Wow Charlie, what a true level of realism the lights have to a layout. This has really had an impressive change to lime of thinking. Lights change automatically to the line route; one point change and the casecade of lights that change along side it. Having the correct signals and the the wiring; now there’s the true challenge. Worth the wait though. Excellent video and inspirational yet again; model railways change for more realism.. all best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
People often underestimate how much difference working signals and other lighting makes to a model railroad like this. Lighting is what makes the whole thing become even more alive.
I would like to do this on my future layout. My preference is for the higher speed junction approaches is to have the signals a bit further from the conflicting route, say by another coach length than where your signals were sited. This allows for an emergency stop from a SPAD without fouling the other route. In real railways, this is called overlap. This is why you see the signal reverting back to red when the train has gone quite a way past the signal. The higher the line speed, the longer the overlap distance.
Charlie, wow, you have just blown my mind. What an amazing bit of kit. The hobby is getting more and more like the real world, and so it should, if we are modelling a particualr area / region / station, then getting all the bits to talk together, and react as they should is the way to go. But, it really needs the brain to be on full power, and the stars aligned. Thank you for sharing this, I look forward to more on your signalling adventures. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Charlie, As a now-retired computer engineer, I'm always glad to see the application of automation and electronic control to this application. Your explanations are always so clear and understandable that they are a great boon to the less technically oriented. Keep up the great work.
When you have a POV camera on your trains, I think that would be great to record or ...um, when you are behind your train you can see the signals change as they pass and activate each... Good stuff, Charlie. John (BC, Canada)
What a job Charlie!! Beautiful, I know you did it right because you lost me in the section of programming. This is all true but I must say. That your descriptions were on point and could be followed quite well. I believe auto signals are most important in model railroading as well as the horn and the engine sounds. Fine job and thanks for helping those who want that kind of realism. Thanks again!
A few decades ago, one of my sisters lodged in the same house as a BR signalman who worked in Temple Mills. Knowing of my interest in railways, he invited me to work a night shift with him. Was I interested, he wondered? Damn fool question! I quickly got the hang of the track layout and my mate let me set the routes, checking with him before I committed to a route and then flicking the switches. The one time he didn't check my route I signalled a train the "wrong" way down the bottom of a diamond rather than over the top. The route was perfectly valid and both options led to the same piece of track. The driver was just used to going one way through the diamond rather than the other way. Anyway, my mate soon learned what I had done. It was about three o'clock in the morning when we heard the roar of a locomotive and then a screeching of the brakes and then a loud continuous blast on the horn that must have woken up everyone from Stratford to Walthamstow; from Leytonstone to Tower Hamlets. Then the driver got on the blower and gave my mate what for. Of course, he had to take the abuse as I was strictly an illegal. I had come in on the hand trolley as it were. Eventually the moron of a driver was placated and agreed to proceed the few hundred feet along the route I had set so he could pick up his train. Meanwhile he had caused traffic to back-up and delayed his own schedule by some ten minutes. The real point of this post, though, was to say that in the course of a single eight hour shift the track circuits failed three times. Three times my mate had to bring everything to a stop and call in the signal engineers. Total time out of operation? About an hour. According to my mate, this was a common occurrence yet I have never seen it modelled! Something for your signal makers / programmers to consider as an authentic BR mid-eighties product line perhaps?
Top-drawer stuff this, Charlie. Those bespoke signals are superb. You say you're not a perfectionist, but what you've achieved here is a very realistic system that greatly enhances the authenticity and "play value" of the layout.
Charlie, oh Charlie what are you doing?!? If a signalman tries to change a physical route that is already set up and signalled clear - HE CANNOT DO IT! The route has to be cancelled before ANY related points can be changed. That's basic interlocking. (Some locations have a 'time-lock' on them, too, so you have to wait a set period before you can change the route). The sight of you just randomly 'let's change this point and see what the signals do' had me jumping up and down! May I invite you to my next 'open day' and let you see what happens if you try that on my N-gauge layout... you won't want to do it again! Apart from that - very nice signals and a good video as usual!
@@KevTheBusDriver i’m so sorry Kev, but that’s a six hour round-trip! I only hope that I can get up your way another time when passing through. Regards, Charlie.
Yet another masterclass Charlie, great stuff. I have 2 questions - both in my usual style of humour, please do not be offended. 1) Are there many volunteers to operate the goods area now that they know they run the risk of being thrashed to death? :) 2) What signal is required to offer "protection" for the signal box from demolition from the hand of God? :)
An excellent comment, Roger. Honestly, I will try to stop my layout earthquakes, still undecided about the thrashing of fellowmodellers! Regards Charlie.
Yes Charlie, a bit geeky as you say, but it doesn't distract from the interest. The signals are brilliant and will add so much to Chadwick. The layout goes from strength to strength with your attention to detail and ideas. Always a good watch and the next episode never fails. Keep well, Regards Kevin
Charlie Hello again....Liverpool Kev here again...If there is a 'Nobel Prize' for Model Railways...you are 'In the frame'....Above my head..my only DCC purchase was a track rubber....I love the thought of you standing in the helix...Charlie...High Pitched Voice....Margaret...Can you ring the fire brigade?...Love your videos Charlie...My 2 layouts are dioramas really with occasional train movements if I'm lucky Haha.......All best.....Liverpool Kev
Hi again Charlie. Mind blowing. Love watching all the new techno geeky stuff. Only understand some of it, but get the general idea. Thanks again for all of your efforts. Isn't DCC fabulous. Stay safe. Howard.
Hi Charlie, nice one on the SIGM20 and your new signals. It is an incredibly powerful unit replacing shed loads of combinational logic and as its programmable well wins hands down, well worth the investment. It also has virtual signals which help simplify complex junctions, accommodates diverging junctions and allows you to signal reverse running lines (east to west / west to east). Its manual is beautifully illustrated with lots of clear examples and clear descriptions. I would strongly recommend anyone getting into block signalling on the “running line” to have a read. It interfaces directly to BD4s with the supplied ribbon cable so nothing stopping you having a standalone signalling loconet network. The connections are by the way very clearly illustrated. Look forward to seeing how you get along with that multi function approach signal, never thought about using to control that, but allocating two or maybe three signal channels on the SIGM20 it must be viable. All the best Stephen
I hate to disagree Stephen, but I found it somewhat taxing to understand. I got there in the end with some help from Charles, but I assume that you have a better technical understanding when I do. Be careful mate, I might be coming back to you with my problems! Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, as you know the outputs change to reflect whether you have each of SK5 or 6 configured for either 4 x 3 aspect or 3 x 4 aspect signals. The allocation tables are on page19 and they use A, B, C, D to tie in to each of your physical signal colours for which they illustrate these on pages 21 to 22 for each of the 2, 3 and 4 aspect signals and for European and 2 wire search lights on P22 to 23 (same pages in both pdf and hard copy manual versions). Suggest you have a good read of the manual when you get some quality time; as a newbie to this product & Loconet it took me a few reads to really grasp its massive potential and benefits as I am designing this into my layout as well as learning how to properly sequence my signals for various scenarios. For £59 its superb value (got mine for £33 ea), earlier I wasted a load of cash on discrete signal controllers that did nothing like what this can do - you certainly learn from your mistakes! Glad you got sorted out. All the best Stephen
Thanks Charlie, a very teasing and challenging video. I wonder if all that programming will work with semaphore signals. OK, I am a bit of a dinosaur, but my memories of English railways stopped when steam still ruled the tracks. So my modelling is back to the 40s and 50s. - Chris.
