Traffic Signal height

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Can anyone tell me what the proper approximate height in inches for HO scale for a traffic signal suspended over an interesection? Thanks for your help.

Jim

2

At least 2" (14.5 scale feet exactly), I would use 2.25" (about 16 scale feet) on mine. Keep in mind trucks have heights up to 13’6" (or more, in some states), and the signals need to clear them.

3

Thanks for your comments - I was thinking about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2, but I wasn’t sure.

Thanks again.

4

I recall reading somewhere–seriously I believe the subject was raised on an N-Scale forum–that Federal regulations require markings on overhead obstructions up to 18’; the inference of this is that there are occasional vehicles reaching to that height. With that in mind I would draw the conclusion that traffric lights at intersections would be suspended at least 18’ off the pavement which boils down to 2.5" in Horribly Oversized-Scale.