Wow Charlie, what a true level of realism the lights have to a layout. This has really had an impressive change to lime of thinking. Lights change automatically to the line route; one point change and the casecade of lights that change along side it. Having the correct signals and the the wiring; now there’s the true challenge. Worth the wait though. Excellent video and inspirational yet again; model railways change for more realism.. all best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
People often underestimate how much difference working signals and other lighting makes to a model railroad like this. Lighting is what makes the whole thing become even more alive.
Charlie, As a now-retired computer engineer, I'm always glad to see the application of automation and electronic control to this application. Your explanations are always so clear and understandable that they are a great boon to the less technically oriented. Keep up the great work.
Charlie, wow, you have just blown my mind. What an amazing bit of kit. The hobby is getting more and more like the real world, and so it should, if we are modelling a particualr area / region / station, then getting all the bits to talk together, and react as they should is the way to go. But, it really needs the brain to be on full power, and the stars aligned. Thank you for sharing this, I look forward to more on your signalling adventures. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
When you have a POV camera on your trains, I think that would be great to record or ...um, when you are behind your train you can see the signals change as they pass and activate each... Good stuff, Charlie. John (BC, Canada)
A few decades ago, one of my sisters lodged in the same house as a BR signalman who worked in Temple Mills. Knowing of my interest in railways, he invited me to work a night shift with him. Was I interested, he wondered? Damn fool question! I quickly got the hang of the track layout and my mate let me set the routes, checking with him before I committed to a route and then flicking the switches. The one time he didn't check my route I signalled a train the "wrong" way down the bottom of a diamond rather than over the top. The route was perfectly valid and both options led to the same piece of track. The driver was just used to going one way through the diamond rather than the other way. Anyway, my mate soon learned what I had done. It was about three o'clock in the morning when we heard the roar of a locomotive and then a screeching of the brakes and then a loud continuous blast on the horn that must have woken up everyone from Stratford to Walthamstow; from Leytonstone to Tower Hamlets. Then the driver got on the blower and gave my mate what for. Of course, he had to take the abuse as I was strictly an illegal. I had come in on the hand trolley as it were. Eventually the moron of a driver was placated and agreed to proceed the few hundred feet along the route I had set so he could pick up his train. Meanwhile he had caused traffic to back-up and delayed his own schedule by some ten minutes. The real point of this post, though, was to say that in the course of a single eight hour shift the track circuits failed three times. Three times my mate had to bring everything to a stop and call in the signal engineers. Total time out of operation? About an hour. According to my mate, this was a common occurrence yet I have never seen it modelled! Something for your signal makers / programmers to consider as an authentic BR mid-eighties product line perhaps?
Top-drawer stuff this, Charlie. Those bespoke signals are superb. You say you're not a perfectionist, but what you've achieved here is a very realistic system that greatly enhances the authenticity and "play value" of the layout.
I would like to do this on my future layout. My preference is for the higher speed junction approaches is to have the signals a bit further from the conflicting route, say by another coach length than where your signals were sited. This allows for an emergency stop from a SPAD without fouling the other route. In real railways, this is called overlap. This is why you see the signal reverting back to red when the train has gone quite a way past the signal. The higher the line speed, the longer the overlap distance.
Yes Charlie, a bit geeky as you say, but it doesn't distract from the interest. The signals are brilliant and will add so much to Chadwick. The layout goes from strength to strength with your attention to detail and ideas. Always a good watch and the next episode never fails. Keep well, Regards Kevin
Thank you Charlie as a kid lets say in the distant past my dad was a signalman. I used to turn the wheel to open the old wooden gates, also pull the lever he told me to never let do the bells between boxes. Some of those levers where very hard to pull the distant normally but one of the points was tough.
Opens up a whole new world of possibilities. As an ex control engineer in the oil industry this is reasonably straightforward to implement. But I do love an old fashioned control panel …
Hello Charlie, it’s good to see you promoting the installation of working colour light signals on a model railway. So many modellers run their beautiful scaled layouts but with not a working signal in sight. With the event of led’s and fibre optics, there is really no excuse not to have working colour light or semaphore signals on our layouts. And as an added bonus the effect of working lite signals at night on a model railway layout takes our modelling skills to another level.
Hi Charlie, nice one on the SIGM20 and your new signals. It is an incredibly powerful unit replacing shed loads of combinational logic and as its programmable well wins hands down, well worth the investment. It also has virtual signals which help simplify complex junctions, accommodates diverging junctions and allows you to signal reverse running lines (east to west / west to east). Its manual is beautifully illustrated with lots of clear examples and clear descriptions. I would strongly recommend anyone getting into block signalling on the “running line” to have a read. It interfaces directly to BD4s with the supplied ribbon cable so nothing stopping you having a standalone signalling loconet network. The connections are by the way very clearly illustrated. Look forward to seeing how you get along with that multi function approach signal, never thought about using to control that, but allocating two or maybe three signal channels on the SIGM20 it must be viable. All the best Stephen
I hate to disagree Stephen, but I found it somewhat taxing to understand. I got there in the end with some help from Charles, but I assume that you have a better technical understanding when I do. Be careful mate, I might be coming back to you with my problems! Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, as you know the outputs change to reflect whether you have each of SK5 or 6 configured for either 4 x 3 aspect or 3 x 4 aspect signals. The allocation tables are on page19 and they use A, B, C, D to tie in to each of your physical signal colours for which they illustrate these on pages 21 to 22 for each of the 2, 3 and 4 aspect signals and for European and 2 wire search lights on P22 to 23 (same pages in both pdf and hard copy manual versions). Suggest you have a good read of the manual when you get some quality time; as a newbie to this product & Loconet it took me a few reads to really grasp its massive potential and benefits as I am designing this into my layout as well as learning how to properly sequence my signals for various scenarios. For £59 its superb value (got mine for £33 ea), earlier I wasted a load of cash on discrete signal controllers that did nothing like what this can do - you certainly learn from your mistakes! Glad you got sorted out. All the best Stephen
What a job Charlie!! Beautiful, I know you did it right because you lost me in the section of programming. This is all true but I must say. That your descriptions were on point and could be followed quite well. I believe auto signals are most important in model railroading as well as the horn and the engine sounds. Fine job and thanks for helping those who want that kind of realism. Thanks again!