Great video Charlie! Id love to get some automated signals at some point, however I don't think my teenage brain can get around the wiring and sensors and even computer programs!! I juat bought some colour light aspect signals for my layout, which ive got to say looks great! Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Can you clarify the use of a 3 aspect signal on the helix exit line. My understanding of a yellow is that the next section is clear but the one after is blocked. I can't remember your track plan but assume the next section starts way beyond the viaduct? I would've thought a 2 aspect would be sufficient?
Excellent video Charlie. Will your block detection hold the platform 1 and 2 signals at red the instant a train passes them? They shouldn't instantly go from red/green to green/red when the point changes in case a train is just starting. Alternatively you could use timers to hold both signals at red for a short period.
Thanks for the video Charlie. How do you intend to signal release from the different goods yards? I look forward to seeing the signalling finished. I am glad that you carry out videos on different aspects of the modelling. Although I am not into automation, you have made the subject interesting. So thanks again Charlie.
Hi Charlie, so im planning a model railway extension and was wondering if you could help me improve anything, i have planned it all out on ANYRAIL but i cant fit it all on one file and i was also wondering if i could email you the files and let you make any adjustments and make sure i havent got anything messed up?
The working signals look great. It is interesting that the signals are controlled by LocoNet and the turnouts on DCC (at least that is my understanding of how your turnouts work). I guess there is also a DCC accessory decoder device that would operate the signals? - would train controller then be able to control them as the only system to configure?
Just wondering Charlie, why have you decided to go with light signals rather than the old fashioned type of your era. No judgement or anything, just curious.
Hi Charlie, Another fascinating video. One question (I am not a signalling expert) but I think you may need a goods line starter signal for freight departures like the platform starters and linked in the same way as the platform starters to the junction signal? You might also need to move the arrival signal so that incoming trains that are stopped at that signal do not foul the main line junction - if there is not enough room on the branch you could move it to the other side of the junction but you would then need another aspect M for main perhaps. The planned tunnel signal on the main line would also need moving nearer to the tunnel mouth to avoid trains on the main line blocking the branch junction. This is not intended to be a criticism and I think you are just suffering from that problem that plagues all modellers - a lack of space. Thanks again for another thought provoking video. Jon
Hi John, I’m afraid that you’re mistaken regarding a start Signal to leave the goods area, that’s exactly what a headshunt Signal does. Your other points are valid, however with compressions of Scale it really isn’t feasible. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie. My goodness your layout is going to be something else the time its done though that said a model railway is never finished or so they say. The only electronic gizmo i have done on my layout is wire up my 2 points control panels with 4 PCB's i was glad when i got them done it drove me up the wall configuring the the switches with the lights etc,what you are doing is absolutely marvelous , and i must say makes it so realistic well done Charlie and thank you again for your entertaining video, i no your not doing a song and dance video but the the way you present your video's is entertaining and you make it interesting even if some of us including me may not go that way with there layouts for what ever reason. Well done and thank you.
Some interesting stuff here Charlie, thabks for sharing. Personally, as a self confessed signalling nut who likes to count ladder rungs going up the posts, I'm not much of a fan of this kind of automation, since routes would automatically clear based on the lie of points and the status of track circuits, which can lead to unwanted clear signals and would require adverse changes of aspect in front of trains to set the route. It gets worse when you introduce elements like diamond crossings and other points of conflict. I can see the appeal and why people might not be as nearly as bothered as I am about it (since I am very much a frustrated signalman at heart), it's just not for me. But it is interesting nonetheless, so thanks for taking us through it. I was just going to ask, how do you plan to set out the interlocking rules on the junction? On the real thing if you have a train wanting to cross from the viaduct to the tunnel, the points on both the up and down main line must lie towards the tunnel to elimate any possibility of an unauthorised movement fouling the road. The same must be true if a train is to cross from the branch to the viaduct, both points must lie towards the station to eliminate that potential conflict on the diamond. If you have a train coming up from the tunnel and another crossing the viaduct to head to the station, you can have the points lie independently of one another since there is no potential conflict over the diamond. Keep it up and looking forward to the next installment
Charlie interesting video again. Heathcote electronics produce control boards which operate the signal without software it’s all built in and work on DC or DCC ( I have on,y used on DC) it uses the direction of the train point positions to control aspect along with an infrared detector which you mount between the sleepers and changes the signal when the train passes the signal mine is set to first wheel replacement so signal changes as soon as the first wheel of the train passes the signal but you can set it to last wheel replacement as per your layout. Not sure why you have a signal protecting the tunnel unless you are using as block protection. With regards the platform signal I am not sure a platform mounted signal would stand on a concrete block above the surface if you look at the again at the photo of Weymouth the bad of the post is flush with the platform. Hope you find these comments of interest
So genuine question Charlie, is there a way you can dim down the Greeness of the Green Signal, cus (could just be me), but the signals seem a bit bright for a layout set in the 60's/70's, thats not me being picky, just a bit curious
@@ChadwickModelRailwayInsert the right value resistor in series with the green wire to the signal will dim that aspect. Try 100 ohms and increase or decrease to suit.
LED colours are very tricky. There are two ways to make green LEDs, one which gives pale yellowy green but is a similar brightness to red and amber LEDs, and one which gives a much nicer shade of green but which is many times brighter. Coupled with the fact the eye is more sensitive to green makes it tricky to balance the aspects when wired up this way. Reducing the current will help - as Damian suggested, adding a resistor will do that - but you can get colour shift. Really you need to PWM (rapidly turn on and off) to get the best effect. If you use a resistor then you probably need larger than Damian suggests, 1k and up, although it does depend a little on the voltage you are using. The signal also shows the other tricky thing with LEDs - getting an amber / yellow which looks right. To my eye the one they are using now is too red, but that could of course be the camera.
Great viewing as always, I liked especially how you are leaving the 'out-takes' as 'keep-ins' now, with the signal box moment 😂 Anyway, I wanted to ask, just as it's a dream of mine... Is there a company which can design and install a full model railway, perhaps not including landscaping as it might be something a customer preferred to do, once the heavy lifting and brain-work had been taken by somebody who knows what they are doing?
