I can tell you that they definitely will! I had a string of 40 being pulled effortlessly with just 2 of my Kato SD40-2s on flat track. I'm sure your three ACes will pull them up grades and such without an issue.
Hi Jim, Well you and I are on parallel paths...... I am setting up a pair of NTrak module sets to have full detection and signalling as a prototype for my permanent layout. It can get very tricky, but transponding is only needed if you are planning on assigning priority rankings of the trains in order to implement automated ABS. This can also be done soely based on occupancy rules as well. If you ever want to compare notes, or bounce any ideas around, just let me know.
David, this'll likely happen just like everything else I've done - one day I'll decide to do it, and then I'll do it. But until someone comes out with the signals I want, it's a moot question, and no point in even thinking about it until that happens. Once I have some signals in my hot little hands, then I can experiment. Until then.... Guess I should be happy - there's a lot of rolling stock coming out soon that will ask for my money...
We'll begin today with a rather uninspiring shot of the Oakville Yard panel which has just been converted to modern switch control via Digitrax DS64s. This marks the completion of conversion of all switches on the Sub from toggle switch to pushbutton and throttle control. Staying in the yard area, we see a newly erected sign as the Oakville yard job works in the background: And finally we'll look at the fuel pad where an SD40-2 gets some TLC from the crew:
Have you looked at Custom Signal Systems? He does searchlight and 2- 3 color light signals in n-scale now. HO & N Scale Model Railroad Custom Signals & Installation I've got a couple of his first n-scale builds in 2008 and they're pretty nice and to scale. He even installed some searchlights on a NJ International Cantilever bridge I sent him. He's got tri-color searchlights now and I'm tempted to upgrade. Here's some old posts I made at my blog with some photos/video: The Elmwood Subdivision Signal Operations The Elmwood Subdivision Signal Logic Test The Elmwood Subdivision First Signal Test http://gallery.upmodelrailroad.com/d/721-2/IMG_5139.jpg http://gallery.upmodelrailroad.com/d/724-2/IMG_5142.jpg http://gallery.upmodelrailroad.com/d/733-2/IMG_5147.jpg But I just wanted to toss company site out there cause I've been happy them.
Thanks, Shaun I was unaware of the company. It would seem they should be capable of doing what I need...two and three light signals with modern hoods. They make them in HO. I appreciate the link.
Yeah, I was thinking of emailing him to see if he can do some n-scale 3 color signals with a full snow-hood. I'll let ya know what I find out.
For those of you following the signal thread with bated breath, I've heard from Shaun in a PM that CSS, when they did snow hood signals, got them from Serge - who is now out of business. So it would appear anyone wanting modern signals is SOL. The prototype is getting rid of searchlight signals in favor of the simpler and more foolproof 2-and 3-light signals...
Every day normal stuff this week: Now, what you DON'T know about those two shots is they were taken from near-impossible locations - like inside a wall! I used the old front-surface mirror trick. Also, because the camera was so far from the mirror, I had to use zoom, which trashes depth of field. So I used Helicon Focus to compensate for that. Just another fun day at Oakville!
Thanks, Dave and Boilerman! I'm doing a "combination of ingredients" style of photography here. I'm shooting aperture priority which generally broadens the focus area. Since my minimum aperture is f11, it doesn't get me all that much. But every little bit... And then there's Helicon Focus, which helps tremendously. Shooting with a zoom makes things even worse. If I can use the lens at it's widest, I can get razor sharp focus, but the farther out I go the foggier it gets. But I AM happy with those shots, all things considered.
Rick, Because I was zoomed out and had a fairly broad focus I needed only five or so shots. Usually I'll do eight or ten on a wide angle shot.
Your technique and dedication are well worth it! This is easily my favorite photo of the Oakville Sub! :thumbs_up::thumbs_up:
Jim... Did you see the signals for sale on the Trainstore? Just in case you havent.... http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=131311 .
Thanks, Mark! Gotta love that tele look...seems that the most dramatic photos have it... Thanks, George. I'd be reluctant to buy anything produced by a company who has gone out of business, but they aren't what I need anyway. I did a look-see and find I need 10 double head three light, four bidirectional single head three light, and two single head three light signals, all type D with snow shields. But no one makes them at the moment. I was within months of going with Serge Lebel's fine signals, but he's closed up shop. BLMA is a possibility, they have them in HO but I may be dead first...Maybe Atlas will add to their signal line - I hope not! They are non-standard as to polarity. Sigh.
You know Jim, The photos with the shorter depth of field would be fine as well. The visual effect could be like it was misty or light fog especially if the background light was reduced. Besides like what Raquel Welch once said, "It's whats up front that counts." But the Helicon also has it merits too. There is no escaping the fact that you have a tremendously cool layout, and you are, indeed, a very kind soul to share it with us! There is a small ray of hope, there is a company in Switzerland making UP prototype signals in HO and it looks like they may add them to their N scale offerings. Keep those wonderful photographs coming!
And Craig Martyn of BLMA says he will "consider" doing the three color in N also. And it's nice these folks will think about it, but I need them like, NOW. They (or their lack) are wrecking my photography As always, thanks for the comment David.
