Model Railway Signalling

The author shows how real-life principles in railway signalling can be adapted to model form and deals with the construction of semaphore and colour light signals, their methods of operation and the use of block instruments.

Despite modern appearances, colour light signalling has been around since the 1920s and is just as full of subtle details and variations as 'traditional' semaphore signalling. The inclusion of a working signalling system within a model railway layout is technically challenging but adds realism and 'wow' factor. This new book contains a brief history of the development and deployment of colour light signalling in the UK; a basic explanation of how track design influences signalling design; an overview of the different types of point motor and, finally, descriptions of the different components that make up a signalling system and how these components are used and controlled. It is an extensive guide to developing and adding realistic colour light signalling to a model railway layout.

Perfect for those who want to incorporate signals and interlockings in their next layout, this all-new book will allow people to understand how prototype systems work, and give them enough information to design a system that best suits their needs.

This book is a collection of vintage articles on the design and construction model trains and railways, with information on using electricity to power signalling systems, engines, ramps, and much more. Profusely illustrated and full of invaluable tips, this volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in model engineering, and would make for a worthy addition to collections of related literature. Contents include: Locomotive Notes, The Gas-Electric, A Useful Centring Jig, Model L.N.W.R. Locomotive, Electricity From Light, Some Suggestions for Model Railway Signalling, Electric Signals for Single Lines, An Electric 'Tell-Tale' for Siding Points, Shutting Ramps, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on model building."

This fascinating, well-illustrated and informative book presents a straightforward guide to points, signals and level crossings and provides all the information that railway modellers need in order to get the trains on their layouts moving effectively. The history of semaphore and colour light signals is outlined and the implications for modellers is clearly explained. A variety of different types of points, signals and level crossings is then illustrated with detailed instructions describing how to make them work. Simple, tried and tested mechanical and electrical methods used by modellers are explained together with modern electronic approaches, which are described in a way that enables them to be easily understood. The reader is taken step-by-step through various projects, and clear diagrams and photographs are provided throughout, including wiring diagrams for frogs, signals and level crossings. Written by an electronic engineer, this book contains invaluable information gained in a lifetime's experience of railway modelling and will help both the new and the experienced railway modeller to understand electronic and electrical concepts and bring their model railways to life. Fully illustrated with 156 colour diagrams and colour photographs.

This book provides ideas for the model railroad enthusiast to develop automated signal projects. Most of these projects are HO scale, however there is one G scale semaphore signal. It also provides the basics on using and programming the Arduino micro-controller. These projects are great starting points for projects that specifically fit the model railroader's own system.

From the 1830s to today, the railroad industry has developed myriad complex mechanisms to help keep North America’s railroad rights-of-ways safe, efficient, and relatively accident-free. In this paperback rerelease of the successful 2003 title, the otherwise-arcane world of railroad signaling is explained in concise language and brought to life with nearly 200 fantastic photographs that depict signaling history and all aspects of modern operations. Author and photographer Brian Solomon brings his wealth of knowledge and photographic talent to a subject that has not often been tackled in book form, yet is integral to the American railroad experience.

Develop realistic operating sessions and operate your model railroad like a full-sized one. The book covers how to forward cars, move trains, and use signal systems.