Hi Charlie, Love these TH-cams you do as I am very very new to this hobby, i:e Not laid any track yet, but have designed my layout to be, but I would like your advice, I will be moving out to the Philippines later this year with a bit of luck and I was wondering the best way of fixing my track with a view to me lifting it when I go. I will be taking all my stuff with me except for the layout of course. Keep up the good work, I am wading through your video's to try and get " in the know". Thank you
Hey Charlie, i would love to see some use of ESU products on your layout, signal pilot, switch pilot, servo pilot, detector etc etc. might be easier than using a combination of all sorts of random brands all over the layout. ESU would have to be the most under utilised and technical advanced brands out there, with very little representation on TH-cam. As you love TH-cam Charlie it might be a gap in the available content on TH-cam which would also give you a new subscriber base.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I do understand that too, was just thinking out loud. You have a great channel, a huge amount of effort and dedication. Hats off to you and thank you for sharing everything you do. Just thought ESU might suit a few of your users as it might be a little easier. Probably more expensive but you don't need a whole layout just a test track or yard with separated ops or even an isolated automated single passenger track running from one station to another and back again. Having both would definitely give you a dual market for content.
Awesome Video Charlie With coloured light signals have a device called TPWS what stops a train running red signals .when a train fitted with tpws applies the train breaks to stop a rear end colision happening .but where i live in australia we have two different devices that stop trains running Red Signals TPWS for Diesel Train Fleet and Trainstop for electric 1500dc train fleet trainstop As a train passes into a block section, the signal turns red and the arm of the trainstop is raised. The position of the arm is carefully set, so that, when raised, it will hit a valve called a trip cock on the underside of any passing train, causing it to come to an emergency stop.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayTPWS is too modern for this layout TPWS was developed by British Rail and its successor Railtrack, following a determination in 1994 that British Rail's Automatic Train Protection system was not economical, costing £600,000,000 equivalent to £976,058,932 in 2019 to implement, compared to value in lives saved: £3-£4 million (4,880,295 - 6,507,060 in 2019), per life saved, which was estimated to be 2.9 per year.[4][5] Trial installations of track side and train mounted equipment were made in 1997, with trials and development continuing over the next two years.[6] The rollout of TPWS accelerated when the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 came into force in 2003, requiring the installation of train stops at a number of types of location.[6] However, in March 2001 the Joint Inquiry Into Train Protection Systems report found that TPWS had a number of limitations, and that while it provided a relatively cheap stop-gap prior to the widescale introduction of ATP and ERTMS
Plugging a signal into a PCB socket seems very sensible! But rather than the PCB being just a breakout board with screw terminals for each LED, might as well slap a microcontroller on there and control the signal digitally, and simplify the wiring (assuming the layout has more than one signal)!
@@ChadwickModelRailway I keep meaning to find out if MERG have already done this. they do have kits and modules for digital control of layout accessories like this (the CBUS system) so integration to a signal could be neat. never got my head round it though and if you're already using Loconet, probably no big reason to switch
There actually was such a product prototyped many years ago for AA signals, unfortunately it didn't go beyond the development stage. Other electronics improvements have also not been taken up more recently. Other suppliers such as Traintronics do signals with DCC built in but theirs aren't as detailed.
Hi Charlie I have a couple of pictures of a shunt signal at the depo the is next to where I live was wondering if it would work on your layout do you have an email to send you the pictures as I don’t use Facebook or anything
Great video Charlie as ever and very well explained. I enjoy all your videos even if I don't have a layout myself because my wife and I live in a small flat. But carry on with the brilliant videos as I will always be watching
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie. My tongue in cheek question as to whether it was HM The King was because you mentioned “Charles R”! [Just imagining Charles at the controls to his model railway with the crown taking centre stage!🤣] By the way, I have sent you a message on Patreon…
Hi Charlie, that was really interesting and makes a great deal of difference to the appearance. It really looks magnificent!! One question is whether this can interlock with the movement of the engines. Thinking about it in real life it must depend largely on the train driver. In our old dublo track we had the point change switch change the signal and cut the supply so the mainline couldn't drive over a train accessing the other mainline. Simple electrics perhaps but it seemed like rocket science to me. Have a great weekend
To inhibit potential SPADs, you could consider implementing Automatic Brake Control (ABC) functionality - as supported by most good quality DCC decoders. This allows trains to be automatically stopped in sections in front of signals, etc. without the sophistication (& cost) of software like TrainController. I'm not sure I've seen ABC demonstrated on your channel - possibly something to consider for the future?
Because when the point is in that position, it allows good traffic to come out of the goods yard. In the other position, only access to the headshunt is granted. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway 2 white lights authorised to pass at signal and the points changed in front of it which is illegal and it was when I was a main line driver
Result, Charlie! Good on you for persisting and thanks to your "helper". Often, the things which are hardest to achieve bring the greatest satisfaction. Great video as ever, thanks. Simon.
Another great video Charlie, certainly learnt a thing or two, for when I get my signals in place. I actually got a bargain a couple of weeks ago, picked up two Absolute Aspect signals for £1 each on a carboot, they look brand new, so hopefully they still work.
Wow, what a bargain. That beats my 14 wagons from a car boot on Sunday. They might come in two parts as per my video. If you need any advice, please ask. Regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie as a kid lets say in the distant past my dad was a signalman. I used to turn the wheel to open the old wooden gates, also pull the lever he told me to never let do the bells between boxes. Some of those levers where very hard to pull the distant normally but one of the points was tough.
Superb. Lapped that up like fresh strawberries and ice cream. Your study on a previous video was very much appreciated as well. To see it being applied here, is a very satisfying watch indeed. I’m hoping the Yamorc YD8116 with the USB to computer adapter and iTrain on positive return aspects (or buying YD6942 +/- boards if negative) but, either way, with some extended DCC addressing will give me the same results in future. Think these units allow for dimming and fades of the LEDs too if your LED’s allow for that. Saw that mentioned in comments. Any reason you didn’t go down the same route, opting for this, more point and occupied based control and so, not computer controlled in that regard, if you get my drift? Thanks, Andy
Brilliant yes technical yes but your explanation was spot on. I guess you might just get a few people contacting you regarding setting these things up !!! Best railway modelling channel on TH-cam.
Hi Charlie as much as I enjoy your videos the cost of all the components are maybe too expensive for retired people who have only a pension to finance our hobby
We are two of a kind then ,I mean carwise . I have never been interested in buying a new . As I am partially disabled I needed a car that would take my collapsible mobility scooter , which I had to buy myself and as Gothenburg car I bought by saving my ex works pension
A very informative video. My small end to end layout will have SEMAPHORE signals, but it’s Good to understand how signalling works …. Many Thanks Charlie😇
Great Charlie! I don’t know when I’ll ever get into signaling. I might put a simple one on a layout that I can switch myself because I know I won’t do a train controller, or have a dispatch that controls all that for signal indication. Thanks for sharing!
Very interesting as always. I do a similar thing on a much smaller layout using an Arduino Mega and an interface I made myself to control mainly 1950/60 Hornby Dublo semaphore signals. Trains running and points changing does produce a lot of clicking from the signals though!
