Model Railroading > Exploring HO trackside signals homemade or store bought?

I like RR signals but I see a variation between Model power and N.J. International HO sizes, so who are your "go to" manufacturers (and links to them if allowed),  TIA, Ed

Ed Stewart
Jacksonville, FL

calsubd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I like RR signals but I see a variation between
> Model power and N.J. International HO sizes, so
> who are your "go to" manufacturers (and links to
> them if allowed),  TIA, Ed

You're going to have to give more info if you want an answer. What kind of signals, semaphores, searchlights, color lights...

Look into what Atlas offered. IF you can find it.

Showcase Minitures.  I bought two of their "HO Short Cabinet Mount Searchlight Signal".  Really nice kits and an exact match of the SP signals I wanted to model.  Kind of challenging to assemble but follow hte instructions and they turn out great.  

I have several of the Atlas type "G" signals I no longer use.

Tomar 3 aspect, 2 aspect, single and double dwarfs.

Chris Rye

I used also Tomar searchlight signals (abouta dozen) – very pleased with...

There's also beautiful HO signals from Details West. Details-West Style D Signal w/Visors - HO-Scale   Atlas bought the BLMA line of great signals but don't seem to offer them on a steady basis.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/31/24 20:02 by trackplanner.

I have Tomar searchlight signals. I really like them but recently their prices have gone ebay crazy.

Ed,

I have been working with Integrated Signal Systems, 10332 Bedford Road, Spring Hill, FL 34608, 352-688-5630
info@integratedsignalsystems.com , for my layout based on New York Central, River Division, early 1960s.

I have a bunch of Tomar sigle-head and dual-head semaphores fr my layout based on the Erie Northern Railroad of New Jersey, mid 1950.  I also purchased the hangers from Shapewayss.  However, getting them installed will require someone who has the knowledge and skill to do the installation.

John

 

I have used ISS signals and controllers for years.
I find that planning installations is not that much different than prototype installations, at least to my level of understanding signaling.
I ended up not using their turnout circuits but simply used mini diodes to the inputs on the signal drivers to give the aspects I wanted.
To my eye their signal heads are rather crude. They use 3mm bi-polar LEDs to give red or green aspects and a rapidly alternating red-green sequence for the yellow aspect.  Those were as small as LEDs were commonly available at the time, and required a boxy enclosure. After installation you turn a small potentiometer to adjust the hue of yellow.  They are quite bright.  I don't know whether their newer offerings are using 402 or 603 Surface Mount LEDs, it would be nice if they were.
One lesson learned is the "darth vader" hoods like the UP uses make it hard to see signal aspects from off to the side.
I know there is a whole world of signal programming available through JMRI and Panel Pro, if I was starting over I would look into that.

Search the auction site for "wehonest signals".