N scale signalling

[TinyTurner]

I would be quite interested in making my own signals If I could get hold of some drawings.
Milw primarily, but even generic would do to start with.
Highball, wigwag, everything is of interest.   
There must be some suitable K&S tube to work with and etching brass looks viable.
Plenty of tiny LED's around.

Is there a book that covers this, and the prototype operation practice's?   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You’ll definitely want to check this out: https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/book/12824

[Maletrain]

If you want to be really close to scale, you may need to consider using thin walled stainless tubing instead of brass.  Ngineering has several useful sizes.  And there is Component Supply https://componentsupplycompany.com/ .  They sell thin walled stainless tubes down to 0.0125" OD with ID in the range 0.0065" to 0.008".  That is 2" OD in N scale, and you can get an LED magnet wire down that tube.  But it is also the size of thin hypodermic needles, so be careful handling it if you decide to use something that small. 

[ednadolski]

Scale drawing of some SP searchlight signals would be awesome.   Weren't those made by Union Switch & Signal?
 
Would anyone know (offhand) - what diameter are the signal masts, target shields, and lamp lenses?

Ed

[TinyTurner]

Thanks for that, that book looks the stuff, I see that Rons trains N things did a review.
Copy on it's way.

I've mailed a few companies that manufacture needles, given the distance, I will see If I can get them direct.
Seems that there are other metals available in the same gauges for non surgical applications. 
I did mention it's for crafts use rather than any other recreational purposes

Got to be some scale drawings somewhere.

[C855B]

Would anyone know (offhand) - what diameter are the signal masts, target shields, and lamp lenses?

Masts are typically 5" ID, ~6" OD. Targets are 35". Lenses, 6".

Video of an N scale triple-head: Vimeo URL. Modeled after the signal (probably long gone) controlling the south end of the SP yard at Mojave. Ladder wasn't added yet when taking the vid.

[GGNInNScale]

Try Dave at WeHonest in ebay.  Good selection of ground and mast signals, prewired, and not expensive.  Fast delivery.  I have used him for about 3 years and over 60 signals.

[peteski]

Thanks for that, that book looks the stuff, I see that Rons trains N things did a review.
Copy on it's way.

I've mailed a few companies that manufacture needles, given the distance, I will see If I can get them direct.
Seems that there are other metals available in the same gauges for non surgical applications. 
I did mention it's for crafts use rather than any other recreational purposes

Got to be some scale drawings somewhere.

For a wide selection of hypodermic  tubing (and other useful items) see https://componentsupplycompany.com/ I used to get mine hypo tubing from Small Parts Inc. but since amazon took them over several years ago, I find it impossible to shop there.  Component Supply is my current source.

I prefer using thin wall (0.007") brass tubing (much easier to solder and cut). I used to buy if frm Small Parts Inc., but K&S took them over several years ago, and they pretty much discontinued all that good stuff.  Maybe the still sell thin-wall brass tubing - check their  website.

Albion Alloys in UK might also be a good source for this kind of tubing, but I think they are also gone.

[jagged ben]

Worth checking out what Showcase Miniatures has to offer.

[Sokramiketes]

Here's a good read on making signals, and then better Milwaukee Road ones:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31256.0

And:
https://cgwrr.com/ModUTrak/MiNi/BuildManual/Drawings/MilwRd-Signal-B12609-SH169.pdf

Good luck with your project. 

[turbowhiz]

Albion Alloys in UK might also be a good source for this kind of tubing, but I think they are also gone.

https://www.albionhobbies.com/

I just discovered these guys by chance when I encountered their product line at a LHS that's not at all MRR related. As best as I can tell they are still very much in business (although their website was down on the weekend its fixed now).

They have by far the largest range of tubing that's appropriate for N scale that I've found; Its really good stuff!