Awesome Video Charlie With coloured light signals have a device called TPWS what stops a train running red signals .when a train fitted with tpws applies the train breaks to stop a rear end colision happening .but where i live in australia we have two different devices that stop trains running Red Signals TPWS for Diesel Train Fleet and Trainstop for electric 1500dc train fleet trainstop As a train passes into a block section, the signal turns red and the arm of the trainstop is raised. The position of the arm is carefully set, so that, when raised, it will hit a valve called a trip cock on the underside of any passing train, causing it to come to an emergency stop.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayTPWS is too modern for this layout TPWS was developed by British Rail and its successor Railtrack, following a determination in 1994 that British Rail's Automatic Train Protection system was not economical, costing £600,000,000 equivalent to £976,058,932 in 2019 to implement, compared to value in lives saved: £3-£4 million (4,880,295 - 6,507,060 in 2019), per life saved, which was estimated to be 2.9 per year.[4][5] Trial installations of track side and train mounted equipment were made in 1997, with trials and development continuing over the next two years.[6] The rollout of TPWS accelerated when the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 came into force in 2003, requiring the installation of train stops at a number of types of location.[6] However, in March 2001 the Joint Inquiry Into Train Protection Systems report found that TPWS had a number of limitations, and that while it provided a relatively cheap stop-gap prior to the widescale introduction of ATP and ERTMS
Love the DMU, such a cool model. Reminds me of the five years of riding them back and forth to secondary school. Shrewsbury Wellington Shrewsbury. I can still recite the BR announcement for the 8:36 to Wolverhampton and on to London. Cheers for all the education. And I think in the grand scheme of things, the cost really has not changed too much, when you factor in inflation. We just get much more technology for our money now.
Charlie, oh Charlie what are you doing?!? If a signalman tries to change a physical route that is already set up and signalled clear - HE CANNOT DO IT! The route has to be cancelled before ANY related points can be changed. That's basic interlocking. (Some locations have a 'time-lock' on them, too, so you have to wait a set period before you can change the route). The sight of you just randomly 'let's change this point and see what the signals do' had me jumping up and down! May I invite you to my next 'open day' and let you see what happens if you try that on my N-gauge layout... you won't want to do it again! Apart from that - very nice signals and a good video as usual!
@@KevTheBusDriver i’m so sorry Kev, but that’s a six hour round-trip! I only hope that I can get up your way another time when passing through. Regards, Charlie.
Hi again Charlie. Mind blowing. Love watching all the new techno geeky stuff. Only understand some of it, but get the general idea. Thanks again for all of your efforts. Isn't DCC fabulous. Stay safe. Howard.
Bewildering ! Semaphore's just go up or down. Nice to see the 9F and a steam friend at 11:32 😀😀😀 Don't know how you absorb all this information ........but good on you.
Great video Charlie as ever and very well explained. I enjoy all your videos even if I don't have a layout myself because my wife and I live in a small flat. But carry on with the brilliant videos as I will always be watching
I would not want to add up all of the costs involved in your DCC Network, but Charlie, you explain every step of the way. Carry on the good work and I will carry on rebuilding my Bachmann Split Chassis Locomotives and swearing at myself. Martin. (Thailand)
Thanks Andrew, we do need to keep a sense of humour regarding Model Railways, after all it might be just grown men mucking about with train sets! Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. My goodness your layout is going to be something else the time its done though that said a model railway is never finished or so they say. The only electronic gizmo i have done on my layout is wire up my 2 points control panels with 4 PCB's i was glad when i got them done it drove me up the wall configuring the the switches with the lights etc,what you are doing is absolutely marvelous , and i must say makes it so realistic well done Charlie and thank you again for your entertaining video, i no your not doing a song and dance video but the the way you present your video's is entertaining and you make it interesting even if some of us including me may not go that way with there layouts for what ever reason. Well done and thank you.
Hi Charlie great video as always - sadly it made me realise just how soft my brain has gone these days !! Believe it or not I was a Microsoft system engineer in the 90’s but now I just couldn’t ever get my head around your automations …. I must commend you on your perseverance and knowledge - top job 👍
Hi Charlie, great to see the signals active and responsive like that, really adds something special! That new bit of kit is excellent and despite the issues you’ve had, I’d say it’s probably easy to install once you’ve got the knack 😄 Although it’s not exactly cheap, if you think in terms of the ease of operation it provides, I think it will more than pay itself off in time. I like the simple logic of the programming that you demonstrated 👍 One tiny thing though: the shan’t signal is in the right place but only to allow access to the headshunt. If you are letting a train onto a main line (i.e. the train is passed off to the control of a signaller rather than locally controlled by the yard shunters) there should really be a starter signal alongside the position light. The signal would be red and the position light would only display ‘off’ (two whites) to enter the headshunt. To go onto the main line, the position light would be blank and the signal would have to display a proceed aspect. Obviously if you’re not that bothered, pretend I said nothing 😜 Just thought I’d say something now rather than later 👍 Cheers Charlie, great stuff as ever 🍻😉 🍀
Hi Tim, and many thanks for your comment. The shunt Signal really is bewildering. Many drivers and signallers insist that it’s correct, that 2 whites, allow passage to the main lines, whereas the white and yellow allow passage into the headshunt. The more people that watch this the more, different the opinions I’m given. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway: haha, well our position lights only display either two whites or two reds, though they are LED signals. In the days of bulbs, was told the white light to the right was always white and the lower left red displayed as a stop signal. To proceed, the Red was extinguished and the top-left white came on. Now you know why I chose driving as I just do what the signal tells me to do rather than having work out what sort of signal is need where! Who’d be a signaller, eh? 😂
Dear Charlie, always amazing output from you that leaves me in awe as it is at least i to the power of infinity beyond any skill level I possess. Please keep ‘em coming!
Fascinating video very well explained Charlie. I really like the in-depth explanation of how all this works, and this is just one area of the layout. Quite looking forward to you signalling the other end! Thanks for sharing. Roy.
Wow and excellent video showing the true wonders of what is available to make a layout very realistic. Although well above my pay grade, but as usual very watchable. Thanks again Charlie.
Result, Charlie! Good on you for persisting and thanks to your "helper". Often, the things which are hardest to achieve bring the greatest satisfaction. Great video as ever, thanks. Simon.
Another top video Charlie. A lot of this is down to logical thinking but applying that logic requires a lot of effort when trying to automate things with different interactive systems. I've yet to dip a toe nail into the digital model railway construction world but this is super helpful for the future. Many thanks for sharing as always.
WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlie I think I need a lie down after watching this video, neerthelss I found it interesting even though I will most likely never go down that route, so too speak. Cheers Greg
Brilliant yes technical yes but your explanation was spot on. I guess you might just get a few people contacting you regarding setting these things up !!! Best railway modelling channel on RUclips.
Great video Charlie! Id love to get some automated signals at some point, however I don't think my teenage brain can get around the wiring and sensors and even computer programs!! I juat bought some colour light aspect signals for my layout, which ive got to say looks great! Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Hi Charlie, again another great video signal for HO layouts. Your electrical work is outstanding for everyone to follow. Great job in making these videos. Thanks Again Mike HO Australia.
Charlie Hello again....Liverpool Kev here again...If there is a 'Nobel Prize' for Model Railways...you are 'In the frame'....Above my head..my only DCC purchase was a track rubber....I love the thought of you standing in the helix...Charlie...High Pitched Voice....Margaret...Can you ring the fire brigade?...Love your videos Charlie...My 2 layouts are dioramas really with occasional train movements if I'm lucky Haha.......All best.....Liverpool Kev
Charlie this one was packed with very useful info for signals on the model railroad. Thanks again for making it appear simple and easy. Really enjoyed this one !!!
A really inspirational presentation. Thanks Charlie. Good to see some correct signalling on a layout. Signalling is one of the “make or brake” additions to any layout that, done properly, takes it to another level altogether. Going to have to rethink my “cost per point” calculation to include accurate signalling now! Nice to do, but going to make a hole in the bank balance especially if they are bespoke items. Think I’ll need to improve my modelling skills and look into building my own signals.
A very informative video. My small end to end layout will have SEMAPHORE signals, but it’s Good to understand how signalling works …. Many Thanks Charlie😇
Found this really interesting Charlie. From a historical perspective was the western region fully signalled with lights as opposed to semaphore in your modelling time period .Scotland was still almost semaphore signals and even now still has main lines controlled by these signals ( Highland line a prime example) . They look fantastic and good luck with the show .Bit far to come though .
Thanks Charlie, a very teasing and challenging video. I wonder if all that programming will work with semaphore signals. OK, I am a bit of a dinosaur, but my memories of English railways stopped when steam still ruled the tracks. So my modelling is back to the 40s and 50s. - Chris.
Too complicated for me! lol but I still enjoy watching your videos, and get to see some really cool stuff. As my setup is just a 'tail chaser' on a 8ft by 4ft baseboard, with 2nd and 3rd radius curves and a couple of sidings, I would not really need more than 4 or 5 signals at best excluding ground signals for the sidings. But I still get value from seeing what can be done now with model signals etc. keep up the good work!
Great Charlie! I don’t know when I’ll ever get into signaling. I might put a simple one on a layout that I can switch myself because I know I won’t do a train controller, or have a dispatch that controls all that for signal indication. Thanks for sharing!
Another great video Charlie, certainly learnt a thing or two, for when I get my signals in place. I actually got a bargain a couple of weeks ago, picked up two Absolute Aspect signals for £1 each on a carboot, they look brand new, so hopefully they still work.
Wow, what a bargain. That beats my 14 wagons from a car boot on Sunday. They might come in two parts as per my video. If you need any advice, please ask. Regards Charlie
Another great technical video Charlie! Just planning my signals and how to operate since the SE8C has gone. This looks the way to go - and cheaper too! Thanks for finding this Charlie!
Great video Charlie, I have 2 SIGM20's on my layout with 3 and 4 aspect signals mainly for block control, but it took me a while to get my head round that it did not want the BDL168 board ID/sensor no but the board ID/Detection section no. Now all sorted they work well. Alan
Hi Charlie, that was really interesting and makes a great deal of difference to the appearance. It really looks magnificent!! One question is whether this can interlock with the movement of the engines. Thinking about it in real life it must depend largely on the train driver. In our old dublo track we had the point change switch change the signal and cut the supply so the mainline couldn't drive over a train accessing the other mainline. Simple electrics perhaps but it seemed like rocket science to me. Have a great weekend
I understand when you were working out how to signal the sidings / headshunt that as you were stuck with the position of the point and went for the yellow GPL as a solution. I still think you need a GPL coming off the headshunt into the yard to protect movements off the headshunt when arrivals and departures take place. It could be co acting with the yellow one - showing clear when the yellow one was yellow / white and then red/white when the yellow one was clear for the main line (or work it with the point position perhaps). You could then leave the yard pilot up on the block.
It's strange the videos you watch sometimes. As I've mentioned before I don't have a model railway (or any intention of getting one). However, I watch your channel mostly for the terrain modelling aspect - some of which I can adapt to my micro wargaming scale. I still watch these more technical videos for reasons I cannot explain. Keep up the good work!
Amazing just what you can do these days, and those Absolute Aspect signals are pricy but they are amazing. The control stuff is indeed decently priced as well for the level of integration Also amazing what a difference it makes, looks trivial but really adds to the atmosphere. the rate things are going I'm expecting "in cab cameras" to be a thing in a year or so and then "drive to the signals" becomes a thing.
Very interesting as always. I do a similar thing on a much smaller layout using an Arduino Mega and an interface I made myself to control mainly 1950/60 Hornby Dublo semaphore signals. Trains running and points changing does produce a lot of clicking from the signals though!
The thing folks should consider with these, is yes they're expensive but, they're not just models - they are indeed fully working signals, just smaller! Speaking of signals.... How's your "other" little project going?😂 Lovely video Charlie, thanks for sharing!
To inhibit potential SPADs, you could consider implementing Automatic Brake Control (ABC) functionality - as supported by most good quality DCC decoders. This allows trains to be automatically stopped in sections in front of signals, etc. without the sophistication (& cost) of software like TrainController. I'm not sure I've seen ABC demonstrated on your channel - possibly something to consider for the future?
Thanks for the video Charlie. How do you intend to signal release from the different goods yards? I look forward to seeing the signalling finished. I am glad that you carry out videos on different aspects of the modelling. Although I am not into automation, you have made the subject interesting. So thanks again Charlie.
