Update: These $5.00 Signals Are Awesome! | Model Railroad Train Layout Details
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ค. 2024
- #trains #modeltrains #modelrailroad
In this video, we will answer viewer questions regarding the WeHonest crossing signals on my HO scale M-K-T Sedalia Subdivision model railroad train layout.
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In this episode, we take a look at HO-scale model railroad crossing signals by WeHonest. If you will recall, I installed these units during an episode months go. However, I wasn’t able to wire them immediately as I was waiting on the circuit controller boards to arrive. The board finally arrived and I spent about an hour installing them. Take a look at this video to see ho well these signals work! - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Question of the day: What brand(s) of signals do you use on your layout- and why? What are some of the pros and cons of your favorite? -Mike
Tomar and NJI signals and my control is Grade Crossing Pro from Logic Rail Technologies in TX. I use resistance wheelsets since I operate at night too. Easy to install and will operate great! Costs a lot more than these. These are intriguing.. 🤔
The sensors are a IR not photo cells as I have the same type and there is a push button on the main board to set the delay for the light's to turn off
Hi, John! Thanks for watching. I understand they're IR sensors but I admit I misspoke in the video calling them photocells and am working on tweaking that portion of the video. Thank you for the tip about the button on the board for changing the time delay. I am still figuring it out. I will need to look closer at the board as I have not seen that just yet....Lord knows I'm getting older and my eyesight isn't what it used to be. Ha!
Bachmann train crossing signals ho scale!
Hi Mike, just found your channel and subbed. Nice job on the signals. I can't believe there isn't a simple universal plug and play system out there. I decided to keep it simple and went with a toggle switch instead of detection. I used Walthers signals, and got the board with the toggle switch already wired in from East Coast Circuits. I've got a couple videos up on my channel with price breakdowns. Take a look when you get a chance. Take care - Bill.
Looking at that sensor, they are not photo cells. Those are IR infrared Red and will work in the dark. That is why it has two sensors, IR-Emitter and IR Receiver. Works like the old IR remote for a TV sender and receiver. Those will work in the dark with no lights on.
Hello! Thank you for pointing that out...I apparently misunderstood that and will correct it in the description and pin a note here at the top of the comments. -Mike
I went ahead and just chopped that part out completely. TH-cam editor comes in very handy. Thanks again!
I ordered these for a pedestrian crossing at a suburban Chicago commuter train station, and so I bought a set of n-scale signals.
Hello! So, are you using the N scale ones on an HO scale layout? I hadn’t thought of that as a fix for the oversize issue.
Got a few of these back in December and I watched your review before buying them... they're awesome!! Exponentially cheaper than your usual crossing signals.
Glad to hear you’re having good luck with yours, too! They’re certainly not bad for the money. -Mike
Another great video Mike! As far as my Mesquite Belt layout, I use Logic Rail Technologies exclusively. Made in Texas & usually when I call, Chuck answers or calls me back quickly.
Have had crossings in use for decades with reliable service.
Thanks so much, Devin! I am planning on using Logic Rail Technologies boards for some of my other crossings, and will do overview videos on those when I get there. I’ve already browsed Chuck’s offerings and have some on my wish list. That’s great to hear you’ve had an excellent experience with them! -Mike
Layout keeps getting better and better! Really enjoy it! Glad you had a good summer vacation!
Thank you! It’s a great feeling to make progress and see things coming together. And, getaways are always nice to reset. They never last long enough, though! Ha. -Mike
Great presentation Mike. Those look really good. Thank you for sharing. Excellent 👍
Thank you very much! I sure appreciate watching and am glad you found the video helpful! -Mike
Excellent video! Totally dig your layout! So AWESOME!
Hello! I sure appreciate the kind words. Thank you for watching! -Mike
Great share with the new wigwags and board very cool.👍🏻 Have a great day and enjoy 🚂😎🫵
Hi there! Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching. I sub'ed to your channel a while back and have enjoyed your videos, too! -Mike
Crossings look great!
