Opinions needed please.

[grande man]

Here's the dilemma. I wanted to go with all Sunrise enterprises signals. Then, I ran across an Oregon Rail Supply searchlight kit at the LHS. I also found some Miniatronics Bi-polar LED's and ORS parts like signal targets and finials (pointed mast top cap). I bougt those for a small sum.

Here's the ORS kit signal. I enjoyed building it and think it looks pretty good.

Side view.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL615/3680850/8376099/120403778.jpg

Front view.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL615/3680850/7585034/120168374.jpg

I then began playing around and came up with a semi-scratched searchlight. It features the ORS targets and fenial, 3/32 brass tubing, a base "relay cabinet" that was kitbashed from part of a Walthers New River Mine kit, a Miniatronis bi-polar LED, and a .012" brass wire ladder/service stand (soldered) with a hairnet mesh floor. My airbrush wasn't being very cooperative so the paint is so so. :o

Here's the scratched unit.

Side view.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL615/3680850/8376099/120403776.jpg

Front view.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL615/3680850/8376099/120403777.jpg

Ya'll give me some honest feedback. Should I buy more from Oregon Rail Supply? Should I scratch build more (cheaper)? Should I scrap them both, go for the original plan, and use Sunrise Enterprises units?

[CSX_road_slug]

Go with the scratchbuilt :cool: - the brass pole is more durable (or is the ORS brass also?)

[grande man]

Go with the scratchbuilt :cool: - the brass pole is more durable (or is the ORS brass also?)


They're both brass. I wasn't really crazy about the solder buildup on the scratched unit's mast but like the service platform / ladder somewhat better than the ORS.

[SpaceMouse]

I like #2.

(What do I win?)

[JeffShultz]

Cheap is good... and you'll still be buying some parts from Oregon Rail Supply, right?

[sushob]

How about having the ladder and floor photo-etched as a single piece, and then bend them into shape, rather than soldering and stretching for every signal.

Then make one nice master pattern for the cabinet, pour an RTV mold...



Sorry...I have production on the brain again :o

[RexHea]

I like the semi-scratchbuilt. Can't beat cheaper and it looks every bit as good. Have you ever seen this site? http://www.gatewaynmra.org/articles/napper-sig.htm

Maybe you can get an idea from there, if you really want to scratchbuild. I know a trick to the finial is to use a sharpened pencil lead.;)

[RCH]

If your semi-scratched unit turned out that good, think of how nice they'll be when you've done half a dozen...

I say keep scratchin'

[grande man]

If your semi-scratched unit turned out that good, think of how nice they'll be when you've done half a dozen...

I say keep scratchin'


Yeah, I've wondered about that. I can see where they would get better after doing a few. There's alot of possibilities. One would be to use a prefab ladder like they recommend in the link Rex provided. Also, multiple targets would be cool. I think I'll keep on scratchin. They're kinda fun to play with.

What is it about signals (real or model) that I'm so drawn to? I remember waiting on trains to show as a kid. Of course some never did. I guess the signal is like a message that hints at the excitement of a train on it's way... Kinda like a crossing signal just not so immediate.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm certainly open to any other opinions out there!

[RexHea]

Hey Eric, your not by yourself in the fascination with signals. I have always loved seeing them on a real rail line and wondered what they were saying. Now, I can hardly wait to start wiring signals and auto this and thats.

[CSX_road_slug]

What is it about signals (real or model) that I'm so drawn to? I remember waiting on trains to show as a kid. Of course some never did. I guess the signal is like a message that hints at the excitement of a train on it's way... Kinda like a crossing signal just not so immediate.GM I hear ya! When I did railfanning on the B&O in the 1970's, a "high green" meant that a train would be coming thru within minutes...guaranteed! Nowadays with centralized dispatching, there can be almost a full hour time lag from the green signal to the train's actual appearance.

[grande man]

GM I hear ya! When I did railfanning on the B&O in the 1970's, a "high green" meant that a train would be coming thru within minutes...guaranteed! Nowadays with centralized dispatching, there can be almost a full hour time lag from the green signal to the train's actual appearance.


Some of the areas we hang at have approach lit signals. When they light green, it won't be long, a train just entered the block.

I enjoy just looking at and photographing different signals. I guess it takes all types... :D

[NZRMac]

My Dad used to see a green signal, and pretend to ring up a train on his 'phone' and ask for it to come by. Worked everytime I thought he was amazing.

Eric, I reckon your signals look great. Keep scratching them.

Ken.

[grande man]

Rex, You gonna signal the whole RR or just visable areas? I'd also be interested in the specifics. Digitrax electronics maybe? That would be an interesting thread on it's own. ;)

I'm finding that I know just enough about signalling to be dangerous. It's a challenge to determine what signal arraingements would be appropriate for given trackwork. As someone once told me, welcome to the subhobby of signalling. :cool:

Ken, That's a cool story. I was a pretty sharp kid and figured stuff like that out before I got out of high school, for the most part. :D :D :D

[B_Kosanda]

I think the scratch built looks OK except for the base. You could eliminate that part and just post the signal directly into the scenery base. A small relay cabinet next to the signal adds good realism, except more cost (I know).

Bill

[grande man]

I think the scratch built looks OK except for the base. You could eliminate that part and just post the signal directly into the scenery base. A small relay cabinet next to the signal adds good realism, except more cost (I know).