Great video Charlie, I have 2 SIGM20's on my layout with 3 and 4 aspect signals mainly for block control, but it took me a while to get my head round that it did not want the BDL168 board ID/sensor no but the board ID/Detection section no. Now all sorted they work well. Alan
A really inspirational presentation. Thanks Charlie. Good to see some correct signalling on a layout. Signalling is one of the “make or brake” additions to any layout that, done properly, takes it to another level altogether. Going to have to rethink my “cost per point” calculation to include accurate signalling now! Nice to do, but going to make a hole in the bank balance especially if they are bespoke items. Think I’ll need to improve my modelling skills and look into building my own signals.
Bewildering ! Semaphore's just go up or down. Nice to see the 9F and a steam friend at 11:32 😀😀😀 Don't know how you absorb all this information ........but good on you.
Too complicated for me! lol but I still enjoy watching your videos, and get to see some really cool stuff. As my setup is just a 'tail chaser' on a 8ft by 4ft baseboard, with 2nd and 3rd radius curves and a couple of sidings, I would not really need more than 4 or 5 signals at best excluding ground signals for the sidings. But I still get value from seeing what can be done now with model signals etc. keep up the good work!
The thing folks should consider with these, is yes they're expensive but, they're not just models - they are indeed fully working signals, just smaller! Speaking of signals.... How's your "other" little project going?😂 Lovely video Charlie, thanks for sharing!
Charlie, most interesting, especially how you set up the "interlock" to work for trains departing the branch station. One point (that's a railway point) that you did not mention as being part of the interlock is the point controlling the split at the end of the viaduct on the outer line where trains head either straight on to the branch or right across the diamond and down the helix. Only reason for mentioning it is that you have a potential conflicting move between mainline trains coming off the viaduct and heading for the helix with trains coming off the branch bound for the viaduct (all all point beyond). The way that I was taught elementary "conflict avoidance" would be to have the point at the end of the viaduct set to normal (i.e. straight on) when trains were signalled off of the branch and onto the main line. Hopefully, you'll tell me that my ramblings were unnecessary and you already have the issue covered in your "interlock".
Hi, many thanks for your interesting comment. I have included the line running down to the helix as part of the interlock. I just chose not to go through every entry that I had made. Regards, Charlie.
I would not want to add up all of the costs involved in your DCC Network, but Charlie, you explain every step of the way. Carry on the good work and I will carry on rebuilding my Bachmann Split Chassis Locomotives and swearing at myself. Martin. (Thailand)
Wow and excellent video showing the true wonders of what is available to make a layout very realistic. Although well above my pay grade, but as usual very watchable. Thanks again Charlie.
Wow Charlie, what a true level of realism the lights have to a layout. This has really had an impressive change to lime of thinking. Lights change automatically to the line route; one point change and the casecade of lights that change along side it. Having the correct signals and the the wiring; now there’s the true challenge. Worth the wait though. Excellent video and inspirational yet again; model railways change for more realism.. all best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
Thanks, Marc, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
People often underestimate how much difference working signals and other lighting makes to a model railroad like this.
Lighting is what makes the whole thing become even more alive.
So true Consequator, , regards Charlie
I would like to do this on my future layout. My preference is for the higher speed junction approaches is to have the signals a bit further from the conflicting route, say by another coach length than where your signals were sited. This allows for an emergency stop from a SPAD without fouling the other route. In real railways, this is called overlap. This is why you see the signal reverting back to red when the train has gone quite a way past the signal. The higher the line speed, the longer the overlap distance.
It must be a pretty big layout Damien. Good luck with it, regards Charlie.
Charlie, wow, you have just blown my mind. What an amazing bit of kit. The hobby is getting more and more like the real world, and so it should, if we are modelling a particualr area / region / station, then getting all the bits to talk together, and react as they should is the way to go. But, it really needs the brain to be on full power, and the stars aligned.
Thank you for sharing this, I look forward to more on your signalling adventures. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Thanks Michael, understanding how it works, really tests my mental capacity. But that really is enormously satisfying when it works. Regards Charlie
Charlie, As a now-retired computer engineer, I'm always glad to see the application of automation and electronic control to this application. Your explanations are always so clear and understandable that they are a great boon to the less technically oriented. Keep up the great work.
Many thanks T4465, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Incredible what we can do these days with DCC Charlie… and that two aspect with theatre display and calling on aspect is a beauty!
Yes, Mike, it’s true work of art. Regards, Charlie.
A signaled layout is a thing of beauty, but not for the faint of heart and it gobbles up time. But boy, they look gorgeous, don't they?
We certainly agree on this one MMS. Regards, Charlie.
When you have a POV camera on your trains, I think that would be great to record or ...um, when you are behind your train you can see the signals change as they pass and activate each... Good stuff, Charlie. John (BC, Canada)
Thanks John, perhaps it’s time to film a running session. Regards Charlie
Great idea!
What a job Charlie!! Beautiful, I know you did it right because you lost me in the section of programming. This is all true but I must say. That your descriptions were on point and could be followed quite well. I believe auto signals are most important in model railroading as well as the horn and the engine sounds. Fine job and thanks for helping those who want that kind of realism. Thanks again!
Thanks Bob, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
A few decades ago, one of my sisters lodged in the same house as a BR signalman who worked in Temple Mills.
Knowing of my interest in railways, he invited me to work a night shift with him. Was I interested, he wondered?
Damn fool question!
I quickly got the hang of the track layout and my mate let me set the routes, checking with him before I committed to a route and then flicking the switches.
The one time he didn't check my route I signalled a train the "wrong" way down the bottom of a diamond rather than over the top.
The route was perfectly valid and both options led to the same piece of track. The driver was just used to going one way through the diamond rather than the other way.
Anyway, my mate soon learned what I had done. It was about three o'clock in the morning when we heard the roar of a locomotive and then a screeching of the brakes and then a loud continuous blast on the horn that must have woken up everyone from Stratford to Walthamstow; from Leytonstone to Tower Hamlets.
Then the driver got on the blower and gave my mate what for. Of course, he had to take the abuse as I was strictly an illegal. I had come in on the hand trolley as it were.
Eventually the moron of a driver was placated and agreed to proceed the few hundred feet along the route I had set so he could pick up his train. Meanwhile he had caused traffic to back-up and delayed his own schedule by some ten minutes.
The real point of this post, though, was to say that in the course of a single eight hour shift the track circuits failed three times. Three times my mate had to bring everything to a stop and call in the signal engineers. Total time out of operation? About an hour.
According to my mate, this was a common occurrence yet I have never seen it modelled! Something for your signal makers / programmers to consider as an authentic BR mid-eighties product line perhaps?
😅❤❤
Many thanks, Thomas for a brilliant look into your past. Such an interesting revelation. Regards, Charlie.
Amazing results, but getting there makes my brain melt!
Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Top-drawer stuff this, Charlie. Those bespoke signals are superb.
You say you're not a perfectionist, but what you've achieved here is a very realistic system that greatly enhances the authenticity and "play value" of the layout.
Thanks Stephen, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Looks like Steve and I have our work cut out assembling the SIGM20s now!