Thanks, Jonah! They’re getting the job done. I’ve been contemplating using some Details West parts to jazz them up a little more, but they’re decent enough as-is. -Mike
Great video, counting how many I could install on the layout. Looking good Mike.
Hello! Thank you for watching! For as inexpensive as they are, I was able to easily buy enough for all my current crossings. I’ll probably stock up to have more on hand. I appreciate the kind words! -Mike
It's very reassuring that these signals work well... I have a couple crossings worth of signals to install on my layout when I get to the scenery stage of it
Hi, Jason. I agree! It was very much a “cross my fingers” kind of a situation- being there is so little in the way of reviews online about these items. They may not be 100% perfect, but I can’t find any other signals out there which are! I’m very pleased with these. Let me know how yours turn out! -Mike
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for stopping by and watching, John! -Mike
Mike, I would love to see how you did your landscape and all the grass. It looks really great.
Hi! I do appreciate that! I’ve got some scenery shows in the works that I’ll be posting soon. Stay tuned! -Mike
Crossings look great. Saw your video and purchased them for my layout. Delivery of signals and board were quick and install went very well. I did not use the photo-sensors. I just wired to a on/off switch a spectator can operate for me. Kids love pressing buttons. Great product. Thanks again.
Hello, Mike! Thank you for watching. I’m glad to hear you’re also enjoying your crossing signals. I have heard of some other modelers using buttons to operate them, too. That sounds like a fun option- especially if you have youngsters around! -Mike
thank you for video
from Australia
I appreciate you watching, Lewis! I am glad you enjoyed it. -Mike
I love the ones that I bought now I know what I need to get to hook them up also I have a extra power supply already!
Hello! That’s great to hear. Hopefully you found the video helpful. Mine are still working great! -Mike
Great instructional video Mike. I purchased a set of these for my 0-scale layout. They were sold as 0-scale but I don't think they are any different from the HO version. I used an HO power supply set to the operating voltage of the signals from a starter set to power mine, and since I have 3 rail track I used isolated rail sections and an Acme RIB relay #RIBMN12C. It's a 12V 15A ac/dc SPDT relay. These are dry contacts. I purchased these through TRAINZ for $9.00 each. I have a all of this terminated to a separate dc terminal strip under my layout. I also use the power supply to power structures with LED lighting within the same operating voltage range. Such is the word of 0-scale where everything is powered using variable voltag ac transformers.
Hello, Dale! I appreciate you watching! They are pretty cool little signals. It’s great to hear you’ve been able to use these in O scale as well. There are some helpful tips I can pass along if someone wonders about using these in another scale! Thank you for passing the info along. -Mike
Hi Mike, I posted a reply on your Question of the Day - Thanks - Bill.
Hi, Bill! That's great. I will take a look right now! -Mike
I love this video, and your layout! Great work you've put into this! I have two questions, if I may? I just bought the lighted signals, sesors, and Master board of "WeHonest" . What a great guy David is!
1. Where did you get those telephone poles that we see in this video? Thanks so much!!!!
Hello! I sure appreciate the kinds words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! The poles are made from a variety of products, but I do put a custom touch on everything. The larger utility poles are handmade with thin dowel rods, with the rest of the details coming from Walthers' telephone pole kits. The same goes for my trackside line poles, though I used kits from Rix for those. Both companies offer great kits as-is. However, I like to customize them to fit the ones found along the line I'm modeling. I do enjoy building them. I think they're a great way to set a scene, though it's a detail a lot of modelers overlook. -Mike
@@MainTrack You're quite welcome, and thank you! Thanks for sharinf how you created the higher utility poles, which TRULY add a lot to your layout! I will have to check into this and try to make my own, as I reaally like them. I miss the old days when railroads used to have telephone poles all along the railroad tracks for miles. I used to collect the blue-green colored insulators that were part of the poles, which I'd find on the ground amongst the stones and gravel area down by where the poles met the ground. I'm in Ohio, and I still see them here and there, but nothing like when I was little, back in the late 50's and 60's. Thanks again for sharing how you made those awesome looking utility poles!
