New Junction Model Railway - How to install an Absolute Aspects Signal for DCC | Beginners Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- In the episode on the 'OO' gauge modern image model railway layout New Junction, we instal the 3 aspect Absolute Aspects signal ready for DCC use! :O
Want to Support the Channel, then be my guest: / newjunction
Video links:
Absolute Aspects: absoluteaspect...
Train Tech SC2: (affiliate)
railsofsheffie...
I think this is where automation comes into it's own. Generally you don't want to be flicking between the decoder settings using a handset whilst controlling 3/4 locos. Having something like iTrain controlling these signals would make a big difference to the enjoyment in my opinion. They are superb and well made signals having seen them in person. I was especially impressed with the build quality as on face value they look like they could be extremely fragile.
I disagree...Real motormen/drivers/engineers have to watch for signals and so should we if we are true model railroaders.
If everything becomes automated that's the end of the fun of running a RR/Rwy in miniature.. We become bored like looking at a fish tank..or video, like here, where there's no interaction..Yes, signals themselves, changing; fine ! Slowing and stopping trains ? Nah ! Count me out !! I like to 'watch the road ahead' and act accordingly like the 1:1 scale boys must..
@@MarkInLA
TDLR: I'm inclined to agree in that I'd like to have some scenic train running and then me controlling one or two myself following the signals do more interesting shunting etc.
I think the beauty of the automation side is that you can choose for the software to control the locos and signals or you can just get them to control the signals. iTrain could therefore act as your signaller whilst you act as the driver. Alternatively you can act as the signaller and let the computer be the driver.
Acting as both at the same time is a challenge, especially if running more than 1 train by yourself but the beauty of the hobby is that if you want to you can.
In order to run this system as shown on prototypical 3 aspect signalling over say 4 blocks as the train approaches it's on green, then switches to red then yellow and then back to green. The number of switches on the handset you'd have to do on one signal alone and at the right time is probably enough to allow the train to do a full circuit, let alone all the other signals that allow require changing at the same time that also need to be changed.
It's important to remember that the vast majority of 3 or 4 aspect colour light signals in the UK have been operated somewhat semi-automated, junctions not withstanding, since their introduction and ever more so now, which is why the ripple effect can be seen on many straighter sections of track i.e. it's rare that is being actively actioned by a signaller on main lines such as this.
Granted non of these apply if you have more people round and in which case it'd be more fun to just switch to fully manual operation having a signaller and a driver.
PS Thanks Richard for the excellent video!
@@MarkInLA That is fine if you only have one or two trains running. It is a different kettle of fish if you are running four at a time.
hi Evelyn,please keep us all up to date on the progress,please.AJ from U K
Great update, Richard Thomas is a top man. I had a chat through emails last year, and I spoke to him at the Loughborough SVMRC exhibition about a custom-made design project. For myself for when I get the layout up and running again. Take care, pal. I look forward to seeing more absolute signals on your layout.
@@gazclass58 cheers!
It adds some magic to the layout, super job! I'm completely tech stupid but luckily my friend is a genius who is currently installing me working 4 aspect signals from Train Tec, in a block of 4 with sensors, so as the train passes it changes the signal automatically in each block, just like the real thing. I'll post some updated videos very soon. Electrickery is way too complicated, thanks for explaining some of it in an understandable fashion!
@@DaventryParkway great stuff
Great, simple instructional video! Can't wait to see more signals on New Junction in the future!
@@RealRogGuitar we may have to try a custom signal next 😉
Signals wow and controllable. Not got that far yet but noted for future. Thank you look forward to the next video and the loop!
I’m glad it’s not complicated!!
@grahamclayton675 super simple once the method becomes obvious
Very nicely explanained and demonstration Richard.
@@ModelRailwayShed thanks
You can get round plug cutters (hole saws) that are available in smaller sizes that speed up making holes and giving you a nice neat hole that needs minimal finishing for info. Rotary files are another useful tool as they can be used with a cordless or electric drill to cut irregular shaped holes.
@EdVanMeyer would make the video a tad short haha, great tip, thanks!
Proper good stuff Richard, I want one, or two, or a few now 😂
@@Proper_Chuffed haha makes a nice change
Great explanation they seem very easy to install .
@@midsomerrailwaynscale yes!