Best get busy! Regards Charlie
Charlie, oh Charlie what are you doing?!? If a signalman tries to change a physical route that is already set up and signalled clear - HE CANNOT DO IT! The route has to be cancelled before ANY related points can be changed. That's basic interlocking. (Some locations have a 'time-lock' on them, too, so you have to wait a set period before you can change the route). The sight of you just randomly 'let's change this point and see what the signals do' had me jumping up and down! May I invite you to my next 'open day' and let you see what happens if you try that on my N-gauge layout... you won't want to do it again!
Apart from that - very nice signals and a good video as usual!
Thanks Kev, I’d love to take you up on the offer. Please send me the details. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway You'd be most welcome - I've sent you an e-mail. Cheers. Kev E.
@@KevTheBusDriver i’m so sorry Kev, but that’s a six hour round-trip! I only hope that I can get up your way another time when passing through. Regards, Charlie.
@@KevTheBusDriver
Yet another masterclass Charlie, great stuff. I have 2 questions - both in my usual style of humour, please do not be offended. 1) Are there many volunteers to operate the goods area now that they know they run the risk of being thrashed to death? :) 2) What signal is required to offer "protection" for the signal box from demolition from the hand of God? :)
An excellent comment, Roger. Honestly, I will try to stop my layout earthquakes, still undecided about the thrashing of fellowmodellers! Regards Charlie.
Yes Charlie, a bit geeky as you say, but it doesn't distract from the interest. The signals are brilliant and will add so much to Chadwick. The layout goes from strength to strength with your attention to detail and ideas. Always a good watch and the next episode never fails. Keep well, Regards Kevin
Thanks Acftus, I’m so pleased you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as per ... I think I'll stick with semaphores and static ground signals.😀
A sensible decision, John. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as usual Charlie. I very much enjoy signalling. Looks like you have a good set up there. Will look forward to see how it develops
Thanks Matt, it really is an interesting subject. Regards Charlie
Charlie Hello again....Liverpool Kev here again...If there is a 'Nobel Prize' for Model Railways...you are 'In the frame'....Above my head..my only DCC purchase was a track rubber....I love the thought of you standing in the helix...Charlie...High Pitched Voice....Margaret...Can you ring the fire brigade?...Love your videos Charlie...My 2 layouts are dioramas really with occasional train movements if I'm lucky Haha.......All best.....Liverpool Kev
Thanks Kev, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Good luck with your dioramas, regards Charlie.
Hi again Charlie.
Mind blowing.
Love watching all the new techno geeky stuff.
Only understand some of it, but get the general idea.
Thanks again for all of your efforts.
Isn't DCC fabulous.
Stay safe.
Howard.
Thanks Howard, I really appreciate your enthusiasm, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, nice one on the SIGM20 and your new signals. It is an incredibly powerful unit replacing shed loads of combinational logic and as its programmable well wins hands down, well worth the investment. It also has virtual signals which help simplify complex junctions, accommodates diverging junctions and allows you to signal reverse running lines (east to west / west to east). Its manual is beautifully illustrated with lots of clear examples and clear descriptions. I would strongly recommend anyone getting into block signalling on the “running line” to have a read. It interfaces directly to BD4s with the supplied ribbon cable so nothing stopping you having a standalone signalling loconet network. The connections are by the way very clearly illustrated. Look forward to seeing how you get along with that multi function approach signal, never thought about using to control that, but allocating two or maybe three signal channels on the SIGM20 it must be viable. All the best Stephen
I hate to disagree Stephen, but I found it somewhat taxing to understand.
I got there in the end with some help from Charles, but I assume that you have a better technical understanding when I do.
Be careful mate, I might be coming back to you with my problems! Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, as you know the outputs change to reflect whether you have each of SK5 or 6 configured for either 4 x 3 aspect or 3 x 4 aspect signals. The allocation tables are on page19 and they use A, B, C, D to tie in to each of your physical signal colours for which they illustrate these on pages 21 to 22 for each of the 2, 3 and 4 aspect signals and for European and 2 wire search lights on P22 to 23 (same pages in both pdf and hard copy manual versions).
Suggest you have a good read of the manual when you get some quality time; as a newbie to this product & Loconet it took me a few reads to really grasp its massive potential and benefits as I am designing this into my layout as well as learning how to properly sequence my signals for various scenarios. For £59 its superb value (got mine for £33 ea), earlier I wasted a load of cash on discrete signal controllers that did nothing like what this can do - you certainly learn from your mistakes! Glad you got sorted out. All the best Stephen
Many thanks Stephen, I shall certainly give it some more bedtime reading! Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, a very teasing and challenging video. I wonder if all that programming will work with semaphore signals. OK, I am a bit of a dinosaur, but my memories of English railways stopped when steam still ruled the tracks. So my modelling is back to the 40s and 50s. - Chris.
The problem is Chris, is no manufacturer makes decent electrically operated semaphore signals. Regards, Charlie.
Great video.
Have you seen the new MTB point motors with the decoder on board? DP1/4/10. I've seen them in a few places.
No, I’ve heard about them but yet to try them out. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie! Id love to get some automated signals at some point, however I don't think my teenage brain can get around the wiring and sensors and even computer programs!! I juat bought some colour light aspect signals for my layout, which ive got to say looks great! Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Thanks Jack, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, great video as usual! How come you haven't opted for a digitrax SE74? cheers mike
Hi Mike, they are about £40 more expensive and apparently more difficult to program. Regards, Charlie.
Can you clarify the use of a 3 aspect signal on the helix exit line. My understanding of a yellow is that the next section is clear but the one after is blocked. I can't remember your track plan but assume the next section starts way beyond the viaduct? I would've thought a 2 aspect would be sufficient?
No Hugh, the next Signal is at the start of the station point work. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent video Charlie. Will your block detection hold the platform 1 and 2 signals at red the instant a train passes them? They shouldn't instantly go from red/green to green/red when the point changes in case a train is just starting. Alternatively you could use timers to hold both signals at red for a short period.
Yes, you make an excellent point Mark, I do believe you can program in a time delay. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for the video Charlie. How do you intend to signal release from the different goods yards? I look forward to seeing the signalling finished. I am glad that you carry out videos on different aspects of the modelling. Although I am not into automation, you have made the subject interesting. So thanks again Charlie.
Thanks Don, that’s very kind of you to say so. The signalling brainstorm continues! Regards Charlie.
Great video Charlie. Any chance I could find out where you got the sigm20 from?
GLR Bespoke Services. They have them in stock I believe. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, so im planning a model railway extension and was wondering if you could help me improve anything, i have planned it all out on ANYRAIL but i cant fit it all on one file and i was also wondering if i could email you the files and let you make any adjustments and make sure i havent got anything messed up?
I’m sorry, Lewis, but my anyrail work is done by a treasured volunteer. Regards Charlie.
The working signals look great. It is interesting that the signals are controlled by LocoNet and the turnouts on DCC (at least that is my understanding of how your turnouts work). I guess there is also a DCC accessory decoder device that would operate the signals? - would train controller then be able to control them as the only system to configure?
That’s nearly right, Andrew. The data flow is on LocoNet, which connects to all the points and all the signals and all the blocks. Regards Charlie.
Just wondering Charlie, why have you decided to go with light signals rather than the old fashioned type of your era. No judgement or anything, just curious.