I've bought this whole kit from wehonest an they have a bell board that goes on that plate as well the whole kit ranges 100.00
Hello! They’re pretty good signals. Yes…while the units themselves are inexpensive, the price does go up when you add all the bells and whistles. My set cost $50 when you include the board. But, I’ve priced the bells and gates and that adds up quick. -Mike
not gonna lie before i found your channel didn’t really know to much about the mkt mostly due to me modeling the MILW but ill be honest ive been tempting to make a mkt local due to your vids
Hello! Thanks so much for watching. I’m glad to hear the videos have helped stoke your Katy interest! Ha. It was certainly an interesting road. A lot of MILW power ended up on MKT trains and I plan to eventually acquire some of those units to run. I believe it worked both ways as I’ve also seen some shots of Katy power on MILW lines. The green/yellow and orange consists would have been pretty colorful! -Mike
got the same set on my layout. cheap and they work pretty good
Hello! Glad to hear you’ve had good luck with their signals as well. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’ve been impressed so far! -Mike
Another good source for power supplies is Goodwill or other thrift stores. The crossing signals look great!
Hello! Great point…I hadn’t thought about secondhand stores.
I appreciate you watching! -Mike
I use We Honest signals with the barriers which I have animated using servos. I did toy with automating them as you have using sensors but decided against it and mine are operated using push buttons
Hello! Great to hear you’ve had good luck with the units as well! The particular segment of the route I am modeling didn’t have any gated crossings…otherwise I’d definitely be trying out the gates as well. I’ve heard of some other modelers using push buttons and I hear that’s a great option! -Mike
Mike, found your videos on the Wehonest signals as I am about to install a pair on my layout. I have the O scale version and each signal came with its own circuit board. The instructions State that the board allows you to adjust the rate of flashing, and it shows where the board should be connected to a 9v source. My question is whether I would need to use each board or if I could wire both signals to one board?
Hi, Bob! I am not familiar with the O-scale version of the boards. But, on the HO, there are plugins for up to four signals on a single board. I’ll have to look online for an image of the O board and see if I can tell how they’re set up. While I have enjoyed their products, the instructions are pretty vague. It has made for some interesting trial-and-error sessions when trying to figure them out! -Mike
I hope you turn the crossing signals on the other side of the tracks to face the opposite direction. They look pretty weird facing towards the front/user, as the far ones should be facing the other direction.
Hi! Yes, I’m still trying to figure out a solution for that. These We Honest units are decent enough. The problem is, the wiring runs down the back of the mast pole to the LEDs. So, turning the signals the correct way reveals all the wires and it doesn’t look so great. Turning them how I have them is a temporary solution until I figure out how to modify them to look better. The crossbucks are also an aspect I’m not a fan of. They’ll look better once I find better ones to mount. -Mike
Mike, crossings look great lit up does the crossing circuit have a option to add a ringing bell at all if you wanted to add the sound?. Andy
Hi, Andy! Thank you! Yes, the board does have the ability to install a sound add-on with speaker. I will probably add it to some of the crossings, but not all. I have so many spaced close together (like the prototype) and that would end up being a whole lot of ringing! Ha. I’ll do an update video once I install that audio somewhere. Thanks again for watching! -Mike
Great video as always. For the sensors, if I have a double tracked layout, is there more sensors that are available for purchase? Noticed it only came with 2 but it worked out for you since you model single track.
