Signals & Train Control Archives - Page 25 of 26

DCC Bitswitch automatic station stop control

By Kevin Strong | February 25, 2012

Kevin Strong Automatic station-stop control for DCC-controlled railroads (all scales)DCC BitSwitch31190 Eagle Crest LaneEvergreen CO 80439Prices: Timed-stop station control, $89.95; DC brake generator (needed in conjunction), $25Website: www.dccbitswitch.com Circuit boards to provide automatic station stops for DCC-powered railroads Pros: Wiring diagrams clear and easy to follow; simple installation Cons: Only works on track powered, DCC-controlled […]

Laser-activated circuit for controlling electronic switch motors

By Kevin Strong | October 21, 2011

Kevin Strong Vital statistics Laser-activated circuit for controlling electronic switch motorsUnionville DepotE-mail: queries@unionvilledepot.com Price: SC-11 1-coil (2-wire) switch machine controller, $39; LP-10 laser pointer, $18Website: www.unionvilledepot.com Pros: Simple installation and operationCons: Difficult for laser to register on the controller in sunlight; circuit board not weatherproof If you’ve got switches on your railroad, you need some […]

Hooded signal lights

By | June 1, 2011

The hood on this Norfolk Southern signal better directs the light’s beam. Doug Koontz Q CSX lineside signals all have “blinders,” a cone about a foot long that surrounds all three signal lights, so the lights only show straight down the track. Why are they used?— Richard Hoffman, Bowling Green, Ky. A The use of […]

CSX decommissions last of ex-Monon semaphore signals NEWSWIRE

By | December 17, 2010

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — CSX has removed the last semaphore signals from service on its Monon Subdivision in northwestern Indiana. The line was one of the final bastions for the signals anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The final “blade” to fall, located at milepost 147.1 at North Crawfordsville, came down Tuesday. CSX is replacing the […]

Rolling through the Rocks

By | September 14, 2010

Led by a new MP36PH-3C, a MARC commuter trains curves past the historic depot at Point of Rocks, Md., on its afternoon run from Washington, D.C., to Brunswick, Md., June 10, 2010. Photo by Alex Mayes […]

The high iron

By | September 12, 2010

Three Union Pacific diesels muscle a southbound intermodal train under classic Southern Pacific searchlight signals near Mojave, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2010. In the background are the Tehachapi Mountains, site of one of the world’s most impressive railroad crossings of a mountain range. Photo by William Steck […]

Setting up locomotives for distributed power operations

By | July 23, 2010

Powder River coal loads bound for Otter Tail Power’s Big Stone City, S.D., plant pass Bristol, S.D., with a 2-by-1 front-rear distributed power setup in April 2003. Andy Cummings Trains magazine told you about distributed power in “Freight Train, Unbounded” by David Lustig in our September 2010 issue. But, what’s the step-by-step process? Find out […]

South Bend Signal Co. automatic semaphore signal

By Kevin Strong | June 25, 2010

Kevin Strong 1:26 scale, automatic semaphore signalSouth Bend Signal Co.2303 Creek Rd.Niles MI 49120Price $60Website: www.sbsignal.com Large-scale semaphore; actuated by infra-red light; no wiring necessary. Dimensions: Height, 10″; width, 1″; length, 2½” Pros: No wiring necessary; easy installation on any railroad Cons: Cabinet may not be waterproof for permanent outdoor installations Kevin Strong I recently […]

Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module

By Kevin Strong | February 19, 2010

Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module Kevin Strong iMax Reverse Loop ModuleMassoth Electronics6585 Remington Dr. Suite 200Cummings GA 30040Price: $128.50Web site: www.massoth.com 15-amp capacity, automatic reverse-loop detection and direction-control system for DCC or DC operation Pros: Non-shorting detection eliminates arcing and pits that can damage wheels and track; works with DCC and analog DC (with […]

Two WNY&P diesels storm eastbound

By | February 9, 2010

Smoking like Alcos do, a pair of Western New York & Pennsylvania diesels storm eastbound past Almond, N.Y., on Sept. 20, 2009. WNY&P is an Alco-only short line operating over a portion of the Erie empire. Photo by Richard S. Perry […]

Crossbuck stands guard on County Road

By | January 9, 2010

This crossbuck stands guard on County Road Y near Sussex, WI, protecting Union Pacific’s Adams Sub as the sun sets on July 15, 2009. Drew Halverson photo […]

Miniature Scale Models LLP lamp post

By Marc Horovitz | August 22, 2009

Marc Horovitz 16mm scale, Victorian lamp postMiniature Scale Models LLP49 River MeadBraintree, Essex CM7 9AXGreat BritainAvailable in the US from: C&OCRyPO Box 57Rogue River OR 97537 Price: $16.95 each + s&hWeb sites: www.miniaturescalemodels.co.uk or www.cocry.com Plastic-and-metal lamp post; available in green and black; 12V light bulb included; intended to be mounted on a board or […]

Tag: Signals & Train Control

DCC Bitswitch automatic station stop control

Laser-activated circuit for controlling electronic switch motors

Hooded signal lights

CSX decommissions last of ex-Monon semaphore signals NEWSWIRE

Rolling through the Rocks

The high iron

Setting up locomotives for distributed power operations

South Bend Signal Co. automatic semaphore signal

Massoth Electronics DiMax Reverse Loop Module

Two WNY&P diesels storm eastbound

Crossbuck stands guard on County Road

Miniature Scale Models LLP lamp post

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