Viewing Signals on Layout During Operation

[haasmarc]

This may be a dumb question but it has come up as our little train group prepares to add signals to our layouts.  We have decent sized layouts which are basically around the wall types.  Many of the signal locations would aim the signal in a direction that would not be viewable by the operator.  One option we are considering is having a signal aspect repeater in the facia for the operator to view, but that will require quite a bit of work.  How have others with decently large operating layouts with signals handled this issue?

[mark dance]

I use repeaters on the fascia.  In fact they were in and operatonal long before the TO semaphores.



md

[eric220]

 

I've actually been pondering the same question. Most of my signals will be visible from the aisles, but a few won't. Still more, while visible, won't be at convenient angles. I have cheated some of those so that they're angled slightly toward the aisle and easier to read, but that's only a partial fix. I also have the added problem of using position light signals. If I duplicate them on the facia, do I go with PL's or simple R/Y/G?

Thank goodness I'm still laying track!

[seusscaboose]

I'm gonna forego operational signals in the layout (use signal bridges only) and wire red/green LEDs into the facia below the signal bridge

In this case, ops are more important than prototype fidelity

[haasmarc]

Thanks.

Eventually we would like to use smart phones as throttles and have the signal aspect displayed on the phone, but that day may never come.

[eric220]

Thanks.

Eventually we would like to use smart phones as throttles and have the signal aspect displayed on the phone, but that day may never come.

That was another thought that occurred to me.  If you're using Digitrax and transponding, there's actually a cab signal function built into the DT400 series throttles.

[John]

I have a few of those signals as well ..  most of my signals are at control points --- so what I plan on doing for those where I can't see them is to put advance approach signals ahead of them in spots where you can see them ..

[C855B]

That was another thought that occurred to me.  If you're using Digitrax and transponding, there's actually a cab signal function built into the DT400 series throttles.

Yeah, but aside from the little semaphore being microscopic and taking your eyes off the train and layout, it only handles the basic clear/approach/stop aspects. The first siding you're lined into with a diverging clear or approach, you're going to see a stop on the throttle display.

I was originally thinking repeaters on the fascia, but I have a couple of interlockings in the plan that would turn the fascia into a Christmas tree, little more than a jumble of pretty lights... but which ones are MINE? Hmm.

[kiwi_bnsf]

The best option I've seen was detailed in an issue of Model Railroader: mount a photo of the real signal location taken from track-view on the fascia, and then the recess the repeater LEDs into the signal heads on the photo. It looks very professional.

Obviously this poses some challenges for people not modeling an exact prototype, but you could photograph the model location and signals, and achieve a similar outcome.

Cheers

Tim

[cv_acr]

One option we are considering is having a signal aspect repeater in the facia for the operator to view, but that will require quite a bit of work.  How have others with decently large operating layouts with signals handled this issue?

That's our plan as we begin to install block/interlocking/CTC signals on the club layout.

[NS-CRE]

I have one such signal that is impossible to see from the aisle, and others that are difficult.  Had I thought about that before, I would have shifted my block locations slightly so I would not have created this problem.

I have one repeater in service for the impossible-to-see signal.  I use the Terminal Strip Mounting Kit from Digitrax, and I simply plugged the wires from an additional signal head into the terminal to duplicate the indication of the layout signal.  That head is mounted in the fascia for now. 

Another signal that is in a bad location can actually be viewed through the side and back of the signal, which I don't like and will eventually fix by repainting the back of the signal.  I may mount a small mirror to allow operators to see it. 

For those building now and planning to add signals in the future, definitely plan to avoid this problem.  In my two worst cases, moving the gap 12-18" would have saved the operators a lot of trouble.

[Cajonpassfan]

I'm struggling with this issue as well on my proto-based Cajon layout: do I put the signals and block boundaries in the prototypical location where the operators may or may not be able to see the indications or do I fudge and place the signal in an easily visible location that's prototypicaly inaccurate? I think it will be a combination: proto based scenes will have the signals properly located, with fascia repeaters when not visible from isle, and the more generic scenes will have blocks and signals located to be easily visible from the isles...tbc...
Otto K.

[TiVoPrince]

Never
implemented on a layout but my plan was to use Digitrax signal heads on a small triangular projection into the aisle near the installation.  Put a milepost or location identity so operators are fully immersed even when looking away from their train.  A one inch projection to hold the heads would be as discrete as a car card box In the aisle. 

Considered placing repeaters above on an upper valance instead?  Usually less visual clutter up there but a longer wire run...

[VonRyan]

 

I've actually been pondering the same question. Most of my signals will be visible from the aisles, but a few won't. Still more, while visible, won't be at convenient angles. I have cheated some of those so that they're angled slightly toward the aisle and easier to read, but that's only a partial fix. I also have the added problem of using position light signals. If I duplicate them on the facia, do I go with PL's or simple R/Y/G?

Thank goodness I'm still laying track!

All-amber PLs. That is all.


-Cody F.

[eric220]

All-amber PLs. That is all.

That will be cost prohibitive, not to mention some logistical issues with mounting. I did think of another option that I've been tossing around. More on that after I have a chance to explore the concept a bit.