Charlie interesting video again. Heathcote electronics produce control boards which operate the signal without software it’s all built in and work on DC or DCC ( I have on,y used on DC) it uses the direction of the train point positions to control aspect along with an infrared detector which you mount between the sleepers and changes the signal when the train passes the signal mine is set to first wheel replacement so signal changes as soon as the first wheel of the train passes the signal but you can set it to last wheel replacement as per your layout. Not sure why you have a signal protecting the tunnel unless you are using as block protection. With regards the platform signal I am not sure a platform mounted signal would stand on a concrete block above the surface if you look at the again at the photo of Weymouth the bad of the post is flush with the platform. Hope you find these comments of interest
Plugging a signal into a PCB socket seems very sensible! But rather than the PCB being just a breakout board with screw terminals for each LED, might as well slap a microcontroller on there and control the signal digitally, and simplify the wiring (assuming the layout has more than one signal)!
@@ChadwickModelRailway I keep meaning to find out if MERG have already done this. they do have kits and modules for digital control of layout accessories like this (the CBUS system) so integration to a signal could be neat. never got my head round it though and if you're already using Loconet, probably no big reason to switch
There actually was such a product prototyped many years ago for AA signals, unfortunately it didn't go beyond the development stage. Other electronics improvements have also not been taken up more recently. Other suppliers such as Traintronics do signals with DCC built in but theirs aren't as detailed.
So genuine question Charlie, is there a way you can dim down the Greeness of the Green Signal, cus (could just be me), but the signals seem a bit bright for a layout set in the 60's/70's, thats not me being picky, just a bit curious
@@ChadwickModelRailwayInsert the right value resistor in series with the green wire to the signal will dim that aspect. Try 100 ohms and increase or decrease to suit.
LED colours are very tricky. There are two ways to make green LEDs, one which gives pale yellowy green but is a similar brightness to red and amber LEDs, and one which gives a much nicer shade of green but which is many times brighter. Coupled with the fact the eye is more sensitive to green makes it tricky to balance the aspects when wired up this way. Reducing the current will help - as Damian suggested, adding a resistor will do that - but you can get colour shift. Really you need to PWM (rapidly turn on and off) to get the best effect. If you use a resistor then you probably need larger than Damian suggests, 1k and up, although it does depend a little on the voltage you are using. The signal also shows the other tricky thing with LEDs - getting an amber / yellow which looks right. To my eye the one they are using now is too red, but that could of course be the camera.
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Wow Charlie, what a true level of realism the lights have to a layout. This has really had an impressive change to lime of thinking. Lights change automatically to the line route; one point change and the casecade of lights that change along side it. Having the correct signals and the the wiring; now there’s the true challenge. Worth the wait though. Excellent video and inspirational yet again; model railways change for more realism.. all best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
Thanks, Marc, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
People often underestimate how much difference working signals and other lighting makes to a model railroad like this.
Lighting is what makes the whole thing become even more alive.
So true Consequator, , regards Charlie
A signaled layout is a thing of beauty, but not for the faint of heart and it gobbles up time. But boy, they look gorgeous, don't they?
We certainly agree on this one MMS. Regards, Charlie.
Incredible what we can do these days with DCC Charlie… and that two aspect with theatre display and calling on aspect is a beauty!
Yes, Mike, it’s true work of art. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, As a now-retired computer engineer, I'm always glad to see the application of automation and electronic control to this application. Your explanations are always so clear and understandable that they are a great boon to the less technically oriented. Keep up the great work.
Many thanks T4465, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, wow, you have just blown my mind. What an amazing bit of kit. The hobby is getting more and more like the real world, and so it should, if we are modelling a particualr area / region / station, then getting all the bits to talk together, and react as they should is the way to go. But, it really needs the brain to be on full power, and the stars aligned.
Thank you for sharing this, I look forward to more on your signalling adventures. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Thanks Michael, understanding how it works, really tests my mental capacity. But that really is enormously satisfying when it works. Regards Charlie
Looks like Steve and I have our work cut out assembling the SIGM20s now!
Best get busy! Regards Charlie
When you have a POV camera on your trains, I think that would be great to record or ...um, when you are behind your train you can see the signals change as they pass and activate each... Good stuff, Charlie. John (BC, Canada)
Thanks John, perhaps it’s time to film a running session. Regards Charlie
Great idea!
Amazing results, but getting there makes my brain melt!
Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
A few decades ago, one of my sisters lodged in the same house as a BR signalman who worked in Temple Mills.
Knowing of my interest in railways, he invited me to work a night shift with him. Was I interested, he wondered?
Damn fool question!
I quickly got the hang of the track layout and my mate let me set the routes, checking with him before I committed to a route and then flicking the switches.
The one time he didn't check my route I signalled a train the "wrong" way down the bottom of a diamond rather than over the top.
The route was perfectly valid and both options led to the same piece of track. The driver was just used to going one way through the diamond rather than the other way.
Anyway, my mate soon learned what I had done. It was about three o'clock in the morning when we heard the roar of a locomotive and then a screeching of the brakes and then a loud continuous blast on the horn that must have woken up everyone from Stratford to Walthamstow; from Leytonstone to Tower Hamlets.
Then the driver got on the blower and gave my mate what for. Of course, he had to take the abuse as I was strictly an illegal. I had come in on the hand trolley as it were.
Eventually the moron of a driver was placated and agreed to proceed the few hundred feet along the route I had set so he could pick up his train. Meanwhile he had caused traffic to back-up and delayed his own schedule by some ten minutes.
The real point of this post, though, was to say that in the course of a single eight hour shift the track circuits failed three times. Three times my mate had to bring everything to a stop and call in the signal engineers. Total time out of operation? About an hour.
According to my mate, this was a common occurrence yet I have never seen it modelled! Something for your signal makers / programmers to consider as an authentic BR mid-eighties product line perhaps?
😅❤❤
Many thanks, Thomas for a brilliant look into your past. Such an interesting revelation. Regards, Charlie.
Top-drawer stuff this, Charlie. Those bespoke signals are superb.
You say you're not a perfectionist, but what you've achieved here is a very realistic system that greatly enhances the authenticity and "play value" of the layout.
Thanks Stephen, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Wow this is truly inspirational, and very enjoyable to watch. Your layout is remarkable.
Thanks T, I’m pleased that you enjoyed it and I do hope that you subscribe. Regards, Charlie.
