I haven't heard much about if anybody is using the new atlas signal system. I was looking through the directions and was left slightly perplexed. Has anybody done anything with them like rule 261 track (bi-directional signals), interlockings with controlled signals at all entrance points... I figured that with the interlockings, you would want to be able to drop the signal to stop. I saw something about a terminal on the board which probably would do that but the directions were vague. Is there any wiring diagram or information out there other than what is supplied with the signals. Thanks Scott Lupia
Hi Scott: Unfortunately, what's in the instructions is it. I finally got the one I bought figured out by practicing on a piece of flex track with it until I got the wiring figured out. As to multiple signals, I haven't got that far yet, but soon Bill
I have not used them yet but I was at NCE the other day and saw some working with a control unit that they had made. It looks much easer than what Atlas wants you to use. Have a look If you are running DCC. http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/10_min._signal_system.pdf
That looks real easy. I am going to try mine this weekend . My problem is I don't know anything about proto signals and their placement and really do not care to read volumes on that subject, so I will most likely just use them as block detectors for tunnels and hidden stagging. Mike
Thanks for breaking the ice! I know less about railroad signaling than I do about programming a VCR... and... I've never programed a VCR. However, I do admit that haviing them on a layout representing the 1950's or later increases the realism of the model railroad. I would hope some of the more erudite modelers with experience in the placement and use of signals... whether thay are Atlas or other brands... would please explain the reasons for the different types of signals and their uses. BTW: I bought the 4 pack of Atlas signals expecting them to work right out of the box; AND, expected they would come with complete details of how they were used by the railroads. Boy was I disappointed!
A Programmed Instruction Course-Signal Tutorial You can learn the way Penn Central Engineers were taught by taking the course. It's on George Elwoods' "Fallen Flags" site under Penn Central. Near the bottom of the PC page is a section called OPERATIONS. Use the link- "Color Light Signal Instruction Manual - {James Curtis Collection} ". By the time you get to the bottom of the page you'll be qualified to be a, well, I won't stretch the point. Mark
The directions included in the Atlas Signal system do seem a little vague. I understand the "basic" setup but the rest is extremely unclear. I wanted to have double headed signals showing the "medium speed" aspects for diverting movements at switches and the directions really show nothing about that other than a reference to another website. While I do applaud Atlas for making a signal system like this, they could have made it easier for people to use. I guess I will wait for more people to figure it out before I go any further with it. scott
If I remember correctly, the instruction sheet also refers you to the Custom Signals website for more information. There is too much detail to include in the pacakging, being the size that it is. This link will take you to the instruction part of CS website http://customsignals.com/SignalSystems.asp You can then click on any of the other topics for more details about further advanced operation. We have done the basic signals needed for a layout, Custom Signals has been doing the more complex signals needed for interlockings and such in O scale, and will most likely follow those with the corresponding HO and N signals. Paul Graf Atlas Model Railroad Company
Paul , You guys have come out with a GREAT product here. I will try to get out to the layout and work on the one I have today after the Daytona 500. I do find almost all of my customers are in my boat of not knowing how to set up prototype signals and that is a modelers learning curve all to it's self. Maybe that could lead to a great Atlas How To booklet. Thanks for all that Atlas has done for us N Scalers in the recent past, keep up the good work! Mike
I like the Atlas signals, too, but I am prototype-challenged. Right now I plan to use them for some track polarity issues. More prototype information would help me. Thanks for the CR link, Lark; I will read all of that, for sure.
Paul: Thanks for that website. I took a look through it and it is very thorough. Definitely the point in the right direction that I needed. My new layout, although small, will be a prime candidate for signals now. Thanks for the tip and great looking signals. scott
positive signals usually govern the entrance or exit of a siding or connecting track, protecting the switch. intermediate signals are placed approximately 2 miles apart on mains depending on maximum authorized speed for the given location figured on the required stopping distance. it wasn't until I actually started working for a railroad that I figured out where and why signals are placed and what the many aspects convey. for a model railroad the easiest signal system would only have red, yellow, and green for stop or restricted proceed, approach, and clear. you can get much more complex by having red over flashing green for limited clear, red over yellow over flashing green for medium approach medium, etc. reading about signal aspects and indications is one thing but knowing how all of it applies is the key to a prototypical signal system.
Yes, speaking of the flashing aspects, I saw that the Custom Signals website does show a circuit to make a flashing aspect. That will make the Approach Limited to a Limited Clear for diverting routes possible. Very nice. scott
Thanks Paul for the link to Custom Signals Inc; I had not seen it on page 3 of the booklet. The website really helps to detail the use of the signals.
If you use a store bought signal system board you will be unprepared for what to do in the case of a switch (or other more fancy track arrangements such as a series of switches with a crossover all on the same signal pole!). Plug n' Play is fine, but you haven't learned anything. I use a detector, but then throw all the rest of the junk over the side and just use relays. Yep, a signal system is just a series of cascading relays, like the little blue boxes that Radio shack sells. It's really much more fun to use parts you can SEE, since you know how each works you can come up with any combination you want. An added benefit is that since relays are impervious to voltage spikes and such, I use them on NTrak modules... :teeth: Detector off, DPDT relay closed, power normal. Detector on, DPDT relay thrown, power reversed. Works great for one red/green signal. The rest is just adding more relays depending on the track.
