Signal Aspect Question

nolatron

Member
Hi Folks,

I'm gonna be testing out a new N-scale signal being designed by Custom Signal Systems soon that'll be a Greed/Red over Yellow/Red signal double searchlight signal, and had a few questions about when/what type of displays should be shown.

First off, is a G/R over Y/R prototypical?

And now the aspects that I think would be used.

Switch Closed, main empty - Green over Red
Switch Thrown, siding empty - Green over Yellow

Switch Closed, main occupied - Red over Red
Switch thrown, main occupied - Red over Yellow

Switch Closed, siding occupied - Green over Red
Switch Thrown, siding occupied - Red over Red

I think that kinda cover's it (and hopefully makes sense). My signal system will be ABS based, with occupancy and turnout position controlling signal aspects.

Thanks for the help.

Shaun
 

TrainNut

Ditat Deus
I don't have any answers to your questions but I was toying with the idea of putting working signals on my next N layout. As so, I will be watching this with interest to see where it goes.
 

60103

Pooh Bah
I posted the Canadian signal aspects in a thread: http://forum.zealot.com/t106612/
Canadian signals are speed controllers, rather than route indicators.

I think the Toronto subway had some signals that were similar to yours.
However, if the track ahead of the train is occupied, both lights would show red. TTC has 3-aspect top heads, with the top one indicating if there is another train one block ahead (red) 2 blocks ahead (yellow) or more than 2 (green). The lower head could indicate switch position (usually at a crossover, or entering a yard) and would show green or yellow for straight or curved.
 

iis612

Member
Hi Folks,

I'm gonna be testing out a new N-scale signal being designed by Custom Signal Systems soon that'll be a Greed/Red over Yellow/Red signal double searchlight signal, and had a few questions about when/what type of displays should be shown.

First off, is a G/R over Y/R prototypical?

And now the aspects that I think would be used.

Switch Closed, main empty - Green over Red
Switch Thrown, siding empty - Green over Yellow

Switch Closed, main occupied - Red over Red
Switch thrown, main occupied - Red over Yellow

Switch Closed, siding occupied - Green over Red
Switch Thrown, siding occupied - Red over Red

I think that kinda cover's it (and hopefully makes sense). My signal system will be ABS based, with occupancy and turnout position controlling signal aspects.

Thanks for the help.

Shaun

There are several different signal systems that are in use throughout the US. It has been several years since I had to know the signals, but I will give it my best shot.
a G/R over Y/R would be an all stop because that is a signal malfunction. There might even have been an emergency declared via radio alerting other trains and CDC of the signal error.
Switches lined, and the main is clear for at least 2 blocks would be G/R (Which is a Clear signal)
Switch Thrown, Siding Empty: That one will depend, is it a passing siding? A siding with a spur off of it? Even something as simple as weather conditions can change that. If it is a long passing siding and it is a high speed turnout, you could have a Clear indication. There are a number of aspects you could have there.
I will see if I can find my old FRA book. Once I find it, I will try to help when I am better equipped.
 

chooch.42

Member
Hi, All. As a retired engineer for NS/CR, IMO, prototypical signals are sufficiently complicated that few modellers would attempt to reproduce more than the look of a working system. Your set-up situation in ABS territory should result in a RESTRICTED (RED/YELLOW) or STOP & PROCEED (RED/RED) signal at the last signal before the switch, if it is "reversed" (lined for the diverting route). If the switch is normal, a less restrictive signal should be displayed, depending on the condition of the track to the next signal and in the "block" after that signal. If the switch is at a control point/interlocking there are different rules and displays, but you can see this is getting tangled. Check your PMs,Shaun. I'll pass on my sources if you want. Bob C.
 

Squidbait

Recovering ALCO-holic
Canadian signals are speed controllers, rather than route indicators.

Not quite correct. On mast signals, if the upper aspect is red, the colour of the aspect below it indicates a clearance through a turnout. On 3-aspect signals the middle signal will indicate taking the diverging route, on 2 aspect signals, the lower. Dwarf signals are a different story.

See Rules 411-425 on the Transport Canada website.
 

brakie

Active Member
Bob C,One HO club I am a member of uses complex signal control to include Diverging Advance Approach for train movement across our point to point layout..We are very fortunate to have 2 electricians and a electrical contractor as members..They do all the wiring.:thumb:

Every new member must make a minimum of 12 student trips across the layout and answer some signal aspect questions before he/she is allowed to solo.
 

chooch.42

Member
Bob C,One HO club I am a member of uses complex signal control to include Diverging Advance Approach for train movement across our point to point layout..We are very fortunate to have 2 electricians and a electrical contractor as members..They do all the wiring.:thumb:

Every new member must make a minimum of 12 student trips across the layout and answer some signal aspect questions before he/she is allowed to solo.
Larry, VERY cool with the signals and "Qualifying" trips. Neat to have the resources, and not impossible on a home layout, especially with PCs. The tough part would seem to be understanding prototype function and adapting it to our (necessarily) truncated acreage. As your club members learn, you must understand what an interlocking or wayside signal is, and what it does/means to your train's movement. I'm not gonna nit-pick anybody industrious enough to add working signals - just hope I can help if they want to learn the how and why. Hope I'm on the right track there? Bob C.
 
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