Model Railroad Signaling Basics

21 thoughts on “Model Railroad Signaling Basics”

1. I have never used those signals, but have you considered running the signal wires into a strip connector so you don't have to unravel them (like what you have done with the 5V wire)? Anyway, all the wiring and Signals look great, I bet you're glad that all the wiring is nearing the end lol. Just need to hook it all up to the computer now?

2. This might be a dumb question regarding the wires from the signal unit. But if I understand the problem you had; it was that the two sets of wires were combined into a single mass – and it was difficult to disentangle them, and break out the individual wires for each set of lights. Now, what if you cut off the long tail, say, two inches or so under the base board – broke the wires out into red, yellow, green and common for each light, the soldered that onto a color-coded four wire lead for each light set? Unless I'm missing something here. But, what you've done looks really great.

3. Great update Stephen, can't wait to see the layout with some scenery.
   The leading CN Unit, which model is that?

4. Beautiful Update! I just love those trains running in that video. Keep up the good work! :D

5. On the real railroad we call the ABS signals in the middle of the blocks Intermediate signals, not intermediary. One thing you will notice is all the big class ones feverishly replacing all the old signals with the new hooded signals like your BLMA and Detail West signals. This is due to the PTC regulation so those old Tomar signal days are numbered.
   Tim

6. Awesome HO Train Layout. Mike from Austarlia

7. Very good information. Thanks for sharing.

8. Is there any specific orientation in how the locos are oriented when coupled together, besides the one in the front, obviously? Or do they couple them together randomly?

9. with a bad back, I just decided to lay all of the wires above ground. there is no rule that says it has to go under the layout. I just run the wires along the roadbed where there is plenty of light to see what I'm doing. I just solder wire extensions onto the ends and then I don't need to unstrand them so far. just about an inch is all. I enjoyed designing my own signal system using Union Pacific operating rules. I don't like having to depend on others to get something done. I thought that it would be fun to have everything respond to voice commands but in emergencies it just takes too long to respond. If a train is derailing I needed a panic switch that kills it immediately. Then if I say something and the train starts to move inadvertently it can be a real problem. I scrapped that idea.    I can make the trains control their own throttle with a decade counter. When the train triggers the clock it picks a new throttle in advance of the train entering the block. 2 clicks equals throttle 2 and three clicks equals throttle 3 and so on. trains are fun!

10. Great video Josh! I can only imagine how much effort has gone into this production! Thank you for putting it together. It will be a valuable resource for myself and others down the road. Looking forward to the entire series. Thanks again for sharing,
    Ethan

11. Great info. I will definitely be using this to help me do my signaling. Look forward to seeing the next video!
     

12. You have made the signaling concept very understandable in the way you presented the difference between CTC and ABS. Also, what is a control point. Will you be
    doing any presentation on "CATS"? I tried to download and from what I see I on my
    computer, I was not successful. I am running window 8.1.  Got the latest version
    of JMRI, but no luck, as far as I can tell with CATS. I watched all you model video's over the long weekend. The progression is amazing and very well done. I live close to the Geneva Sub about 60 miles west of Chicago, IL and am a UP modeler and
    railfan. Please keep the video's coming as you have time. They really help seeing the big picture, but also how to break things down in managable componenets. 

13. Very nice! Simple, but quite informative!

14. Over time, once I'm ready for signals, I think I'll be using this video as a perfect reference!

15. Been watching your 100 plus videos. Realize we are both in the Chicago area.
    Would like to get in touch and share idea's and maybe operate at each other
    empire. Please contact me if interesed…tony@htlumberandcrates.com

16. Great video Josh is there anyway I can ask you more questions aside from on YouTube?

17. Can you do a video of making your own signals? 

18. Nice video…..but you are in Desperate Need of De-essing.!
    Will just assume you listen to your videos.
    good luck

19.  
    Ayye bro I can't remember if I asked you this before but I'm doing a youtube video of the greatest model railroads I see on here and I wanted to know if I could use some of your footage and put it in my video. Looking forward to hearing back from you!

20. great information in regards to basic American signaling. Thanks. Now comes the challenge on my layout. I am currently re doing my layout and installing modern electric signals. I model both American and NSW Australian Railroad, the basic block signaling is the same until we get to the diverging tracks. In NSW it is different. With the double head signals, Yellow on top means diverging route, the bottom 3 lights indicate what the next signal is, according to the block signal rules. Eg; Yellow over Red next signal at red. In some cases you will get Yellow over Yellow, meaning slow speed diverging track/next signal is at slow caution. Now the challenge shall be to work a system where I can do both systems at a flick of a switch.

21. Hi. Well, I building my layout and will soon start signaling and detection. I manually control my turn outs with servos. Do you think I should change this system or this system can be managed by the computer interface you mentioned?

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