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!
8 Responses to “Using DCC to Control Model Railroad Signals”
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37:53
Building L-Girder Benchwork for Model Railroads
When building benchwork for model railroads, the first thing you have to plan and think through is the type of scene you want to construct. Depending on the size, shape and placement of your scene in a room, the benchwork you choose might vary. There are positives and negatives to each type of benchwork for…
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30:44
Blending Seams in Model Railroad Backdrop Construction
If you’re building a long backdrop for your model railroad layout, you’re going to have to connect the boards together using nails or staples, which means you’ll end up with a fairly visible seam. Expert modelers generally have a couple options during the process of model railroad backdrop construction to cover this seam, but we’ve…
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4:47
Behind the Scenes Model Railroad Video: Baldwin, CO
For the next stop on our tour of the Colorado and Southern Railway, we explore the layout and scenery of Baldwin. Baldwin, which is located in Gunnison County, Colorado and serves as midpoint in the Ohio Creek Extension, was once an important hub for the C&S Railway. Toeing the narrow ledges of coal mines buried…
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6:23
Painting Model Railroad Backdrops: Storm Scenes
One of the great things about the model railroad backdrop is its versatility and its ability to affect the mood of a model. Depending on the scene you are attempting to create, your backdrop might benefit from more than just those standard, peaceful blue skies. Painting model railroad backdrops that are busier and more dynamic…
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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”!
Could have given more info. Also you have almost nothing on O gauge. Very Dissatisfied & Disappointed!
Hello Leon,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
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Joan
Model Railroad Academy Video Membership
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?
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.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
Model Railroad Academy Video Membership
Very good written article. It will be useful to everyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts.
video didn’t describe how to use the card or set up the system. very poor !!
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.