Pennsy Position Signal Head -- a possible solution?

[Bob Bufkin]

Some of those in dwarf signals is really needed.

[conrailthomas519]

I second that!

[DKS]

It'll be a while before anything goes into production. For starters, I'll almost certainly need to re-master this one. It was a proof-of-concept piece, just to make sure it was even possible at all, and there are issues with the design--not insurmountable problems; I just need to be more careful shaping the hoods. And I'll need to make a bloody truckload of hoods so I can produce a number of the common variants (cut sides, dwarfs, etc).

The B&O version is an altogether different beast. About all it shares with the PRR target is that the lights are arranged in a circle. Otherwise: the discs are smaller, the lights are larger, the hoods are a different size and shape, plus there are other units always associated with the main position signal, so I can't make one without a bunch of others.

This will be a slow process, so bear with me. Availability will also be somewhat dependent on what's going on with Bob Knight, so that adds a wrinkle. The good news is that this isn't a spur-of-the-moment thing; it's been on my list for quite some time, so they will eventually inch their way toward the market.

[Big Windy]

Stuff like this reminds me of the space program other things get developed . Jack Handy thought for today.

[160pennsy]

This will be a slow process, so bear with me. Availability will also be somewhat dependent on what's going on with Bob Knight, so that adds a wrinkle. The good news is that this isn't a spur-of-the-moment thing; it's been on my list for quite some time, so they will eventually inch their way toward the market.

The Alkem signal heads all included a wired circuit board w/LEDs but Bernie's site currently lists them as Sold Out...not sure if he has any plans of doing another run. IMHO this approach of mounting LEDs & wiring for the PRR signal heads in one unit seem the easiest to install. What plans do you or TrainCat have regarding the installation & wiring of LEDs?

[pjm20]

I second that!

Third that.

[DKS]

The Alkem signal heads all included a wired circuit board w/LEDs but Bernie's site currently lists them as Sold Out...not sure if he has any plans of doing another run. IMHO this approach of mounting LEDs & wiring for the PRR signal heads in one unit seem the easiest to install. What plans do you or TrainCat have regarding the installation & wiring of LEDs?

Bob Knight has developed a PC board with the LEDs mounted on the back (they shine through holes). My preference would be to mount the LEDs in rectangular holes so they're perfectly flush, keeping the whole assembly as low-profile as possible, but that would be a costly endeavor. I'm considering other options that are more realistic in appearance, but they're a long shot, and would probably be pretty pricey as well.

[mmagliaro]

The Alkem boards were very thick, in my opinion.  I really liked the look of Bob's (Traincat), but I don't think he ever got to
producing and selling them yet.

David,
Are those hoods separate pieces that the modeler would apply?  Or is this thing cast all as one piece?

I think it looks great.  Remember, your photo is ultra-magnified, and it still looks mighty good.  Whatever flaws
you see in it, I can't imagine they would ever show sitting on a layout with normal eyes looking at them.

[DKS]

Are those hoods separate pieces that the modeler would apply?  Or is this thing cast all as one piece?

It's all one piece.

It's also stronger than it looks. I've been handling it a lot lately, and it's none the worse for wear.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

David,
With my experience in White Metal casting the price is comparable to Urethane Plastics and and a lot less messier on my hands.

Regards

Al

[VonRyan]

David,
I love your concept master and I cannot wait to see what materializes from your work.
I can see some of my future dollars finding their way to you.

-Cody F.

[CodyO]

nice maybe we will use Pennsy signals on the layout after all!

[peteski]

The Alkem boards were very thick, in my opinion.  I really liked the look of Bob's (Traincat), but I don't think he ever got to
producing and selling them yet.

Glass/epoxy copper-clad circuit boards come in many different thicknesses so I see no reason (except for maybe the cost) for the board not to be made thinner.  I buy my blank PC board stock from surplus dealers and the thinnest double-sided board I have is probably 0.015".  A "standard" thickness is 1/16".

[nscaleSPF2]

Gentlemen,  we may be converging on a solution here.  The target is .016 inches thick, and would have the LED's glued in from the back.  The lens hoods are .012 inches thick.  This design is NOT a candidate for Shapeways because the walls are too thin.  Does anyone know how to convert the 3D model into a casting?  DKS?, anyone?

Jim

[Mark5]

Since I have a bunch of the Alkem heads that have been discussed, I thought a few pics might give some perspective:

Alkem LED head:




Not exactly sure how the led board is supposed to mate to the head (instructions indicate to glue it to the back of the head):


As it stands, the "sandwich" looks pretty thick to my eye. I haven't decided what to do with them. Originally my intent was to re-wire the boards with appropriate LEDs to be CPL ala N&W and Amtrak, but until my layout makes enough progress to get to signalling, this is
on the back burner.

Hopefully a better solution will emerge.

Also for reference, here is the Alkem pole mount kit targets (these came without hoods):



Mark