CPL Signal Project

[C855B]

The toggle switch is too big. Is it G scale or something like that?

Three-point registration pins for the visors should work OK... as long as there is a specified diameter for the forming "tool", be that a hunk of tubing or jeweler's forming pliers. Where I can see folks getting in trouble is trying to use chain-nose (semi-conical) pliers to form the visors. Soldering the visors will be a tedious task, but anybody who has worked with SMD, even casually, should be able to master it.

[Wutter]

@C855B I remember that Pennsy PL thread when it came out, those are pretty nice boards and also where I got the inspiration for how to mount these CPLs. The only issue I'm having is finding a source that will make small runs of either 0.2mm or 0.010" boards. That's the only reason so far I've only ordered proto boards that are 0.8mm just to confirm that the traces and clearances are going to work with how I have designed them.

If I can firm up some orders on CPL main target boards, I think I can get a quote for 0.2mm thick boards in a medium sized run of 500 or so.

[Wutter]

Question for B&O CPL fans out there, how common are the circular G/D signs, 3 digit/ 4 digit number plates and the yellow triangle that indicates C281B (approach limited)  C281C (limited clear)?

I'm trying to balance out distribution of signs but I have no idea how common each thing is.

I'm assuming the yellow triangles are fairly rare?

[Wutter]

Quick update on this project: Sample boards and frets are in, just need to figure out best methods for assembly.

[railnerd]

Neat; are you using reverse mount LEDs?

-Dave

[Wutter]

Neat; are you using reverse mount LEDs?

Yep, lens faces through the board. Any idea where I can get a small(ish) run of 2 layer boards made on a 0.2mm or even 0.3mm substrate?

The OshPark 0.8mm is OK but not ideal and I'm not fully convinced on FPC until I've tested more.

[railnerd]

Try these folks:

https://www.seeedstudio.com/fusion.html

[Wutter]

Quick phone grabs of the frets:

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If anybody is interested in purchasing or just looking at the Type G/Searchlight or CPL frets in person, I will be at RPM this weekend so just let me know!

[unittrain]

I won't be at the show unfortunately, but definitely will be in for some of these CPLs!!!

[peteski]

Stainless  steel or nickel silver etchings?

[Wutter]

Nickel silver for easier solderability.

I've already soldered up some of the structural supports and platforms for a mast signal. The rolling process for the hoods was easy to get a consistent and repeatable radius but I haven't had a chance to try out soldering hoods to the target face.

[kondor]

The rolling process for the hoods was easy to get a consistent and repeatable radius...

You're welcome!

[C855B]

This is a great project. CPLs didn't exist anywhere near the period and region I'm modeling, but I ought to do a couple just for the wow factor. And to give knowledgeable layout visitors a "Huh?!?" moment.

I want to see somebody tackle a fully-loaded CPL with your kit. They were rare in real life, but impressive. Somebody (here, maybe?) had a pic of a fully-loaded dwarf CPL in service, and I'm wracking my brain trying to recall where I saw it.

[Mark5]

If you ever decide to make the B&O platform signal, I would be in for those as N&W used a nearly identical platform in some locations.

Here is the aborted Traincat product:

http://www.traincat2.com/d_bnoplatform.htm

An example of the N&W version:

http://www.railroadsignals.us/signals/nwcpl/g302.JPG

Mark

[C855B]

Found it. This page has amazing shots of CPLs, including the fully-loaded dwarf (but not in service): http://www.railroadsignals.us/signals/cpl/index.htm

Also, more info on the N&W CPL: http://www.railroadsignals.us/signals/nwcpl/index.htm . While the page notes they started colorizing the signals in 1959, I recall all-yellow Pennsy-style PLs still in service in the mid-1960s.