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!
-
1:04Hide a Hole in Your Model Railroad Backdrop
Oftentimes, holes and gaps in a model railroad backdrop are essential in order to have a train end up somewhere else in the scene. These holes in a structure help give it more depth and add to the aesthetic appeal and realistic nature of your model. However, when left exposed they can have the opposite…
Watch Now >> -
6:04Using Model Railroad Scenery to Disappear Roads
Forced perspective can be one of the most useful tools the model railroader has at his disposal. You can add a great amount of depth to your scene and create impressive illusions with proper angles and well placed model railroad scenery. These illusions are often necessary for building a convincing model if you are working…
Watch Now >> -
4:32Exploring the Model Train Scenery of 1940s Gunnison
Some of our favorite model railroad layouts are set in decades past, as far back as the 1940s, when the rail industry was first booming in the west and evidence of World War I still lingered. This era is so fascinating to us that we decided to try our hand at recreating model train scenery…
Watch Now >> -
4:41Build Model Railroad Scenery for Depth and Realism
Here’s some great news for all you artistically challenged builders out there: adding realistic backdrops to your model railroad doesn’t require a degree in the arts or a great eye for detail. You no longer need craft lessons or expensive equipment to build model railroad scenery; thanks to photo-editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, adding…
Watch Now >>
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.
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.
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
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.
If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7399.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
Model Railroad Academy Video Membership
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”!