can anybody out there tell me who they think makes the best and truest to scale track side signals. I am looking to signal my new layout and I am running csx and bnsf mostly with some up here and there. thanks for your input.
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Atlas.
Lou N
Terry Christopher who used to own Customsignals.com. I believe his line was purchased by Atlas.
The Plasticville signal bridge is the choice of many for a two-track signal bridge. It can be stretched to as many tracks as you need by adding more parts.
NJ International (the NJ does not stand for New Jersey) makes really nice ones, though they can be a bit pricey when bought through dealers. The best prices are on Ebay or at York.
Atlas O/ custom signals is the only integrated signal system out there. All others are just "stand alones"
Before custom signals "shut down" I ordered about 3k in signals for the future. I wish I knew about his 10 Percent sale last June though!
can anybody out there tell me who they think makes the best and truest to scale track side signals. I am looking to signal my new layout and I am running csx and bnsf mostly with some up here and there. thanks for your input.
I use NJ international signals they have been able to work with me on all of my B&O signals I drive them with my computer, You don't have to get a sophisticated as that
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Terry (at Custom Signals) has still not sold his business. Last time I spoke with him about a month ago, he said he would give it a little more time to find a buyer and if he couldn't he would reopen. I suggest you either call or email him. His contact info is on his website which is still active. custom signals You can also look at the different type signals he had available. It sounds like you are looking for something a little more modern so the searchlight style might be what you are looking for. Those are the ones in the last two pictures.
We have used his products on our club layout. Still only about 50% done.
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tr18 posted:Terry (at Custom Signals) has still not sold his business. Last time I spoke with him about a month ago, he said he would give it a little more time to find a buyer and if he couldn't he would reopen. I suggest you either call or email him. His contact info is on his website which is still active. custom signals You can also look at the different type signals he had available. It sounds like you are looking for something a little more modern so the searchlight style might be what you are looking for...
TR18's report gives us hope! "Terry" invented the Atlas system and his amazing interlockings use features that Atlas doesn't even know about. I had hoped to be able to consult with him but he was going out of business just as I began designing my signal system. Much as I'd like to have him enjoy his retirement, he's an incredible resource for those in our hobby who are serious about signals.
I am in the process of installing the Custom Signal / Atlas system and it operates as a prototypical system because all of the signals and switches can be linked. this means that if you have block detection on one of your outside rails, you can use the signals to see if the next block is occupied (red), one block ahead is clear (yellow) or two blocks ahead is clear (green). You would install signals at every switch that feeds a passing siding, and the signals will also tell you which way the turnout is thrown, and if the next block (or two) is clear.
Terry's website has the design sketches for almost all types of track configurations, with the corresponding circuit board layouts and wire connections. I was able to use this to design the signalling for my layout, which has 32 signal masts and about 50 signal lights, with additional circuit boards to track the turnout position of my 20 main line turnouts.
The design and operation of these signals is spectacular, and I love the prototypical operation, especially to tell me how the turnouts are set in areas that cannot be easily seen from the operating isle.
Check out the Custom Signals website for signal design types and other signal reference information.