I would like to do this on my future layout. My preference is for the higher speed junction approaches is to have the signals a bit further from the conflicting route, say by another coach length than where your signals were sited. This allows for an emergency stop from a SPAD without fouling the other route. In real railways, this is called overlap. This is why you see the signal reverting back to red when the train has gone quite a way past the signal. The higher the line speed, the longer the overlap distance.
It must be a pretty big layout Damien. Good luck with it, regards Charlie.
Now that you have learnt all that, I think Boeing Starliner would be glad of some input from you.
I must confess, without the help from Charles, I would still be scratching my head. Regards, Charlie.
Yes Charlie, a bit geeky as you say, but it doesn't distract from the interest. The signals are brilliant and will add so much to Chadwick. The layout goes from strength to strength with your attention to detail and ideas. Always a good watch and the next episode never fails. Keep well, Regards Kevin
Thanks Acftus, I’m so pleased you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
..I don't have a model railway, watching this makes me want to have signals changing colour and aspect on my bookshelf !!
Good on you, Peter, and thanks for your interest. Regards, Charlie.
That board sounds a nice bit of kit. Certainly easier than the banks of relays my dad and I used back in the 80s.
Thanks Andrew, it is a great leap forward. Regards, Charlie.
Thank you Charlie as a kid lets say in the distant past my dad was a signalman. I used to turn the wheel to open the old wooden gates, also pull the lever he told me to never let do the bells between boxes. Some of those levers where very hard to pull the distant normally but one of the points was tough.
Thanks Carlton, for looking into your history. Regards, Charlie.
Opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
As an ex control engineer in the oil industry this is reasonably straightforward to implement.
But I do love an old fashioned control panel …
Thanks Doug, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Hello Charlie, it’s good to see you promoting the installation of working colour light signals on a model railway. So many modellers run their beautiful scaled layouts but with not a working signal in sight. With the event of led’s and fibre optics, there is really no excuse not to have working colour light or semaphore signals on our layouts. And as an added bonus the effect of working lite signals at night on a model railway layout takes our modelling skills to another level.
Thanks Bazza, yes it does add another layer of realism. Regards Charlie
Well done Chas
Thanks John, it was a bit challenging but very rewarding once you get it to work properly. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, nice one on the SIGM20 and your new signals. It is an incredibly powerful unit replacing shed loads of combinational logic and as its programmable well wins hands down, well worth the investment. It also has virtual signals which help simplify complex junctions, accommodates diverging junctions and allows you to signal reverse running lines (east to west / west to east). Its manual is beautifully illustrated with lots of clear examples and clear descriptions. I would strongly recommend anyone getting into block signalling on the “running line” to have a read. It interfaces directly to BD4s with the supplied ribbon cable so nothing stopping you having a standalone signalling loconet network. The connections are by the way very clearly illustrated. Look forward to seeing how you get along with that multi function approach signal, never thought about using to control that, but allocating two or maybe three signal channels on the SIGM20 it must be viable. All the best Stephen
I hate to disagree Stephen, but I found it somewhat taxing to understand.
I got there in the end with some help from Charles, but I assume that you have a better technical understanding when I do.
Be careful mate, I might be coming back to you with my problems! Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, as you know the outputs change to reflect whether you have each of SK5 or 6 configured for either 4 x 3 aspect or 3 x 4 aspect signals. The allocation tables are on page19 and they use A, B, C, D to tie in to each of your physical signal colours for which they illustrate these on pages 21 to 22 for each of the 2, 3 and 4 aspect signals and for European and 2 wire search lights on P22 to 23 (same pages in both pdf and hard copy manual versions).
Suggest you have a good read of the manual when you get some quality time; as a newbie to this product & Loconet it took me a few reads to really grasp its massive potential and benefits as I am designing this into my layout as well as learning how to properly sequence my signals for various scenarios. For £59 its superb value (got mine for £33 ea), earlier I wasted a load of cash on discrete signal controllers that did nothing like what this can do - you certainly learn from your mistakes! Glad you got sorted out. All the best Stephen
Many thanks Stephen, I shall certainly give it some more bedtime reading! Regards Charlie
What a job Charlie!! Beautiful, I know you did it right because you lost me in the section of programming. This is all true but I must say. That your descriptions were on point and could be followed quite well. I believe auto signals are most important in model railroading as well as the horn and the engine sounds. Fine job and thanks for helping those who want that kind of realism. Thanks again!
Thanks Bob, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Awesome Video Charlie With coloured light signals have a device called TPWS what stops a train running red signals .when a train fitted with tpws applies the train breaks to stop a rear end colision happening .but where i live in australia we have two different devices that stop trains running Red Signals TPWS for Diesel Train Fleet and Trainstop for electric 1500dc train fleet trainstop As a train passes into a block section, the signal turns red and the arm of the trainstop is raised. The position of the arm is carefully set, so that, when raised, it will hit a valve called a trip cock on the underside of any passing train, causing it to come to an emergency stop.
Thanks Christopher, for a very interesting look into your world. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayTPWS is too modern for this layout
TPWS was developed by British Rail and its successor Railtrack, following a determination in 1994 that British Rail's Automatic Train Protection system was not economical, costing £600,000,000 equivalent to £976,058,932 in 2019 to implement, compared to value in lives saved: £3-£4 million (4,880,295 - 6,507,060 in 2019), per life saved, which was estimated to be 2.9 per year.[4][5]
Trial installations of track side and train mounted equipment were made in 1997, with trials and development continuing over the next two years.[6]
The rollout of TPWS accelerated when the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 came into force in 2003, requiring the installation of train stops at a number of types of location.[6] However, in March 2001 the Joint Inquiry Into Train Protection Systems report found that TPWS had a number of limitations, and that while it provided a relatively cheap stop-gap prior to the widescale introduction of ATP and ERTMS
Love the DMU, such a cool model. Reminds me of the five years of riding them back and forth to secondary school. Shrewsbury Wellington Shrewsbury. I can still recite the BR announcement for the 8:36 to Wolverhampton and on to London. Cheers for all the education. And I think in the grand scheme of things, the cost really has not changed too much, when you factor in inflation. We just get much more technology for our money now.