Hello! Great question! Yes, they do have additional sensors for purchase. In fact, I just purchased a new set of lights, board, and sensors for another crossing. On this one setup, I have a spur coming off the main close enough to the road to need signal activation for both tracks. So, I bought the extra sensor. They also have splitters to use for multiple sensors. But, from what I can tell, they can be spliced and hand-wired just the same. I appreciate you watching! -Mike
Hi Mike great video and channel. Very informative. I have that Walthers control box. I’m fighting with it. Lol. Any chance you could post a link to the exact board you purchased. Again I love what your doing on your layout. David
Hello, David! I appreciate the compliments! I have not used the Walthers control box but have read reviews on both sides. I can post the WeHonest link down below. They have a website, but I always go through the eBay store. I hope this helps! -Mike
www.ebay.com/itm/401035919266?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_57RYB3pRiq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=gAZHkFaBSMW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
@@MainTrack thank you Mike. This helps a lot.
@@MainTrack The green board in the link above is NOT the same as the green board shown in your video.
Can i ask how did you mount the sensors under your baseboard please?
Hello, Shane! I mounted these by drilling holes just large enough from below to pop the sensors up through and into place. Then, the glue from the ballasting process holds it all there. That part was tricky- being careful to keep the sensors dry. But, the process worked in the end! -Mike
Great video. Does the $5 include the circuit board? Also, good tip on using old power supplies for whatever to power the signals. You could also use a power buss and eliminate using many power sources. MRC makes a cheap (dollar wise) power supply that they use not only for their throttles but also for r/c battery chargers. R/C chargers come in many sizes...I have one that puts out 50 amps but I fear using it and having a short and welding what it is powering or starting a fire. This is where your power supply may be safer (plus free is always good).
Hi, Rupert! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I purchased the signals themselves for $5 each. The circuit board and sensors (which includes additional signals) was $30- which broken down puts the board price at about $20. That’s still pretty decent- and a great deal for what you get! I know a lot of things have become more expensive with out hobby, so it’s always great to find amazing bargains like these. I appreciate you watching! Mike
Enjoyed your video and made the purchase of circuit board and signals. Wired it all up and it works......but, I have turned the flash rate adjuster in both directions with no change to rate. Looks like laser guns from Star Wars. How can I slow them down?
Hello, Chuck. My apologies for just now seeing your message and having a chance to reply. Were you able to have any luck with the flash rate adjuster? I wonder if your board is having an issue. I’ve had decent luck with the adjusters mine so far. Yours is also a wheel-like knob, correct?
@MainTrack good morning. Yes it is wheel type. I took a short video of it. Looks like a star wars attack laser. Sent the video to manufacturer and they are supposed to send a replacement board. It's been weeks, but it China.
I am looking for flashing cross bucks and a bell sound for a 3-track grade crossing. Any ideas? It would only have 2 cross bucks but they would need to be activated by either of the 3 tracks that cross the road. And they should activate in either direction. Thanks and nice video.
Hello! Did you have any luck finding a fix. You should be able to wire the crossing where one side side has three sensors wired together in tandem, and likewise for the lead running to sensors other side. I was able to make this work for two tracks. WeHonest has splitters you can buy, but it would work the same cutting and splicing the wires yourself. -Mike
How do you hook up the infrared sensors?
Hello! The sensors come pre-wired. They plug into the circuit board and you run the wires underneath the layout and install them where they need to go. I was pleased at how easy it was! -Mike
hello main track train it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks friends randy
Hello, Randy! Thank you very much! I appreciate you joining us here on the channel. -Mike
Happy Kate father's day Mike I been driving a lot getting back soon as I can I also being seeing my lady a lot I hope your doing well I am happy got crossing singles working my train club come along really fast 😊
Hi Taylor! Thank you for the Father’s Day well wishes! I had a very good one. You’re staying busy! That’s great you’ve been able to install some signals. Hopefully they’re working well for you, too! -Mike
@@MainTrack yes indeed I am really excited about it to my girl is to
They are god for the price , I bought the pair with arms, as I plan to automate them with servos and a sound and light unit or make something.