Bill

Yeah, I gotta agree. Some proto signal masts were mounted to a relay cabinet, but I always prefered the look of a separate cabinet. The mast does need some type of base though, IMHO. The ORS kit has one in it. They may sell it separately or I could come up with something else to use for a base. Thanks for the input.

[RexHea]

Eric: I plan to block control/signal the entire layout. I have so much hidden track that I have to have some kind of idea as to where trains are and when. I probably will leave the train control to the engineer, but he will have to read the signal lights.

My thoughts now are to go with Digitrax, complete with block control and transponding. I don't want to setup automatic train schedules or routes, but it would be cool to see where everything was on a computer screen.

I have a lot of research, learning, and planning to do before I get started. You are right when you say it is a hobby within a hobby.

[grande man]

Eric: I plan to block control/signal the entire layout.

My thoughts now are to go with Digitrax, complete with block control and transponding.


I need to get you and Ray together. He's been thru all this. His RR is large and the signals are controlled with BDL 168's and the JMRI program. I bet he can give you some good info and save you time and aggravation.

That's gonna be one COOL project! It's really fun to run trains on a fully signalled RR!

[Steve B]

I vote for option 2, i like the look of it and it should be pretty robust.

[Cjcrescent]

Eric;

The signals look good, real good!

Youse want some opinions?;) Here's mine!:p You're ugly :eek:and yo' Momma dresses ya funny too!:D:D (One eye open!):rolleyes::rolleyes:

Actually I would happen to like the method that may result in a little more work, scratchbuilding, but anything that advances a skill level to me has a distinct advantage over just buying something and placing it down.

Brass tubing/ladder stock isn't that expensive and neither is styrene. Build them yourself. It will give you greater satisfaction. See ya!

[grande man]

Eric;



Youse want some opinions?;) Here's mine!:p You're ugly :eek:and yo' Momma dresses ya funny too!:D:D (One eye open!):rolleyes::rolleyes:




Hey now, there's no need in stating the obvious.:D

I think you're right about the signals. Everyone thinks they need to be scratched. I think that's the way we'll go. That'll be a fun project and I will probably apprieciate them more.

It's funny, but, not so long ago, I hated this kind of detail work. Now I enjoy building signals, detailing locos, building P2K car kits, etc. I even requested an illuminated magnifier for my birthday (which LGM delighted in helping his Mom pick out). What's happening to me???

[Cjcrescent]

Eric;

You're discovering what many of us have known for years. There is a lot more satisfaction in saying, "I made this!", than in "I bought this".

[RexHea]

I need to get you and Ray together. He's been thru all this. His RR is large and the signals are controlled with BDL 168's and the JMRI program. I bet he can give you some good info and save you time and aggravation.

That's gonna be one COOL project! It's really fun to run trains on a fully signalled RR!

Yeah, that would be a good idea. Perhaps when I come over, I will have time to talk to him about it. I have some projects that I am trying to get done now, but I would like to start the planning for signals the first of the year. I am a gadget man anyhow, so you are right...loads of fun.

[ak-milw]

Hey Grande Man,
My two cents worth would be to scratch build them, they look great and will only get better after a few. Also when you are done you could build me about thirty of them!! just kidding!, But this might be a great clinic subject if you are into doing a step by step, I know I would be interested!!
:eek:

[Cjcrescent]

Andy, hadn't even thought about that. That would be a good project for Gman. :)
;) Ahem...(clearing his throat in his best professors voice). Gman have a preliminary report on my desk by next week. :eek:Or you fail!:D:D:D:D

[grande man]

Hey Grande Man,
But this might be a great clinic subject if you are into doing a step by step, I know I would be interested!!



I had considered doing a clinic. I don't feel qualified to instruct you guys on anything, but it would be a fun post and might help someone out there in cyber land. Let me think on this a while...

[ak-milw]

GM,
It wouldn't have to be much more than a photo of each step and a breif desciption. I know just looking at the step by step pics would be enough to get me started!!
:eek:

[enjineerbill]

GrandeMan, for my 2 cents you can put me down for the semi-scratchbuilt. They look way cool in your photos. And the fact that you can channel the savings into another department for your road is just gravy on the dressing;).Great, made myself hungry again:D .

For what it's worth, Fire the guy in your photo of the train coming across the bridge, I've looked at that photo lots and he is ALWAYS standing there posing for the camera. There is work to be done!;) ;) .

Johnny

[CBCNSfan]

Fire the guy in your photo of the train coming across the bridge, I've looked at that photo lots and he is ALWAYS standing there posing for the camera. There is work to be done! Sheesh! yuh wants tuh fire Deadwood, bet that'd wipe the smile off his face :D

Willis

[grande man]

Well all, here's my second semi-scratched unit. It features heavier brass wire (.020" instead of .012") for the service platform/ladder. I photo documented it's construction, so I'll post a how-to next week when I can upload the pics at work. On to multi-target units... :eek:

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL615/3680850/7585034/120766719.jpg

[vanman]

I would also like to know about signaling using DCC as well.

[B_Kosanda]

I ended up using Bruce Chubb's Super Mini. Here's his site.

http://www.jlcenterprises.net/MR.htm

Of course this is a little over the top as far as cost goes, but you can't beat the realism. It'll require an old PC and a bit of BASIC programming. I used all ORS signals. The detectors I used are DCC block detectors.

BIll