Using Fiber Optics to Scratch Build an HO Loading Door Signal Light

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 32

  • @toddarmstrong.trackside.action
    @toddarmstrong.trackside.action 2 месяца назад +3

    that's really cool... it's a nice looking signal too...

  • @Perfusionist01
    @Perfusionist01 2 месяца назад +2

    That is a GREAT idea! I might be able to use something like that on a couple hidden trackage areas.

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад +1

      Thank you. Only thing I’ll change is pulling the sensor forward so it activates the signal sooner (so I can uncouple the first car). Easy install. Hardest part was scratch building the signal light itself.

  • @TrainWatcher1412
    @TrainWatcher1412 2 месяца назад +1

    Good work with that signal Paul. If you decide to do an electric uncoupler inside the building, be sure to energize it with only a momentary switch so you can couple back up later on. Keep up the good work sir!!

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад

      Thank you! I ended up moving the sensor closer so it goes red while the first car is just outside the door. Allows me to uncouple it by hand.

    • @TrainWatcher1412
      @TrainWatcher1412 2 месяца назад

      @@HartfordWhaler Like you said before, good minds think alike. I was thinking of uncoupling outside the building also. Have a great day sir

  • @michaelsmodelrailroading7665
    @michaelsmodelrailroading7665 2 месяца назад +1

    Pretty nifty! Thanks for sharing.

  • @georgiasunbelt
    @georgiasunbelt 2 месяца назад +1

    Yep, I think that’s cool…great modeling idea…

  • @manojkhanna590
    @manojkhanna590 2 месяца назад +1

    Looks nice Paul!!!

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад

      Thanks Manoj! And thanks for your help with this technology!

  • @MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout
    @MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout 2 месяца назад +1

    I might look into that for a one-off train signal on my layout. On the prototype, it's wired to the crossing signals, to tell the engineer when it's clear to go. I built the signal but it's not lighted. Like you said, there are probably more applications.

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад

      Definitely was a fun little project Bill. I like adding those small details to add to the fun.

  • @donaldkormos5529
    @donaldkormos5529 2 месяца назад +1

    Nice project!!!

  • @justn2trains
    @justn2trains Месяц назад +1

    How cool is that! Very awesome! 🤠👍

  • @Blue_Dingo
    @Blue_Dingo 2 месяца назад +2

    Need a uncoupler, under the tracks, in the building. Probably electric rather than just a magnet.

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад +2

      Thought of that. What I may do is move the sensor forward so the light goes red earlier - without having to push both cars in so far. That way I can uncouple with the first car exposed from the building. The inside car can stay connected to the first car. It makes a nice challenge for operations. To get the inside car, you have to pull both out. I may put a manual Kaydee magnet right at the building entrance. Thanks for the ideas and for watching!

  • @RomanRail-ug6es
    @RomanRail-ug6es 2 месяца назад +1

    I don’t know what kind of decoder you use, but if you don’t already, ESU is an amazing option. I found a method that I haven’t seen anywhere else of making consisting extremely easy, along with the possibility of adding multiple function maps. I have a video on it on my channel. As far as I’m aware, no one else knows about this. If you do decide to watch it, just know it’s kinda cringey. I apologize, it’s my first time.

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  Месяц назад

      I use ESU Loksound v5 for all my locos. Love them. I’ll check out your channel!

  • @ronduz1281
    @ronduz1281 2 месяца назад +1

    👍👍👍

  • @KraigSickels
    @KraigSickels 2 месяца назад +3

    Kool signal 😎 neat setup ! But was wondering 🤔…. What will you use to uncouple the cars ?

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  2 месяца назад +1

      Plan is to uncouple the cars right at the door. Could do with a Kaydee magnet, but the cars don’t need to be all the way in the building to be uncoupled. I also plan to move the sensor closer to the door so it goes red when the first car is sticking out of the building. It was meant to be a safety so nobody hit the back wall. But now my practical thinking is coming to the same conclusion you did. Thanks for the comments and for watching.

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried 2 месяца назад

      @@HartfordWhaler That green / red signal looks fantastic, and is a great idea, along with your idea to uncouple the cars at the entrance of the building.
      And if you want to go down another rabbit hole - LOL - then think about converting your perfectly functional Kadee 148's to Prototype Couplers (formerly Sergeant Engineering) because they are 1/87 scale, and operate so well with no springs to force the coupler shank to return to the center of the coupler pocket, making (de)coupling on curves so much easier (-if you're going to manually uncouple your cars).
      Having said that, you'd have to convert all motive power / rolling stock, unless you just want to use them between MU'd engines with a Kadee 148 at the front of the lead engine, and the rear of the 2nd engine to couple with Kadee equipped rolling stock.
      FYI: I sold my engines that I converted to Sergeant Engineering couplers a few years ago, but now that I am starting over again, and "going small" - like you and a few other influential modelers are doing - I only plan to purchase about six DCC equipped engines.
      Therefore, the lure of those Prototype Couplers is very strong, and I thought I'd mention them to you because you are doing your best to emulate prototypical operations. prototypecouplers.com/FAQCompatibility.html

  • @Crookedriverandeasternrr
    @Crookedriverandeasternrr 2 месяца назад +1

    That’s really cool

  • @bigwoz78
    @bigwoz78 10 часов назад +1

    That is really cool

    • @HartfordWhaler
      @HartfordWhaler  8 часов назад +1

      Thanks! Figured I’d try something different.