Hello! Thanks for watching! That sounds like a cool project. I’m may add sound to one of mine soon- just to test it out. Please let me know how yours turns out! -Mike
The only thing I don’t like about them is they flash opposite of each other and not in sequence like most prototype signals. I’m not sure if that can be solved by swapping some wires around, but I notice that on a lot of model crossing signals including Walthers ones.
Hello! Good point…I wonder if switching some of the wires could would fix the flash pattern. I’m going to excitement with that and see if I have any luck with that. I hope it’s that easy…I’ll see what I can find out! -Mike
Hi there. Well I totally stumped on how to do this lol!! I bot the Walters Crossing lights signals . Not the gats just the light. and I not sure how ... Or what to buy to make them work. + go easy on telling me how to do this . I am new to the Hobby and having fun . But I am having a hard time doing stuff like this. I am Legally Blind yes . And I don't have a friend to help that is in this Train Hobby as well. So do you think you can help me out.... Or shood I just put them out for looks. Thank you so much for your help and reading this too. Take care and now time for me to make tracks lol :)!!!!! Ps I did enjoy your great video:)!!!
ok... But you didn't answer my question?
Hello! Thanks for stopping...I appreciate you watching! I do believe Walther's has a pretty easy to use control box for its signals. I have not personally used that product, but from what I understand, it comes with decent instructions. Hopefully, that makes it easier to wire up. As I stated in my video, the lack of directions in the WeHonest signals was a drawback. I have placed a link to the Walthers box down below. Some guys do leave the signals up just for looks without operating them. It is fun to watch them flash, but they also look good either way. Mine were inactive for several months- from the time I installed them to when I finally obtained my circuit boards. Please let me know if you have luck with the Walther's box! -Mike
www.walthers.com/grade-crossing-signal-controller
@@MainTrack Ok thanks!!
They have a nice 'dull' realistic appearance. Most model signals I have seen use really bright LEDs that are completely inaccurate to the incandescent bulbs that were used in real life. These really look like old 8-inch crossing signal lights.
Hello! Thanks for watching! I agree…the flash looks good. The brightness setting helps a lot. I could make it dimmer or brighter from the current setting. I think I figured out a decent balance on that. I’ve had some viewers ask if the target faces are too big. But, in reality, the MKT had several examples that looked similar to this- especially on this route I’m modeling. -Mike
I just noticed the garage door in your video. Can you give some tips about building a setup in a garage? I'm building a system in my garage in Texas, going to be installing a mini split and an air filter. Any other recommendations?
I would recommend attempting to use rubber or foam door seals to help keep out dirt and heat. Insulate the walls and ceiling of your garage to help keep out the Texas heat.
Hello! I will second much of what Gary says. Here in Missouri, it has been easier to keep the place more bearable in the summer than winter. At least in the summer, it cools down some at night. Unfortunately, in the winter, it doesn’t do the opposite and warm up at night! Ha. Seal whatever you can to keep out the temps and the dust/dirt. That makes a difference. I also cover the garage doors with a couple layers of large moving blankets in the cold months. Still, in the dead of winter, I just can’t work out there some days. Thankfully, those stretches never last too long in southern Missouri.
I have also looked into a mini-split and portable AC unit. I haven’t invested too much as I’m looking to move into a new home soon with a basement for the layout.
This sounds like the making of a new episode at some point. I’ll thank you now for the idea! I appreciate you watching. -Mike
@@MainTrack Thanks both for the input!
How did you get yours to flash properly mine flash at the same time not independently like the signals should
Hi, Austin. Do you mean the two different signal units flash at the same time, or the individual lights on each signal unit? Mine were good to go out of the box and I didn’t have to make any tweaks to them. Did you try switching around the wires/diode connections at the circuit board? Perhaps one of our viewers can chime in here…
I live in Sevierville, TN, and Gatlinburg is only 5 miles away. LOL. How do you turn the crossing bucks on and off when a train enters and leaves an intersection? I think I got my flashers from WeHonest from fleaBay. I plan on nighttime operations so I'll probably need infrared sensors. Did the sensors come with your circuit board from WeHonest? Cheers from eastern TN
Hello! Did you purchase just the signals or the kit that includes the circuit board and sensors? I have my signals hooked to the board. The WeHonest one has worked well, and there are other manufacturers that make good ones as well. The sensors came with the boss, but I believe they can be purchased separately as well.
