Using DCC to Control Model Railroad Signals
Steve BarkleyWant 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!
The final component in an advanced DCC system is a signal driver card. What a signal driver card is, act like a decoders for signals. It operates either color light signals or in the case of some cards, it can operate semaphore signals. Why add signals to your layout? In my case, I modeled the Northern Pacific, circa 1956, in the area from Livingston to Billings, Montana.
The Northern Pacific used semaphores. I remember seeing semaphores all of my life on the real railroad, and I wanted to add those on my model railroad. To do that, I had to find a way to actually operate a semaphore in red, yellow, and green positions. And this signal driver card does that. Most of the manufacturers, or at least some of the manufacturers make cards that will operate color light signals.
This particular one also operates semaphores. To me, that says Northern Pacific, and it makes my layout much more fun. And in my opinion, more realistic to operate.
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!
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?
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 !!