simple signalisation - how do i solve this?

Andreas

Andreas

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Hello everyone,
I would like to build a simple signal system on my railroad. I don't want it to be true to the original - just not completely wrong, of course.
My layout represents an Irish branch line from the 50s. Although it is set in the present day. Somehow time has stood still.
I would like to place a wing signal at the exit of each of the 3 tracks in the station.
NOW MY QUESTION
How should the signals be set? (I am using old American LGB signals that have been given new wings) KLICK
Do the signals have to be to the right or left of the track and in which direction does the signal wing point?
Tanks
Andreas

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The signal arm (wing) point over the relevant track.

I'm pretty certain that Irish narrow gauge signals lifted up for off (go) and are horizontal for on (stop) - in UK terms this is referred to as upper quadrant. I have a couple of books, I'll try and look at some pictures later.

I think the signal post can be either side of the track for narrow gauge railways.
 
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Usually, the wings are called arms and point away from the line, partly, I imagine for ease of visibility and partly so they don't get hit by passing trains. Also, I think they are usually on the driver's side of the line for normal gauge lines.
 
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playmofire said:
Usually, the wings are called arms and point away from the line, partly, I imagine for ease of visibility and partly so they don't get hit by passing trains. Also, I think they are usually on the driver's side of the line for normal gauge lines.
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Oh, I got that bit wrong !

But, well ............. I've just found a picture of the South Gloucestershire Railway taken May 2000 where the arm points over the track :nod::nod: signal is sited on the right hand side.
 
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I have two photos of the Donegal Railway - Ireland - showing signals that are lower quadrant. In other words, the arm drops downwards for the off (go) position.

It seems that the posts are set back, and the arm points over the line being signaled.

The one photo I was looking for showing a signal gantry (of three signal arms) is taken from too far away for any sensible clarity.
 
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Andreas said:
Do the signals have to be to the right or left of the track
Click to expand...

I think I recall you saying you were loosely basing your line on the West Clare Railway.

I have the Plateway Press "The West Clare Railway" book by Patrick Taylor and the two photographs in the "Permanent Way and Signalling" chapter, particular the upper one, suggest the answer to your question is "yes" . . .

1746441993936.png

(i.e. they do have to be to the right or left of the track!!!!)

Hope this helps

David
 
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SevenOfDiamonds said:
I think I recall you saying you were loosely basing your line on the West Clare Railway.

I have the Plateway Press "The West Clare Railway" book by Patrick Taylor and the two photographs in the "Permanent Way and Signalling" chapter, particular the upper one, suggest the answer to your question is "yes" . . .

View attachment 342061

(i.e. they do have to be to the right or left of the track!!!!)

Hope this helps

David
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That first photo could only be in Ireland :clap::clap::clap::clap:
 
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Hello everyone
Thank you very much for your information - now everything is clear...... Actually, it's always right how I build it, as long as I have a good reason.
I have realized that I have an error in my thinking anyway. The direction in which the signals are built means that the arm points away from the track when it is set up on the right-hand side of the track, and when I set it up on the left, the arm points towards the track. So I only have these two options / compromises with purchased signals anyway.
 
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As a rule signals would be to the drivers side of the line but clearly with that double arm there are exceptions, in this case the fireman would be asked to confirm the signals aspect. I believe in any case fireman can be expected to assist with signal setting. Arm would generally be pointing away from the track with the post nearest. But again some exceptions.
 
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dunnyrail said:
As a rule signals would be to the drivers side of the line but clearly with that double arm there are exceptions, in this case the fireman would be asked to confirm the signals aspect. I believe in any case fireman can be expected to assist with signal setting. Arm would generally be pointing away from the track with the post nearest. But again some exceptions.
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Probably correct for BR mainline; however, photographic evidence for Irish narrow gauge suggests .................... that anything goes :rofl::rofl::rofl:
 
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Paul M said:
A certain case of a prototype foe everything! Isn't the difference in old signal placement the reason drivers had to "know the road" before being able to drive on the route?
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Partly that plus speed differences round curves, in Stations plus gradients in the days of loose coupled Freight trains with just the loco and guards brake to rely on.
 
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