Thanks, Steve, for a refreshing outlook. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as usual Charlie. I very much enjoy signalling. Looks like you have a good set up there. Will look forward to see how it develops
Thanks Matt, it really is an interesting subject. Regards Charlie
Charlie, oh Charlie what are you doing?!? If a signalman tries to change a physical route that is already set up and signalled clear - HE CANNOT DO IT! The route has to be cancelled before ANY related points can be changed. That's basic interlocking. (Some locations have a 'time-lock' on them, too, so you have to wait a set period before you can change the route). The sight of you just randomly 'let's change this point and see what the signals do' had me jumping up and down! May I invite you to my next 'open day' and let you see what happens if you try that on my N-gauge layout... you won't want to do it again!
Apart from that - very nice signals and a good video as usual!
Thanks Kev, I’d love to take you up on the offer. Please send me the details. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway You'd be most welcome - I've sent you an e-mail. Cheers. Kev E.
@@KevTheBusDriver i’m so sorry Kev, but that’s a six hour round-trip! I only hope that I can get up your way another time when passing through. Regards, Charlie.
@@KevTheBusDriver
That’s a cool set up Charlie 🎉
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Hi again Charlie.
Mind blowing.
Love watching all the new techno geeky stuff.
Only understand some of it, but get the general idea.
Thanks again for all of your efforts.
Isn't DCC fabulous.
Stay safe.
Howard.
Thanks Howard, I really appreciate your enthusiasm, regards Charlie
love it charlie how fab are those signals. they have come a long way from the old hornby ones lol the railway is coming along
I couldn’t agree more, they really do bring it to life. Regards, Charlie.
Nice to see some new camera angles.
Thanks mate, perhaps I need to do a running session. Regards, Charlie.
Beautiful crafted signals you have there Charlie. Looking forward to seeing them operating on the layout.
Thanks, Stewart, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Bewildering ! Semaphore's just go up or down. Nice to see the 9F and a steam friend at 11:32 😀😀😀 Don't know how you absorb all this information ........but good on you.
Thanks Rob, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie as ever and very well explained. I enjoy all your videos even if I don't have a layout myself because my wife and I live in a small flat. But carry on with the brilliant videos as I will always be watching
Thanks Ian, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. Regards, Charlie.
I would not want to add up all of the costs involved in your DCC Network, but Charlie, you explain every step of the way. Carry on the good work and I will carry on rebuilding my Bachmann Split Chassis Locomotives and swearing at myself. Martin. (Thailand)
We share a wonderful hobby Martin, regardless of our areas of interest. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie - just what us fellow geeks need
Thanks Ken, so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, thanks for another great bit of entertainment, ripping the Mick out of yourself!! Really informative too. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Andrew, we do need to keep a sense of humour regarding Model Railways, after all it might be just grown men mucking about with train sets! Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. My goodness your layout is going to be something else the time its done though that said a model railway is never finished or so they say. The only electronic gizmo i have done on my layout is wire up my 2 points control panels with 4 PCB's i was glad when i got them done it drove me up the wall configuring the the switches with the lights etc,what you are doing is absolutely marvelous , and i must say makes it so realistic well done Charlie and thank you again for your entertaining video, i no your not doing a song and dance video but the the way you present your video's is entertaining and you make it interesting even if some of us including me may not go that way with there layouts for what ever reason. Well done and thank you.
Thanks Tony, that’s incredibly kind of you to say so. God Charlie.
Hi Charlie great video as always - sadly it made me realise just how soft my brain has gone these days !! Believe it or not I was a Microsoft system engineer in the 90’s but now I just couldn’t ever get my head around your automations …. I must commend you on your perseverance and knowledge - top job 👍
Thanks Andries, it helps keeping my brain active. Regards Charlie
Excellent video (as ever!).
Correct and working signalling makes a massive difference to the look and operation of a model railway.
Thanks mate, we clearly sing from the same song sheet on this one. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, great to see the signals active and responsive like that, really adds something special! That new bit of kit is excellent and despite the issues you’ve had, I’d say it’s probably easy to install once you’ve got the knack 😄
Although it’s not exactly cheap, if you think in terms of the ease of operation it provides, I think it will more than pay itself off in time. I like the simple logic of the programming that you demonstrated 👍
One tiny thing though: the shan’t signal is in the right place but only to allow access to the headshunt. If you are letting a train onto a main line (i.e. the train is passed off to the control of a signaller rather than locally controlled by the yard shunters) there should really be a starter signal alongside the position light. The signal would be red and the position light would only display ‘off’ (two whites) to enter the headshunt. To go onto the main line, the position light would be blank and the signal would have to display a proceed aspect. Obviously if you’re not that bothered, pretend I said nothing 😜 Just thought I’d say something now rather than later 👍
Cheers Charlie, great stuff as ever 🍻😉 🍀
Hi Tim, and many thanks for your comment. The shunt Signal really is bewildering. Many drivers and signallers insist that it’s correct, that 2 whites, allow passage to the main lines, whereas the white and yellow allow passage into the headshunt. The more people that watch this the more, different the opinions I’m given. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway: haha, well our position lights only display either two whites or two reds, though they are LED signals. In the days of bulbs, was told the white light to the right was always white and the lower left red displayed as a stop signal. To proceed, the Red was extinguished and the top-left white came on. Now you know why I chose driving as I just do what the signal tells me to do rather than having work out what sort of signal is need where! Who’d be a signaller, eh? 😂
Dear Charlie, always amazing output from you that leaves me in awe as it is at least i to the power of infinity beyond any skill level I possess. Please keep ‘em coming!
Thanks Philip, that’s very kind of you to say so. However, without Charles, I would still be scratching my head! Regards Charlie.
Excellent stuff Charlie. Working signals really add another dimension to your layout.
Thanks Graham, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Fascinating video very well explained Charlie. I really like the in-depth explanation of how all this works, and this is just one area of the layout. Quite looking forward to you signalling the other end! Thanks for sharing. Roy.
Thanks Roy, so pleased that you found this one interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Wow and excellent video showing the true wonders of what is available to make a layout very realistic.
Although well above my pay grade, but as usual very watchable. Thanks again Charlie.
Thanks David, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie
Result, Charlie! Good on you for persisting and thanks to your "helper". Often, the things which are hardest to achieve bring the greatest satisfaction. Great video as ever, thanks. Simon.
Thanks Simon, this was a very taxing on the grey cells! Regards Charlie
Another top video Charlie. A lot of this is down to logical thinking but applying that logic requires a lot of effort when trying to automate things with different interactive systems. I've yet to dip a toe nail into the digital model railway construction world but this is super helpful for the future. Many thanks for sharing as always.
