Where to put a signal bridge?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey guys, I know nothing about RR signaling. I just received as a present a couple of LL signal bridge kits. I think they are a cool addition to the layout, but I don’t know where should they be located or what their real purpose is. I’ve found out that signaling gives a lot of realism to the layouts, and I’ve seen real RR use them in many varieties. Maybe you guys (and gals) could help me in this subject, which ones I may use and where. I run ATSF locos and RS in a freelanced layout. Eventualy in a near future I’ll turn DCC and maybe I’ll place real working signals, for now, dummies will work fine.

2

I’ve noticed that signal bridges–at least the ones I’ve seen on the UP Donner Pass line (formerly SP) are used on a multi-track main where cross-overs are indicated.
Tom

3

I put them at yard entrances, install and wire them to LED’s and operate the yard siding targets from the DP/DT switches on the tortoise under the table switch machines except for the mainline tracks which uses train detection circuits to operate the LED’s…

4

To understand where to put signals you need to understand what they do; and that is an involved discussion. Try to get hold of a copy of “All About Signals” by John Armstrong, put out by Kalmbach Books. It is a reprint of articles from the June and July 1957 issues of Trains magazine.

5

I plan to put them in my staging yard of my classification yard located at a triple track mainline. Since I will have more than 2 cross-overs, the signal bridge will be needed.

I might use double slip switches for the cross-overs.

6

Signal bridges normally go over two or more tracks just before a set of switches, for example on either end of a crossover. You could also put them over the main and the siding at the end of a siding to control movement over the siding switch.

Dave H.

7

Also there is a chapter in the Kalmbach book “Realistic Model Railroad Operation” by Tony Koester on signal systems.

8

There is an excellent book on signaling by brian Soloman, Railroad Signaling from Kalmbach. An excellent reference book and a comprehensive history. The other comments prior are correct. You need to look at the track. Signals usually govern junctions, interlocking plants, crossovers and yard throats. Their arrangement depends on the trackage, application and the RR practices.
Mark