To be perfectly honest, Russell, there are very few decent electrically operated semaphore signals on the market. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, Another fascinating video. One question (I am not a signalling expert) but I think you may need a goods line starter signal for freight departures like the platform starters and linked in the same way as the platform starters to the junction signal?
You might also need to move the arrival signal so that incoming trains that are stopped at that signal do not foul the main line junction - if there is not enough room on the branch you could move it to the other side of the junction but you would then need another aspect M for main perhaps. The planned tunnel signal on the main line would also need moving nearer to the tunnel mouth to avoid trains on the main line blocking the branch junction.
This is not intended to be a criticism and I think you are just suffering from that problem that plagues all modellers - a lack of space.
Thanks again for another thought provoking video.
Jon
Hi John, I’m afraid that you’re mistaken regarding a start Signal to leave the goods area, that’s exactly what a headshunt Signal does.
Your other points are valid, however with compressions of Scale it really isn’t feasible. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie what track detection circuits do you use with SIGM20 to trigger the signals
Are use BDL 168. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. My goodness your layout is going to be something else the time its done though that said a model railway is never finished or so they say. The only electronic gizmo i have done on my layout is wire up my 2 points control panels with 4 PCB's i was glad when i got them done it drove me up the wall configuring the the switches with the lights etc,what you are doing is absolutely marvelous , and i must say makes it so realistic well done Charlie and thank you again for your entertaining video, i no your not doing a song and dance video but the the way you present your video's is entertaining and you make it interesting even if some of us including me may not go that way with there layouts for what ever reason. Well done and thank you.
Thanks Tony, that’s incredibly kind of you to say so. God Charlie.
Some interesting stuff here Charlie, thabks for sharing. Personally, as a self confessed signalling nut who likes to count ladder rungs going up the posts, I'm not much of a fan of this kind of automation, since routes would automatically clear based on the lie of points and the status of track circuits, which can lead to unwanted clear signals and would require adverse changes of aspect in front of trains to set the route. It gets worse when you introduce elements like diamond crossings and other points of conflict.
I can see the appeal and why people might not be as nearly as bothered as I am about it (since I am very much a frustrated signalman at heart), it's just not for me. But it is interesting nonetheless, so thanks for taking us through it.
I was just going to ask, how do you plan to set out the interlocking rules on the junction? On the real thing if you have a train wanting to cross from the viaduct to the tunnel, the points on both the up and down main line must lie towards the tunnel to elimate any possibility of an unauthorised movement fouling the road. The same must be true if a train is to cross from the branch to the viaduct, both points must lie towards the station to eliminate that potential conflict on the diamond. If you have a train coming up from the tunnel and another crossing the viaduct to head to the station, you can have the points lie independently of one another since there is no potential conflict over the diamond.
Keep it up and looking forward to the next installment
Thanks SG, for an interesting comment. You have certainly given me something to think about. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie interesting video again. Heathcote electronics produce control boards which operate the signal without software it’s all built in and work on DC or DCC ( I have on,y used on DC) it uses the direction of the train point positions to control aspect along with an infrared detector which you mount between the sleepers and changes the signal when the train passes the signal mine is set to first wheel replacement so signal changes as soon as the first wheel of the train passes the signal but you can set it to last wheel replacement as per your layout. Not sure why you have a signal protecting the tunnel unless you are using as block protection. With regards the platform signal I am not sure a platform mounted signal would stand on a concrete block above the surface if you look at the again at the photo of Weymouth the bad of the post is flush with the platform. Hope you find these comments of interest
You make two sensible observations, Gary. Many thanks, regards Charlie.
So genuine question Charlie, is there a way you can dim down the Greeness of the Green Signal, cus (could just be me), but the signals seem a bit bright for a layout set in the 60's/70's, thats not me being picky, just a bit curious
I think that you are right Tez. I will mention it to Absolute Aspects.
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway no worries, just thought it was worth a mention
@@ChadwickModelRailwayInsert the right value resistor in series with the green wire to the signal will dim that aspect. Try 100 ohms and increase or decrease to suit.
@@damianlittle3367 great advice Damien. Regards, Charlie.
LED colours are very tricky. There are two ways to make green LEDs, one which gives pale yellowy green but is a similar brightness to red and amber LEDs, and one which gives a much nicer shade of green but which is many times brighter. Coupled with the fact the eye is more sensitive to green makes it tricky to balance the aspects when wired up this way. Reducing the current will help - as Damian suggested, adding a resistor will do that - but you can get colour shift. Really you need to PWM (rapidly turn on and off) to get the best effect.
If you use a resistor then you probably need larger than Damian suggests, 1k and up, although it does depend a little on the voltage you are using.
The signal also shows the other tricky thing with LEDs - getting an amber / yellow which looks right. To my eye the one they are using now is too red, but that could of course be the camera.
Darrenbury Central. HI V good show. Enjoyed it.
Thanks Darren, so pleased you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Yah gone off the bridge with your choo choo... getting way beyond what I spend on my choo choo hobbie. Nice but to much Charlie.
Just sharing the love mate. Regards, Charlie.
Should the shunt be always red until the driver gets permission form the signaller and he will manually change it
No, that’s not quite right. Headshot Signal is white and yellow allowing normal access into the headshunt. Regards, Charlie.
I did consider adding operational signals to my layout but I can’t afford to lose any more hair 🤯
Never a truer word Derek. Regards, Charlie.
morning Charlie , great vid as usual , will you use route indicators or are they not available ? Ade
I’ll be using both feathers and theatre boxes. Regards, Charlie.
A layout is not complete without working signals.
I couldn’t agree more James. Regards, Charlie.
Do you find fiddling and modifying a layout more fun than running the trains?
It’s certainly fun when you get those things to work! Regards Charlie
How easy would you say it would be to add automation to an existing layout Charlie?
Depending on the layout size Ian, it could be both time-consuming and very expensive! Regards Charlie
Question: is there anything that can do the same, except in D.C.?
Not that I know of Mustang, but give DCC concepts a ring they might know of a system. Regards, Charlie.
love it charlie how fab are those signals. they have come a long way from the old hornby ones lol the railway is coming along
I couldn’t agree more, they really do bring it to life. Regards, Charlie.
Great viewing as always, I liked especially how you are leaving the 'out-takes' as 'keep-ins' now, with the signal box moment 😂 Anyway, I wanted to ask, just as it's a dream of mine... Is there a company which can design and install a full model railway, perhaps not including landscaping as it might be something a customer preferred to do, once the heavy lifting and brain-work had been taken by somebody who knows what they are doing?
Hi Chris, try “Model Railways Solutions”. Based in Poole, they build to order. Regards Charlie
Thanks
Hi Charlie, Love these TH-cams you do as I am very very new to this hobby, i:e Not laid any track yet, but have designed my layout to be, but I would like your advice, I will be moving out to the Philippines later this year with a bit of luck and I was wondering the best way of fixing my track with a view to me lifting it when I go. I will be taking all my stuff with me except for the layout of course. Keep up the good work, I am wading through your video's to try and get " in the know". Thank you
Hi Pete, that’s an easy one. Use very small screws they are available from a company called Piko. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I was going to use that school white glue but I think I would end up with a bit of a mess, so screws it will be then. Thanks
Excellent Video Charlie, looks really complex 👍
It was a little confusing to start with Alan, it was just trying to understand the logic. Regards, Charlie.
