Hi everyone,
I've been looking at Lionel's accessories and have come up with a stumper for me. I want to add a automatic signal to my layout be it a crossing gate, Banjo or semaphore (lights or flags). On part number 6-14149 it is listed as a scale sized Banjo Signal. Under features, it's listed as traditional "O" Gauge. Which is it? Most of the signals are listed this way. How do I tell the difference?
I thank all in advance who reply.
Sincerely,
Paul
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I never trust the "features" descriptions, etc. - I am not saying they lie, its just that terms like "scale" etc can mean different things. I know that usually Lionel's standard is scale and traditional is not, and that MTh's Premier is usually and RK not, or is, depending, but I always check if I can: there are two many cases where "scale" is still misrepresented that I am lerry of trusting anything.
For signals and accessories, I would just go with what looks good on you layout. Of course this means you sort of have to buy to try, which can be a problem. I often try to look up the dimensions and compare those to what is claimed for the product (that is often inexact, too).
6-14149
Dimensions: approx. 1 1/2” x 1” x 4”
4"/0.48 = 8.33' Is a "believable" height
6-12888
Dimensions: 9" height
9" / 0/48 = 18.75' About twice as tall as prototypical
Gilly
Paul: Just remember that "0" gauge is about 1/4" = 1 scale foot. So, actually a crossing signal like the #6-12686, which is a reissue of a 1940's era accessory, and is listed as being 9" tall, would actually scale out to be 36 feet tall. That, obviously, is not "scale" and is in the "traditional" category. A signal mast of about 4" to 5", which would be a scale 16' to 20' is a lot closer to being an accurate model.
Paul Fischer
A modest suggestion: as most catalogue photos (and even artwork) are pretty accurate
(regardless of opinions to the contrary), and common sense goes a long way in anything
except Einsteinian physics, just take a real gander at the photo (etc.). Does it LOOK
realistic or thick, crude and toy-like? The PW stuff, neat as it can be, looks clunky.
If you see a catalogue image of a banjo signal with fine detailing, it will be scale
(1:48) sized within practical limits.
This, in addition to the published dimensions, will be quite dependable.
Knowledge of the real-world prototypes, available on the Internet, is more valuable
than anything else.
Yes, a recent article in CTT magazine carries an article by Roger Carp about the history of banjo and wigwag signals. This one, the 6-14149, was produced 2002 through 2005 and was scale. Funny thing, even modelers preferred the traditional and it did not sell. I am thinking bout getting one, since it probably would be unusual
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