Cantilever Grade Crossing Signal Project (Done!) Here's my latest scratchbuilding attempt (at least the humble beginnings). It's an over-the-road/cantilever grade crossing signal, which is based on the following prototype.... http://www.rxrsignals.net/California/Bakersfield/L-Q/Q/4.jpg (terrific website!) The N scale mast is made from brass tube stock and wire... I'll be asking for LED wiring tips when I get to that point. Russ
Looks great. Maybe this might also be of interest for your crossing: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch8.pdf Chapter 8 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Shows the official way the crossing should be set up (signs, markings, etc). The other parts of the manual are also a valuable resource, I use it for printing signs. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - FHWA
Great project, and developing nicely into a great post as well! I have need for one of these on my layout so I'll be watching with great interest your progress.
I always thought something like this would be a great idea for BLMA to do, seeing that NJ International has a prototype a lot older, but something a little more modern would look great on a lot of layouts.
Thanks, guys! The only thing holding up progress right now is trying to determine polarity for the LED's I'm using... http://www.miniatronics.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/001-L.jpg The common leads will be soldered to the signal mast, which will be part of the circuit. Just gotta figure out which is the anode or cathode side....:worried: Russ
LED's added to mast and the wires were run through the inside of the mast. This signal will have a second set of lights pointing off to the side for a street that runs parallel to the tracks.... Russ
Thanks, Steven! Aside from some minor touch up work and the actual installation, here's the completed signal.... This was a fun project! Russ
Thanks, guys! I haven't decided on gates yet....crossing may just be protected by lights only. However, I do have a nearby crossing that does have operational gates, which works and looks great (NJI signals operated by LogicRail Grade Crossing Pro(s) and a Tortoise swith machine). I would put gates at this crossing too but it would be extremely difficult to install a gate motor underneath where this particlar crossing will be located. Russ
Check out the movie on this page for the ngineering flasher module: http://ngineering.com/Early_alt-flasher_video.htm
My trend of kitbashing things that then become commercially available right afterwards continues. It looks like NJI even based the model darn near off the exact same prototype! See the New Items page from the NJI website. Russ
I think you should get a percentage from NJ. I have spent a few hours on those things. The wiring for the lights does actually run in the tube. GREAT JOB!!
