Just some FYI about signals. Interlocking signals (also called "Home" signals) are not ABS signals. They are controlled by a Dispatcher and drop to STOP after the train passes and enters the block inside the interlocking. They can only work like an automatic signal if they are fleeted but only straight move can be fleeted. Crossover moves cannot be fleeted.
Peter , I need to thank you, I noticed you are using the Facia panels from tam valley , I was able to rework the print files for those Facia panels to fit the Walthers push button station, final results are great thank you , also a very interesting video great job
There are several prototype signal aspects omitted. It is a simplified system that many model railroaders use - easier to build and easier for visiting operators to understand. Everything in model railroading is a compromise.
I like automation. I have planned to use the DCC Concepts ESP system on my layout. However, there are times that I feel it is too much. That all the automation takes away from just operating a layout. Since I picked a time period of @1912 and narrow gauge I can get away with leaving a lot of automation out of the layout.
Are you assuming resistor wheelsets on some/all cars, or perhaps end-of-train lights (or lighted caboose/lighted observation car) to allow detection? I guess it depends on how long the blocks are versus how long the trains will be. Will it be needed to detect a train *backing* into a section?
Ideally, all cars need resistor wheel-sets. In theory, every third car is probably sufficient for permanently-blocked through freights, but that system fails as soon as you start swapping consists.
Excellent ...... I'm learning stuff here but I have a question if I may, When a long train starts to pass a signal when does the signal good from green to red? as the loco passes the signal or after all the train has passed the signal? In the UK the guard in the guards van (caboose) was also responsible for checking that the train hadn't run a red light.
The signal goes red whenever the block is occupied, just as on the rear railroads. What you say about the guard's responsibilities predates automatic signals. If you watch a train pass a signal now, it goes red long before the whole train is past.
That worked rather well but it looked like a lot of spaghetti wiring underneath. The upper signal responded to the input from the train but the lower signal did not. Is the lower signal dedicated to the diverging route and is that wiring also completed already in the wiring shown.
It's a test track. Tidying up the wiring is not a priority but it helps to determine how it can be done on the actual railroad. The upper head is for the straight route; the lower head is for diverging. All routes were tested each time but showing all the tests would have made for a long an tedious video.
@@mpeterll I apologize, I was not referring to the neatness of your wiring. I was just commenting on the volume of the wiring and my fear of not being able to do it due to the amount and complexity.
What are using for detection? I would suggest stepping it up and program for true interlocking. Also there are better options for signals ( affordable) Atlas . Is Prototype northern RR? Snow shields would indicate this.
Just type in N3ix and you'll find them. The Atlas signals are available direct from Atlas or on e-bay. I purchased mine from a guy trading as "yankeedabbler".
