The first Showcase Miniatures/Century Foundry N scale signals (assembled)

[C855B]

Guys, I received the signals this morning. They are absolutely spectacular. Breath-taking spectacular. My hat is off to Walter, Debbie and Joe for advancing the art to this level. I'm a "signals guy" with very high standards, and they have flat knocked it out of the park.

Actually, there are no superlatives expressive enough. I'm not kidding, this is some of the best modeling I have ever seen in my 50 years in the hobby. If you are familiar with the Sunrise signals of a decade ago, which were very, very fine models... these are an order of magnitude better. Just incredible.

They came with a very nice, heartfelt letter from Walter apologizing for using fiber optics, but that it was the best solution given that no LEDs exist yet that will fit in the to-scale head. I know 0402 LEDs the hard way, and he is absolutely right - can't be done, yet. And you know what? The fiber run is not intrusive in real life, and looks "right" in representing the conduit between the mast and head. The only suggestion I could offer is if there was a way to run the fiber to the bottom of the case back without bending the light path unreasonably, it would even better represent the conduit. Anyway, not only is the fiber a solution to make this fine-scale model work, it is a most-acceptable solution.

Photos? Not today, it's a busy day. And not "operational" for a while, I'll have to build-up a demo display to light them.

Joe, if there were "versions" useful to me as far as my modeling target - which I will need in quantities approaching 100 (see the Gibbon, Cozad and Western thread, it would be LA&SL single and double heads, with and without cabinets, and a smattering of short (siding exits) and tall single-heads with the oblong target that are representative of UP practice 1940-1970. Here's a pic from my collection, http://www.everywherewest.com/yoder3.jpg; that single-lens signal in the upper right is actually an SA. Then we also have to talk about a solution for two- and three-light vertical color signals, especially with US&S cast backs you should also be able to see in that pic. Those you won't be able to do reasonably with fiber.

Again, great job. You have advanced the hobby in so many ways.

[peteski]

Well, if Mike finds this signal to be superb then I think we have a winner!  Fiber optics or not. 

[wbv]

Mike,

We are very glad you are pleased with the signals and very encouraged by your remarks... thanks !  The response we have received has encouraged us to proceed with this project.

Here are a few more builds that we wanted to share to show the direction we plan to go with this project.  As you can see in the photos of the dwarf signals, the signal head can accommodate a sweeping bend in the fiber optic strand to more closely follow the actual prototypical routing of cable from the rear of the head.  This needs to be done with care so that the fiber is not crimped too much to restrict light flow.  The extended hoods that are shown below will be included as well.

While these initial builds are SP prototypes, Eastern railroad designs (like C&O prototypes) will also be available in both cabinet and pole mount versions.

Walter
Showcase Miniatures

[C855B]

Yes, please! More! Keep up the great work, Walter. The slight relocation of the fiber really does make a difference. What folks don't realize is how tiny these things are.

Those new configurations are super. Are you going to make the semaphore in the speeder indicator move up and down? (JUST KIDDING!... although with your level of attention to detail I would not be surprised if it was in the back of your mind.) There are so many variations and you are even catching details I forgot about long ago, such that cabinet base with the phone box. The mind boggles.

I will suggest that the "long" hood version might be a touch too long. This picture suggested by 3D Trains is a good profile view to judge the difference between SP practice long and short.

Thank you for your hard work!

[wbv]

Thanks Mike,

The hood length came from a working drawing of these signals but I have seen differing lengths in pictures.  Some detail info suggests that these hoods were US&S specific while others were rail and location specific.  The hood can be fairly easily trimmed to a different length to accommodate.

Now, to get a working block indicator.......

Walter
Showcase Miniatures

[DKS]

Exquisite. They do not look mass-produced, but instead scratchbuilt by a master craftsman.

[babbo_enzo]

Now, to get a working block indicator.......
Walter
Showcase Miniatures

Nahhh I can't belive this!
I've no word to compliment you for your "Signal paradise" you're able to make real for us Espee fans and for all N scale modelers .... Just a BIG THANKS, God!
Now it's time to go to count "how many" and wich type I need...
Do you still plan to give signals available as Kit and RTR?
The dwarf head can be also available without the relay box?

To the sky and over! (Toy story citation)

[wbv]

Thanks Guys......  you are most encouraging.

We will initially release the signals as kits in either a pole or cabinet mount version (Both US&S and GRS cabinets will be available).  The package will not include the LED since the signals could be built non-operating.  There will likely be an accessory package(s) as we explore the possibilities of the design.  Built versions are being considered and likely be available at some point but we have yet to nail down a price for those.

Walter
Showcase Miniatures

[robert3985]

WOW!  Exquisite.  My son will have a big smile on his face when he sees these since he's the SSPF in the family. 

Any plans for a UP style "Type D" with blizzard hoods?  I'd buy a ton of 'em if they were of comparable quality as these!

[unittrain]

Those are just amazing! Keep it up I will definatley get some C&O's when those come out.

[chicken45]

Wow! I really like those ones with the relay boxes.

[GaryHinshaw]

Magnificent.  As much as I want to stay with the present day as my chosen era, this is the kind of development that could cause me to freeze it to the searchlight era.

[jereising]

Any plans for a UP style "Type D" with blizzard hoods?  I'd buy a ton of 'em if they were of comparable quality as these!

+1+1+1!!!

Even though I've rolled my own, it would be nice to have replacements available.

[C855B]

+1+1+1!!!

Even though I've rolled my own, it would be nice to have replacements available.

Jim, your "Vader" hoods are not the same ones that Bob and I need. At the level of detail of Walter's signals, you would be able to easily see brand- and era-specific distinctions between US&S, GRS, Safetran, etc. Bob and I need US&S one-piece cast backs to model "classic" UP. Since you're "modern", you'll likely need models of heads with modular backs, and modern mounting hardware.

IOW, we need the signal equivalent of an F3, you need a GEVO.