colour light signals

[hornbeam]

Hi all,

I?m looking at building some colour light signals that I want to be run automatically much like you can do with the LGB ones. I?m having a few thoughts at the moment for the heads. I may build ?searchlight? heads myself with multi colour LED?s, using a washer for the main head body- unsure about how to build the hood. I may opt for the Gaugemaster Hornby type signal. I?m planning on using a peco point motor with a micro switch to change the aspect from reed switches in the track., the motor housed in a plastic box from Maplins which will be made to look like a line side equipment box.

However i?m aware Martins models used to make colour light signals, do they still do them, has anyone bought some and if so do they have pictures?

 

[mike]

malcom (pbm) told me A nice trick..
use the large choclotale block conecters (b+Q ewct) re move the brass guts, use the nylion seath.. a small led fits in nice, and you can carve the nyloin hood to shape.. cheap byroe pens for the tube..

 

[Glengrant]

Well of course this became a very extensive project in the old forum, developing out of Mike's brilliant ideas at the very beginning. Eventually several contributors came in with their own ideas, myself included, and really the whole thing really took off. I eventually gave up the plastic tubes, anyone want to buy a ballpoint pen insert, and used a brass tube, several of which were kindly supplied by ??????, I regret to say I have forgotten. I also gave up on the terminal block inserts, and when I resume my col light system, I will be using inserts which are designed to hold LEDs. Two of these are used on my snowplough lights. One of us deals in these inserts. I wish everything that was written about this project could be put together, it would make good reading, and full of brilliant ideas.

The LEDs here are fitted into inserts, then I put the whole thing into a loco lamp, but of course it could easily go into the signal post

 

[Neil Robinson]

Well of course this became a very extensive project in the old forum, developing out of Mike's brilliant ideas at the very beginning. Eventually several contributors came in with their own ideas, myself included, and really the whole thing really took off. I eventually gave up the plastic tubes, anyone want to buy a ballpoint pen insert, and used a brass tube, several of which were kindly supplied by ??????, I regret to say I have forgotten. I also gave up on the terminal block inserts, and when I resume my col light system, I will be using inserts which are designed to hold LEDs. Two of these are used on my snowplough lights. One of us deals in these inserts. I wish everything that was written about this project could be put together, it would make good reading, and full of brilliant ideas.

The LEDs here are fitted into inserts, then I put the whole thing into a loco lamp, but of course it could easily go into the signal post

This is the topic mentioned above.
http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=1223&high=colour+light < Link To http://www.gscalecentral....&high=colour+light

 

[Glengrant]

This is the topic mentioned above.
http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=1223&high=colour+light

Well done Neil, but of course it went on from there. I regretably have forgotten some important names, and I hope I am not treading on anyone's toes if I reproduce this brilliant bit of work which one of you psted, and which I endeavoured to copy.

 

[Bram]

Now thats a useful diagram, thanks for posting

 

[nicebutdim]

With regards to the relay, don't use peco motors with the clip on switches, it's way too expensive and you'll burn out the reed switches. Maplin sell latching relays that have two coils and dpdt contacts (item http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module?ModuleNo=37529 ), they are ideal, I use them to control my signals.

 

[hornbeam]

cheers, will give them a go. cant believe I didnt think of using relays!

 

[Glengrant]

Now thats a useful diagram, thanks for posting

It wasn't mine originally Bram, I have a feeling the author may have given it to me as a PM, I just can't remember, but yes, it is a very useful diagram, is the guilty party reading this?

 

[Steve]

You have two options throught the track or a switch box if you wish them to change colour

 

[Philbahn]

Heres my offering.
RHB. After seeing Paul RHB's layout at Warley show thought i would have a go at improving my signals

 

[Philbahn]

Though not finished it gives you the idea

 

[Philbahn]

What are you using as a reference source Phil?

Had a web link once to Swiss signals, but its now defunct

Pauls excellent article on rhb signalshttp://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=45802 < Link To http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=45802 < Link To http://www.rmweb.co.uk/fo...c.php?f=88&t=45802

 

[dumpy]

I believe Kalmbach produce a booklet of electronics with circuit DIY drawings in it for various model rail applications..one of which is a complete signalling set up. I think its called Electronics for Model Railroaders.

My contribution to this thread is to just to add my experience.
First. I take my hat off to those who like spending time making fiddly little things.
I went to http://www.modelpower.com/ who sell... relay as suggested somewhere in this thread.