Are you also going to let Traincontroller control the signals if using full automation?
Yes, very much so. Regards Charlie
Hey Charlie, i would love to see some use of ESU products on your layout, signal pilot, switch pilot, servo pilot, detector etc etc. might be easier than using a combination of all sorts of random brands all over the layout.
ESU would have to be the most under utilised and technical advanced brands out there, with very little representation on TH-cam.
As you love TH-cam Charlie it might be a gap in the available content on TH-cam which would also give you a new subscriber base.
You make an interesting point Cameron. However, I can hardly rip out all the Digitrax components. It would cost a fortune. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I do understand that too, was just thinking out loud. You have a great channel, a huge amount of effort and dedication. Hats off to you and thank you for sharing everything you do.
Just thought ESU might suit a few of your users as it might be a little easier. Probably more expensive but you don't need a whole layout just a test track or yard with separated ops or even an isolated automated single passenger track running from one station to another and back again. Having both would definitely give you a dual market for content.
Awesome Video Charlie With coloured light signals have a device called TPWS what stops a train running red signals .when a train fitted with tpws applies the train breaks to stop a rear end colision happening .but where i live in australia we have two different devices that stop trains running Red Signals TPWS for Diesel Train Fleet and Trainstop for electric 1500dc train fleet trainstop As a train passes into a block section, the signal turns red and the arm of the trainstop is raised. The position of the arm is carefully set, so that, when raised, it will hit a valve called a trip cock on the underside of any passing train, causing it to come to an emergency stop.
Thanks Christopher, for a very interesting look into your world. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayTPWS is too modern for this layout
TPWS was developed by British Rail and its successor Railtrack, following a determination in 1994 that British Rail's Automatic Train Protection system was not economical, costing £600,000,000 equivalent to £976,058,932 in 2019 to implement, compared to value in lives saved: £3-£4 million (4,880,295 - 6,507,060 in 2019), per life saved, which was estimated to be 2.9 per year.[4][5]
Trial installations of track side and train mounted equipment were made in 1997, with trials and development continuing over the next two years.[6]
The rollout of TPWS accelerated when the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 came into force in 2003, requiring the installation of train stops at a number of types of location.[6] However, in March 2001 the Joint Inquiry Into Train Protection Systems report found that TPWS had a number of limitations, and that while it provided a relatively cheap stop-gap prior to the widescale introduction of ATP and ERTMS
Plugging a signal into a PCB socket seems very sensible! But rather than the PCB being just a breakout board with screw terminals for each LED, might as well slap a microcontroller on there and control the signal digitally, and simplify the wiring (assuming the layout has more than one signal)!
An interesting suggestion RA.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I keep meaning to find out if MERG have already done this. they do have kits and modules for digital control of layout accessories like this (the CBUS system) so integration to a signal could be neat. never got my head round it though and if you're already using Loconet, probably no big reason to switch
There actually was such a product prototyped many years ago for AA signals, unfortunately it didn't go beyond the development stage. Other electronics improvements have also not been taken up more recently.
Other suppliers such as Traintronics do signals with DCC built in but theirs aren't as detailed.
Hi Charlie I have a couple of pictures of a shunt signal at the depo the is next to where I live was wondering if it would work on your layout do you have an email to send you the pictures as I don’t use Facebook or anything
Hi DC, that’s interesting.
Please send them to
chadwickmodelrailway @ gmail.com
Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie I have sent the pictures over hope it can find a home on your layout
Excellent video Charlie; good explanation indeed
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
Now that you have learnt all that, I think Boeing Starliner would be glad of some input from you.
I must confess, without the help from Charles, I would still be scratching my head. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie as ever and very well explained. I enjoy all your videos even if I don't have a layout myself because my wife and I live in a small flat. But carry on with the brilliant videos as I will always be watching
Thanks Ian, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. Regards, Charlie.
So HM The King 🇬🇧👑 is a model railway operator with knowledge of the SIGM20 automated signals? 🙇♂️
What an accolade Phil. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie. My tongue in cheek question as to whether it was HM The King was because you mentioned “Charles R”! [Just imagining Charles at the controls to his model railway with the crown taking centre stage!🤣] By the way, I have sent you a message on Patreon…
@@PhilSmith71 I was clearly a little slow on that one Phil. Regards, Charlie.
I use the traintech sensor signals on my layouts. cracking little things. fully automatic aswell right out of the box.
That is a good system, although it isn’t integrated into computer systems.
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Why does it need to be though?
@@NathanielKempson that’s just down to personal preference Nathan. Regards, Charlie.
Hey Charlie do you have any electric trains (class 86/emu of some kind) could you do a subscribers choice running session
Sorry WD, but I don’t have any class 59. However, I am working on a Running session. Regards, Charlie.
I said class 86 not 59
But ok
Hi Charlie, that was really interesting and makes a great deal of difference to the appearance. It really looks magnificent!!
One question is whether this can interlock with the movement of the engines. Thinking about it in real life it must depend largely on the train driver. In our old dublo track we had the point change switch change the signal and cut the supply so the mainline couldn't drive over a train accessing the other mainline. Simple electrics perhaps but it seemed like rocket science to me.
Have a great weekend
Thanks David, you can isolate the tracks as well, but I thought that was a step too far.
Regards, Charlie
To inhibit potential SPADs, you could consider implementing Automatic Brake Control (ABC) functionality - as supported by most good quality DCC decoders. This allows trains to be automatically stopped in sections in front of signals, etc. without the sophistication (& cost) of software like TrainController. I'm not sure I've seen ABC demonstrated on your channel - possibly something to consider for the future?
An interesting comment, and certainly something worth looking into. Regards, Charlie.
At 6:24 pan head screws please Charlie
You never have them when you need them, Shaun. Regards, Charlie.
I’m thinking NASA could have landed a man on the moon a decade sooner than they did if you’d been working there!😂
Great video, Charlie.
I’m not sure it would’ve even got off the launchpad mate. Regards, Charlie.
I think when a three aspect signal changes from red to green is goes to amber then green
I don’t believe it does Martyn. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I've seen that behaviour in train cab ride videos
question why when the shunt signal is showing 2 white why did the point move over
Because when the point is in that position, it allows good traffic to come out of the goods yard.
In the other position, only access to the headshunt is granted. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway 2 white lights authorised to pass at signal and the points changed in front of it which is illegal and it was when I was a main line driver
Do you mean that they changed in the wrong order?
Geeky indeed, but very clever. 😊
Yes, geeky, but a very satisfying outcome. Regards, Charlie.
Well done Chas
Thanks John, it was a bit challenging but very rewarding once you get it to work properly. Regards, Charlie.