I’m sure living in the Sevierville is nice! I plan on coming back many more times. It would be fun to do some additional railfanning in Knoxville and other hotspots. But, when driving on vacation, you just want to get there. Ha.
@@MainTrack Yep, I purchased the flasher separate from anything else. Cheers - TN
Where do you get a USB cord with the input jack that fits into the signal crossing circuit board jack?
Hello! Are you referring to the power source? I was able to use a standard power adapter I had lying around the house. That's the one drawback. But, with as many random electronics I have lying around, I had some extras.
@@MainTrack Yes, I forgot to mention the wprds power source, sorry. I was able to find one in my own cords that can be used for the crossing signals. Thanks a bunch!
@@MainTrack Hi Mike!!! Thank you for your advice re: The power cord for the "We honest" crossing signals. I actually have just what I needed to make the signals work, and didn't know it. These things are awesome!!!!!! If I may ask another question....Last month, I bought a much needed 6' "Laser Cut" stockade fence with pointed tops made by "Branchline Trains". I bought it off a seller on eBay, and it was the only one he had. I did research on where to buy another one, because I **desperately** need another one, and Branchline Trains discontinued them. I've looked all over eBay, and the internet, and can't find anymore stockade fences with pointed tops. Would you happen to know of any places that might make/sell them? Thank you so much!
do you have a model number for the circuit board? you have 2 boards and the one I have has the large board only. my signals turn off before the train clears the intersection
Hi, Joe. I can’t find a particular model number for any of their products. On eBay, the setup I’ve purchased is listed as “1 set crossing signals + automatic IR sensors controller flash by train detector.” Long rambling name, but that’s what it shows! Ha. The WeHonest store on eBay has pictures, so it’s easier to tell the difference between the products on there. I hope that helps! -Mike
How come you didn't say how much it would cost the public to get the circuit board?
Hello! I don’t usually go into a lot of detailed pricing on my videos since those are subject to change with the times, and folks are easily able to find the current ones on eBay or Google. Also, for this one, I realize a lot of people have chosen to use other brand’s circuit boards- which have different prices. As of now, the cost for this WeHonest board is $39.99 with free shipping- and that includes two signals. I hope that helps! I also let people know I am not an affiliate of this brand . This review was all on my own. Thanks again for watching! -Mike
@@MainTrackThank you. I'm glad to hear from MainTrack instead of SideTrack.
Are ya going to beat the show inSpringfieldMO this Sep
Hello! It is on my calendar and I’m sure hoping to make it! -Mike
What editing service do you use and how much is it
Hi there! I actually shoot and edit all of the footage and episodes myself. I use Adobe Premiere for all of my production.
@@MainTrack ok
How do they sell a circuit boards without instructions?
Hi, Matthew. Good question. That’s just how they do it! It was a fun evening challenge figuring them out, and I appreciate the help others offered! I hope the video helps fill in the blanks for anyone in the same boat! -Mike
I presume this is the eBay seller Webehonest? I just ordered a bunch of block signals. I’m going to order more from them if the quality is good.
Hello! Yes, they do sell on eBay, although the user name I’ve purchased from is wehonest_cn
I wonder if they have multiple stores. At an rate, I have really enjoyed the signals and they’re still working great! -Mike
I was mistaken, it is Wehonest. The eye sees what it wants to see. Anyway I can’t wait to try out the bunch I ordered. Planning to buy some of the crossing gate version. Just need to figure out what boards I want to add. I suppose only one set needs the sound of there are close together crossings.