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Reply to "Atlas Signal System setup - what do you do at switches or for bidirectional traffic?"

tr18 posted:
ScottV posted:

I am using Atlas' signal system and have a question for those people like me installing it post-closure/buyout of Custom Signals. (ie, I am limited to the out-of-the-box signal designs Atlas offers) ... Atlas isn't making signals that (a) are for bidirectional traffic and  (b) include a target light for diverging tracks at a switch.

I've attached a graphic of a simple concept layout with 1 set of switches and it shows where I would have to put signals for each direction of traffic. Red triangles represent block isolation. Circles with arrows represent the signals and arrow is direction of traffic.

Bidirectional traffic question:  are you putting 2 signals back-to-back, or across track and pointed in the opposite direction?

Switch/diverging path question:  do you just put 2 poles side by side to represent the straight vs. divergent path signals?  ...maybe sink one lower into the layout so the lower signal represents the divergent path?

Any ideas?  

Here is the diagram from the Custom Signals library for a passing siding. You need 3 signals positioned as shown. Generally, they are three different types of signal. I'm not sure if Atlas made these various types of signals but Custom Signals did.

4E/3E - shows which route is clear based on the switch. Green over Red to stay on the main, Red over green (or maybe yellow) to enter the siding

In the opposite direction, the other 2 signals would determine which train is clear to enter the switch. The one coming out of the siding (R/2WD) could be a dwarf.

 

Annotation 2019-08-29 105055

In this sample SWB will control 5E, 5ED, 4W and 3W.  it will only be the one pair of wires from the switch. Terry's boards will tumble everything down. same with Block 3 & 4, one wire each, they will control 4W & 3W, then tumble down to signal #6 as required. I knew going in I had to isolate one outside rail to create the blocks and let DCS run on the other side as I recall. in my yard ladders I had to use photo censors to guard the switch ladders, and or small interlocking tracks. 

I have a new back board and rolls of wire to do the inner connects between the boards if you interested. I was going to do a second layout for a friend but Atlas never made the S  (Southern) signals we needed. The recession killed there expansion  

Terry also sold the book on signals. I highly recommend you get and read that book. You'll never look at signals the same again. Blue cover with a signal on it. All the ABC's on signaling.  

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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