ThanksAnthony, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
This is what I love about model railways - loved this ops episode!
Thanks, Jade, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlie I think I need a lie down after watching this video, neerthelss I found it interesting even though I will most likely never go down that route, so too speak. Cheers Greg
Thanks Greg, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
Lovely collection of 1st generation DMU's Charlie! In particular the cl.128 parcel car, strangely fascinating thing..
Thanks Vickie, I’m so so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Wow, that's blown my melon.
But it was still a great video, Charlie.Thanks for sharing 👍
So glad that you enjoyed it,Jeff. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, another great video. I now have a headache, only joking. Yes auto signals does make it more realistic.
Thanks, Michael, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant yes technical yes but your explanation was spot on. I guess you might just get a few people contacting you regarding setting these things up !!!
Best railway modelling channel on RUclips.
Thanks Arthur, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent Video Charlie, looks really complex 👍
It was a little confusing to start with Alan, it was just trying to understand the logic. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie! Id love to get some automated signals at some point, however I don't think my teenage brain can get around the wiring and sensors and even computer programs!! I juat bought some colour light aspect signals for my layout, which ive got to say looks great! Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Thanks Jack, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, again another great video signal for HO layouts. Your electrical work is outstanding for everyone to follow. Great job in making these videos. Thanks Again Mike HO Australia.
Thanks Mike, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Nicely done.
Thanks DakDak ,it was a challenge! Regards Charlie
Another great and informative video, Charlie. I look forward to seeing the next video.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Again Charlie, you make everything seem so simple and explain things so well, fantastic addition to Chadwick 👏
Thanks, M6500. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie Hello again....Liverpool Kev here again...If there is a 'Nobel Prize' for Model Railways...you are 'In the frame'....Above my head..my only DCC purchase was a track rubber....I love the thought of you standing in the helix...Charlie...High Pitched Voice....Margaret...Can you ring the fire brigade?...Love your videos Charlie...My 2 layouts are dioramas really with occasional train movements if I'm lucky Haha.......All best.....Liverpool Kev
Thanks Kev, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Good luck with your dioramas, regards Charlie.
Charlie this one was packed with very useful info for signals on the model railroad. Thanks again for making it appear simple and easy. Really enjoyed this one !!!
ThanksJeff, that’s really kind of you to say so, mate. Regards, Charlie.
Darrenbury Central. HI V good show. Enjoyed it.
Thanks Darren, so pleased you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
A really inspirational presentation. Thanks Charlie.
Good to see some correct signalling on a layout. Signalling is one of the “make or brake” additions to any layout that, done properly, takes it to another level altogether.
Going to have to rethink my “cost per point” calculation to include accurate signalling now!
Nice to do, but going to make a hole in the bank balance especially if they are bespoke items. Think I’ll need to improve my modelling skills and look into building my own signals.
I’m so pleased that you found the video inspirational David. Good luck with your project, regards Charlie.
You did amazing work on this project 👍👍
Thanks fireKing, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
A very informative video. My small end to end layout will have SEMAPHORE signals, but it’s Good to understand how signalling works ….
Many Thanks Charlie😇
Thanks David., I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Found this really interesting Charlie. From a historical perspective was the western region fully signalled with lights as opposed to semaphore in your modelling time period .Scotland was still almost semaphore signals and even now still has main lines controlled by these signals ( Highland line a prime example) . They look fantastic and good luck with the show .Bit far to come though .
Thanks David, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie
Very interesting you always make fun as well
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you find the videos entertaining. Regards, Charlie.
Totally confused but I found it facinating.
Thanks George, I found it confusing too! Regards Charlie
Anothher very interesting video Charlie!!! I saved it for later use! Many thanks for sharing. Cheers Onno.
Thanks, Onno, as usual you are too kind. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, a very teasing and challenging video. I wonder if all that programming will work with semaphore signals. OK, I am a bit of a dinosaur, but my memories of English railways stopped when steam still ruled the tracks. So my modelling is back to the 40s and 50s. - Chris.
The problem is Chris, is no manufacturer makes decent electrically operated semaphore signals. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as per ... I think I'll stick with semaphores and static ground signals.😀
A sensible decision, John. Regards, Charlie.
Too complicated for me! lol but I still enjoy watching your videos, and get to see some really cool stuff. As my setup is just a 'tail chaser' on a 8ft by 4ft baseboard, with 2nd and 3rd radius curves and a couple of sidings, I would not really need more than 4 or 5 signals at best excluding ground signals for the sidings. But I still get value from seeing what can be done now with model signals etc. keep up the good work!
Thanks Mike, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting, even if it’s not suitable for your layout. Regards Charlie.
Great Charlie! I don’t know when I’ll ever get into signaling. I might put a simple one on a layout that I can switch myself because I know I won’t do a train controller, or have a dispatch that controls all that for signal indication.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting, Andrew. Regards, Charlie.
Another great video Charlie, certainly learnt a thing or two, for when I get my signals in place. I actually got a bargain a couple of weeks ago, picked up two Absolute Aspect signals for £1 each on a carboot, they look brand new, so hopefully they still work.
Wow, what a bargain. That beats my 14 wagons from a car boot on Sunday.
They might come in two parts as per my video. If you need any advice, please ask. Regards Charlie
Excellent work with excellent explanation as always.
Thanks four Oaks, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, Thank you for your clear and honest explanation of this.
Thanks, librarian. I’m so pleased that you found it entertaining. Regards, Charlie.
GReat as ever. Really interesting to see how you get that level of automated control.
Thanks Lee, it is a real head scratcher to get right. Regards Charlie
Love listening to your voice.
That’s very kind, Stephan. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent video Charlie; good explanation indeed
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
Another great technical video Charlie! Just planning my signals and how to operate since the SE8C has gone. This looks the way to go - and cheaper too! Thanks for finding this Charlie!
Thanks HA, I’m so pleased you found it interesting.
Regards, Charlie
That's a great detail to add to any layout. Great video!
Thanks mate. I’m so pleased that you liked it. Regards, Charlie.
Another informative and entertaining video thanks Charlie
You’re most welcome mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie, I have 2 SIGM20's on my layout with 3 and 4 aspect signals mainly for block control,
but it took me a while to get my head round that it did not want the BDL168 board ID/sensor no
but the board ID/Detection section no. Now all sorted they work well. Alan
Yes, Alan, it can be head scratcher. However, I have used the sensor numbers! Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie, that was really interesting and makes a great deal of difference to the appearance. It really looks magnificent!!