Result, Charlie! Good on you for persisting and thanks to your "helper". Often, the things which are hardest to achieve bring the greatest satisfaction. Great video as ever, thanks. Simon.
Thanks Simon, this was a very taxing on the grey cells! Regards Charlie
Do you have a world war II train
No Jeramy, that’s before my era.
Regards, Charlie
I enjoy this video
Thanks, PRT, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Another great video Charlie, certainly learnt a thing or two, for when I get my signals in place. I actually got a bargain a couple of weeks ago, picked up two Absolute Aspect signals for £1 each on a carboot, they look brand new, so hopefully they still work.
Wow, what a bargain. That beats my 14 wagons from a car boot on Sunday.
They might come in two parts as per my video. If you need any advice, please ask. Regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie as a kid lets say in the distant past my dad was a signalman. I used to turn the wheel to open the old wooden gates, also pull the lever he told me to never let do the bells between boxes. Some of those levers where very hard to pull the distant normally but one of the points was tough.
Thanks Carlton, for looking into your history. Regards, Charlie.
You did amazing work on this project 👍👍
Thanks fireKing, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant video Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Superb. Lapped that up like fresh strawberries and ice cream. Your study on a previous video was very much appreciated as well. To see it being applied here, is a very satisfying watch indeed. I’m hoping the Yamorc YD8116 with the USB to computer adapter and iTrain on positive return aspects (or buying YD6942 +/- boards if negative) but, either way, with some extended DCC addressing will give me the same results in future. Think these units allow for dimming and fades of the LEDs too if your LED’s allow for that. Saw that mentioned in comments. Any reason you didn’t go down the same route, opting for this, more point and occupied based control and so, not computer controlled in that regard, if you get my drift? Thanks, Andy
Thanks Andy, I am certainly looking into the dimming of these Signal heads. Regards, Charlie.
Again Charlie, you make everything seem so simple and explain things so well, fantastic addition to Chadwick 👏
Thanks, M6500. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie - just what us fellow geeks need
Thanks Ken, so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant yes technical yes but your explanation was spot on. I guess you might just get a few people contacting you regarding setting these things up !!!
Best railway modelling channel on TH-cam.
Thanks Arthur, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie as much as I enjoy your videos the cost of all the components are maybe too expensive for retired people who have only a pension to finance our hobby
I know the feeling David, but I don’t have a fast car or grandchildren! Regards Charlie
I don’t have a fast car but I have ten grandchildren
My car is eight years old
Mine is 13!
We are two of a kind then ,I mean carwise . I have never been interested in buying a new . As I am partially disabled I needed a car that would take my collapsible mobility scooter , which I had to buy myself and as Gothenburg car I bought by saving my ex works pension
Interesting video as always
Thanks QJ, that’s most king.
Regards Charlie
A very informative video. My small end to end layout will have SEMAPHORE signals, but it’s Good to understand how signalling works ….
Many Thanks Charlie😇
Thanks David., I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Great Charlie! I don’t know when I’ll ever get into signaling. I might put a simple one on a layout that I can switch myself because I know I won’t do a train controller, or have a dispatch that controls all that for signal indication.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting, Andrew. Regards, Charlie.
This is what I love about model railways - loved this ops episode!
Thanks, Jade, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Very interesting as always. I do a similar thing on a much smaller layout using an Arduino Mega and an interface I made myself to control mainly 1950/60 Hornby Dublo semaphore signals. Trains running and points changing does produce a lot of clicking from the signals though!
I agree, but it’s much more rewarding seeing that stuff function. Regards, Charlie.
Nicely done.
Thanks DakDak ,it was a challenge! Regards Charlie
I
Thanks
Great video Charlie, I have 2 SIGM20's on my layout with 3 and 4 aspect signals mainly for block control,
but it took me a while to get my head round that it did not want the BDL168 board ID/sensor no
but the board ID/Detection section no. Now all sorted they work well. Alan
Yes, Alan, it can be head scratcher. However, I have used the sensor numbers! Regards Charlie.
A really inspirational presentation. Thanks Charlie.
Good to see some correct signalling on a layout. Signalling is one of the “make or brake” additions to any layout that, done properly, takes it to another level altogether.
Going to have to rethink my “cost per point” calculation to include accurate signalling now!
Nice to do, but going to make a hole in the bank balance especially if they are bespoke items. Think I’ll need to improve my modelling skills and look into building my own signals.
I’m so pleased that you found the video inspirational David. Good luck with your project, regards Charlie.
Bewildering ! Semaphore's just go up or down. Nice to see the 9F and a steam friend at 11:32 😀😀😀 Don't know how you absorb all this information ........but good on you.
Thanks Rob, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Too complicated for me! lol but I still enjoy watching your videos, and get to see some really cool stuff. As my setup is just a 'tail chaser' on a 8ft by 4ft baseboard, with 2nd and 3rd radius curves and a couple of sidings, I would not really need more than 4 or 5 signals at best excluding ground signals for the sidings. But I still get value from seeing what can be done now with model signals etc. keep up the good work!
Thanks Mike, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting, even if it’s not suitable for your layout. Regards Charlie.
The thing folks should consider with these, is yes they're expensive but, they're not just models - they are indeed fully working signals, just smaller!
Speaking of signals....
How's your "other" little project going?😂
Lovely video Charlie, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Craig. The other project is progressing well with a sequencer arriving on Tuesday. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway hopefully there's a video coming about it🙂 cheers!
Charlie, most interesting, especially how you set up the "interlock" to work for trains departing the branch station. One point (that's a railway point) that you did not mention as being part of the interlock is the point controlling the split at the end of the viaduct on the outer line where trains head either straight on to the branch or right across the diamond and down the helix. Only reason for mentioning it is that you have a potential conflicting move between mainline trains coming off the viaduct and heading for the helix with trains coming off the branch bound for the viaduct (all all point beyond). The way that I was taught elementary "conflict avoidance" would be to have the point at the end of the viaduct set to normal (i.e. straight on) when trains were signalled off of the branch and onto the main line. Hopefully, you'll tell me that my ramblings were unnecessary and you already have the issue covered in your "interlock".
Hi, many thanks for your interesting comment. I have included the line running down to the helix as part of the interlock. I just chose not to go through every entry that I had made. Regards, Charlie.
I would not want to add up all of the costs involved in your DCC Network, but Charlie, you explain every step of the way. Carry on the good work and I will carry on rebuilding my Bachmann Split Chassis Locomotives and swearing at myself. Martin. (Thailand)
We share a wonderful hobby Martin, regardless of our areas of interest. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent stuff Charlie. Working signals really add another dimension to your layout.
Thanks Graham, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Wow and excellent video showing the true wonders of what is available to make a layout very realistic.
Although well above my pay grade, but as usual very watchable. Thanks again Charlie.
Thanks David, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie
Wow, that's blown my melon.
But it was still a great video, Charlie.Thanks for sharing 👍
So glad that you enjoyed it,Jeff. Regards, Charlie.
❤
Thank you, as most kind. Regards, Charlie.