Using DCC to Control Model Railroad Signals

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Want to add some fun and a great bit of realism to your layout? Consider adding model railroad signals. Watch as modeler and DCC expert Steve Barkley describes how a signal driver card operates your model railroad signals system. Actually, they operate like a decoder for your signaling system. Steve grew up in the 1950s watching the Northern Pacific railroad operate semaphores to give a green (Go), yellow (Proceed with Caution) or red (Stop) signal to oncoming trains. He wanted the same kind of realism for his NP layout which models from Livingston to Billings, Montana. He found some DCC companies manufacture signal driver cards that operate either colored lights or semaphore systems. Choose the model railroad signals system that’s right for your railroad in the era in which you model and get ready for an added texture of realism for your pike!

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8 Responses to “Using DCC to Control Model Railroad Signals”

  1. Paul Lubliner

    I see you insist on being authentic to N.P. prototype, but the semaphores you are using are semi-scale, more S gauge that H0. Why not make the effort and find some N&G Railway Signal Company’s Model 2A Base of Mast, true H0 scale models. They’re perfect for the N.P. you know. You have some nice N.P. Athearn Genesis F Units so these semaphores (being of the same “family”) are a real “must”!

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  2. LEON

    Could have given more info. Also you have almost nothing on O gauge. Very Dissatisfied & Disappointed!

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  3. GREG

    What is this, a teaser? I’m a member, I want some information on this topic: power supplies, wiring tips, typical controller boards, finding the right equipment for my era (1956 SP, Southern Oregon). Come on MRA where is the beef?

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    • Customer Service

      Hi Greg,

      Thank you for contacting us. While on the membership if you go to the Menu drop down you will see a category “Wiring” you will find a lot of what you are looking for here. If there is a specific question you need answered by our experts you can ask it at the bottom of the page under the customer service header. “Contact Us” The experts will get back to you in 2 to 3 business days via email.

      If you need further assistance please contact us at 1-855-208-7399, or chat with us on our site.

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      Sincerely,

      Joan
      Model Railroad Academy Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, John. Sorry about that. We’ll have to look into that one. A local club here in town is using JMRI to operate their signals.

      Reply

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