One question is whether this can interlock with the movement of the engines. Thinking about it in real life it must depend largely on the train driver. In our old dublo track we had the point change switch change the signal and cut the supply so the mainline couldn't drive over a train accessing the other mainline. Simple electrics perhaps but it seemed like rocket science to me.
Have a great weekend
Thanks David, you can isolate the tracks as well, but I thought that was a step too far.
Regards, Charlie
I understand when you were working out how to signal the sidings / headshunt that as you were stuck with the position of the point and went for the yellow GPL as a solution. I still think you need a GPL coming off the headshunt into the yard to protect movements off the headshunt when arrivals and departures take place. It could be co acting with the yellow one - showing clear when the yellow one was yellow / white and then red/white when the yellow one was clear for the main line (or work it with the point position perhaps). You could then leave the yard pilot up on the block.
Yes, I think you’re right. I need a light to hold the traffic in the headshunt. Regards, Charlie.
It's strange the videos you watch sometimes. As I've mentioned before I don't have a model railway (or any intention of getting one). However, I watch your channel mostly for the terrain modelling aspect - some of which I can adapt to my micro wargaming scale. I still watch these more technical videos for reasons I cannot explain. Keep up the good work!
Thanks grumpy, that’s praise indeed. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant video Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Amazing just what you can do these days, and those Absolute Aspect signals are pricy but they are amazing. The control stuff is indeed decently priced as well for the level of integration
Also amazing what a difference it makes, looks trivial but really adds to the atmosphere.
the rate things are going I'm expecting "in cab cameras" to be a thing in a year or so and then "drive to the signals" becomes a thing.
I agree, these advances are staggering. RegardsCharlie.
Very interesting as always. I do a similar thing on a much smaller layout using an Arduino Mega and an interface I made myself to control mainly 1950/60 Hornby Dublo semaphore signals. Trains running and points changing does produce a lot of clicking from the signals though!
I agree, but it’s much more rewarding seeing that stuff function. Regards, Charlie.
The thing folks should consider with these, is yes they're expensive but, they're not just models - they are indeed fully working signals, just smaller!
Speaking of signals....
How's your "other" little project going?😂
Lovely video Charlie, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Craig. The other project is progressing well with a sequencer arriving on Tuesday. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway hopefully there's a video coming about it🙂 cheers!
To inhibit potential SPADs, you could consider implementing Automatic Brake Control (ABC) functionality - as supported by most good quality DCC decoders. This allows trains to be automatically stopped in sections in front of signals, etc. without the sophistication (& cost) of software like TrainController. I'm not sure I've seen ABC demonstrated on your channel - possibly something to consider for the future?
An interesting comment, and certainly something worth looking into. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for the video Charlie. How do you intend to signal release from the different goods yards? I look forward to seeing the signalling finished. I am glad that you carry out videos on different aspects of the modelling. Although I am not into automation, you have made the subject interesting. So thanks again Charlie.
Thanks Don, that’s very kind of you to say so. The signalling brainstorm continues! Regards Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, very interesting and informative.
Glad you enjoyed it Kev. Regards Charlie
Excellent as usual. Thank you.
You’re most welcome Graham.
Regards Charlie
I use the traintech sensor signals on my layouts. cracking little things. fully automatic aswell right out of the box.
That is a good system, although it isn’t integrated into computer systems.
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Why does it need to be though?
@@NathanielKempson that’s just down to personal preference Nathan. Regards, Charlie.
Interesting video as always
Thanks QJ, that’s most king.
Regards Charlie
Charlie interesting video again. Heathcote electronics produce control boards which operate the signal without software it’s all built in and work on DC or DCC ( I have on,y used on DC) it uses the direction of the train point positions to control aspect along with an infrared detector which you mount between the sleepers and changes the signal when the train passes the signal mine is set to first wheel replacement so signal changes as soon as the first wheel of the train passes the signal but you can set it to last wheel replacement as per your layout. Not sure why you have a signal protecting the tunnel unless you are using as block protection. With regards the platform signal I am not sure a platform mounted signal would stand on a concrete block above the surface if you look at the again at the photo of Weymouth the bad of the post is flush with the platform. Hope you find these comments of interest
You make two sensible observations, Gary. Many thanks, regards Charlie.
I enjoy this video
Thanks, PRT, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Plugging a signal into a PCB socket seems very sensible! But rather than the PCB being just a breakout board with screw terminals for each LED, might as well slap a microcontroller on there and control the signal digitally, and simplify the wiring (assuming the layout has more than one signal)!
An interesting suggestion RA.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I keep meaning to find out if MERG have already done this. they do have kits and modules for digital control of layout accessories like this (the CBUS system) so integration to a signal could be neat. never got my head round it though and if you're already using Loconet, probably no big reason to switch
There actually was such a product prototyped many years ago for AA signals, unfortunately it didn't go beyond the development stage. Other electronics improvements have also not been taken up more recently.
Other suppliers such as Traintronics do signals with DCC built in but theirs aren't as detailed.
So genuine question Charlie, is there a way you can dim down the Greeness of the Green Signal, cus (could just be me), but the signals seem a bit bright for a layout set in the 60's/70's, thats not me being picky, just a bit curious
I think that you are right Tez. I will mention it to Absolute Aspects.
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway no worries, just thought it was worth a mention
@@ChadwickModelRailwayInsert the right value resistor in series with the green wire to the signal will dim that aspect. Try 100 ohms and increase or decrease to suit.
@@damianlittle3367 great advice Damien. Regards, Charlie.
LED colours are very tricky. There are two ways to make green LEDs, one which gives pale yellowy green but is a similar brightness to red and amber LEDs, and one which gives a much nicer shade of green but which is many times brighter. Coupled with the fact the eye is more sensitive to green makes it tricky to balance the aspects when wired up this way. Reducing the current will help - as Damian suggested, adding a resistor will do that - but you can get colour shift. Really you need to PWM (rapidly turn on and off) to get the best effect.
If you use a resistor then you probably need larger than Damian suggests, 1k and up, although it does depend a little on the voltage you are using.
The signal also shows the other tricky thing with LEDs - getting an amber / yellow which looks right. To my eye the one they are using now is too red, but that could of course be the camera.