public belief this CAN be done inexpensively) Initally have the system illuminate a lamp on a control panel.
Use circuitry or a computer to tie the two systems together.
Taking this project in small steps yeilds several ‘stopping’ points for your wallet. Besides, having working signals (even if manually switched) is still a lot of fun!
Since this is my first “real” layout, I think I will just keep things simple (and inexpensive). The more I look into it, the more I realize that, (1) I don’t have the funds, (2) I don’t have the know how, and (3) my layout really isn’t big enough to make a signal system seem realistic. I just wanted a way to make this layout as interesting and animated as possible. I’ll just stick with dwarf signals controlled by atlas relays and grade crossing flashers controlled by optical sensors.
If you can read directions, the Atlas signal system is not that un-reasonable in price and is not that hard to install. Each signal comes with two printed circuit boards as well as a GREAT looking TR-Head signal.
Because I only have a branch line that interchanges with a short line, I’m going to use 2 of the new Atlas 2-headed interlocking signals to protect a diamond and wire up the top red and green aspects to work with a toggle switch as it would be controlled from the Interlocking Tower Opr.
But you don’t have to install all of the signals at once if you wanted to signal your entire RR. Only install what you can afford and add more later. Everything just plugs in and you can keep adding as many signals as you want.
You might do a little research on signals to learn what they do and where to install them.
I would definitely go with the atlas signal system but it only works on DC. (If someone could tell me how to make it work with DCC, I would appreciate it) I agree that it has a very reasonable price, and the signals look pretty good, but my layout is DCC controlled. [sigh]
The Atlas ‘Signal System’ is for DC, but the signals will work just fine when wired up to a DCC compatible signal system, or as a previous poster mentioned; to a toggle that the ‘tower operator’ controls!
