How many of you use Semaphore Signals on your layout. I suspect people prefer to use the regular Target Head style signals because they are more available and modern era railroading is more popular, but many steam era railroads used the Semaphore. I have been looking for North American style Semaphore Signals in N-Scale for about 15 years now, and have not seen any produced. In the late '80's I visited an N-Scale layout buily by Bob McCalley in Mountain Home, ID., that had NJ International brass Semaphores on it. The were fabulous! I was hooked but never found any for sale when I looked for them. It would be nice if they were put back into production. After all these years, going on many layout tours, and train shows I have realized that I have never seen anyone other than a few Lionell layouts using Semaphore Signals. Do you use them?
No, I don't, but I am planning a layout based on the SP&S subsidiary Oregon Electric, in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Part of the line was over SP trackage, and it was protected by a complex Auto-Block Permissive system which used blades. Very cool to look at, but spendy. They were in service until the 1970s IIRC. (Yet another thing I missed by a hair, just born too late!) And of course Central Oregon & Pacific, operating the former SP Siskiyou Main, still has a number of them in operation, tho I don't know anyone who models them.
About fifteen years ago, I attended a train show in Seattle. Someone had a small N scale layout, perhaps 4' by 6', and it was entirely signalled. Very impressive. But I never did learn who owned the display. Signalling is probably one of the most lacking aspects of those layouts I've seen. Someone needs to manufacture a GOOD looking semaphore that the masses can afford. Even if a static display. Or if one aspect could be lighted....... Boxcab E50
I use semaphores (static) on the BearCat RR, a freelanced RR. Plans were in an old NScale magazine, even had plans to make operational. Made two in about hour...not perfect but oh what a feeling....
By chance do you know what issue for that article? I have them all. But going back through them would take a while... And I'd probably get sidetracked on some other great idea! Boxcab E50 [ 20. December 2002, 03:44: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
NScale Magazine July/August 2000 and September/October 2000 for Nscale... This link http://www.index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=SEMAPHORE&sort=A&output=3&view=50 for all the semaphore stuff...modeling.... [ 20. December 2002, 05:01: Message edited by: satokuma ]
I like the look of semaphores, for some reason they just look cool to me maybe by the time i need signals there will be a good one in N scale.
Thanks for the good info Satokuma, I can probably get that backissue of N-Scale, so I can build my own. By the way it looks like you got quite a few nice models you built for your layout. I built the HO version of that Atlas Interlocking Tower for a christmas tree layout many years ago, and keep meaning to get the N-Scale version to build. It is such a nice model.
Thanks for the comment...one could always put one near a museum/depot to ponder on until a decision is made...obviously I need to read more about the signals themselves so when in position they are correct...
Well, the second picture shows the signal much better than the first. I have to say... That's one sweet looking signal! I want it! (as my hand shakes on an extended arm pointing to the object of my desire!) Great job... keep up the excellent modeling.
You might try picking up a rule book, or rule books covering the era for your chosen railroad/railroads. These will show all the signal aspects they used. And from the description in those rules, you'll know better where to install or use your semaphores. Boxcab E50