Hi Richard the absolute aspects signals are good but can be expensive suprised your not going for full automation by now Great vid keep going Regards Alan
@@alanmargalan5921 I love the idea of it but love to play trains, so want to be incontrol
Thank you for a very informative and interesting video
@@colemanmannion9249 my pleasure
interesting video Richard i have used the train tech signals myself bu yours look better
@@hermitageroad4713 I've never used the TT signals
I havent yet got to grips myself with many signals because, trying to work them from the accessory function on the dcc controller is ackward , easy to forget which no controls which , and at the same time try and control a few trains. I think a signal box is probably whats needed , Richard 😊 ! Informative video though.
@@vcs00railway aha, I write the numbers down on the baseboard edge nearest the signal 😆
Great video and tutorial Richard. I do like the look of the AA signals, very nicely made! Have you considered hooking them up to a heathcote board? That way they’ll switch to red on their own when something goes past, and then cycle back to green once a certain amount of time has passed.
@@tjfSIM not this time , maby in the future
great vlog keep up the great vlogs
@@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 many thanks!
A good video overall, would like to get some signals myself but just haven’t got a layout for them yet, I will be honest here I don’t really see the point of DCC controlled signals especially as some on DC still allow it to go through the sequence and have the proper signal operations when you have multiple ones on the same line but if it’s what you want to do then obviously I have no issue with it and who knows I may see some benefit to having signals dcc controlled, great video overall showing the installation though, keep up the great work.
@davidstrains4910 layout first I'd guess aha
You must be the only person whose not uploaded a Cavalex class 60 video over the weekend, cant imagine why😀Bit puzzled by your choice of a 3 aspect signal for what is a 4 track 125mph railway , surely you would be using 4 aspect signals or the new NR 2 multi aspect fittings that are being rolled out. Would you not have the signal protecting the crossover from the fast onto the slow where the station is & would that not be a T arm affair / cantilever with the feather for the fast onto the slow on the end of the platform?
@@lucitonstjames3925 aha the up slow at Hadleywood tunnel is only a 3 aspect there, the fast line is 4 mind 😊
❤
Amber?! 7:52 lol. Great video, thanks
@@hoagy_ytfc driver talk 😆
@@NewJunction Car driver talk Richard, unfortunately. There's no amber on the railway. 😉
Isn’t a “half semicircle” a quarter of a circle?
@@unreasonable4rce something like that!
Great video, but I think having to control red/ green and yellow separately is a bit much. I have a train tech which is control by the train passing the signal or by the hand set.
Interesting. Thanks.
What is an SC2 card?
I did see something a while ago where you can
Automatically trigger a timer when passing the green
Aspect that sets iit to red for set time and then returns to green.
Easier than setting up block control and frees Up the operator to
Concentrate on running.
Wonder if absolute aspects do this?
Keep up the good work and thanks for your interesting offerings.
Howard
The SC2 is the Train Tech board I've used
Great video mate the signals look great
What you going g to use for the lower line
@@AdeRailwayshed dapol semaphores
@NewJunction nice I've just started a new layout build of a fictitious preserved modern railway and I'll be using what ever you use so will keep my eye open my channel is
Ade Railway shed
I approve of signals.
@@JamesPetts great stuff lol
Hi, great video and looks to be an easy way to put aspect signals in. Great to see the progress with the move.
Can I ask where you got the station platforms you have there ? I see it is the shape what I am looking for.
@@carltrowbridge34 PJM models make them, they sell via KeyModelworld shop
fantastic!
@HerbertShooler 😁
Hi Richard. A great video, as always. However, as has already been noted, I couldn’t cope with having to key in codes to operate signals. Far too frustrating! The Heathcote system is great: the trains do all the work! Kind regards. Chris
@@CAshleyMoss are they still going?
Good point! I think they are but I might be mistaken. I certainly need some more of their boards! I guess DCC Concepts have a comparable system.
Using dcc to control signals or points seems too cumbersome to me. By the time you set the signals the train will be at or thru the next signal. Then you have to flip back to the loco control, and you are frantically trying to keep up. Is it possible to control these with a simple switch on a switch panel, I don't know, like on, say, a signal box?
@@047678 yes absolutely
minor note in railway parlance it should be yellow not amber
@@IanSpeller car driving head in, doh!
A great 'how to' Richard!!! Many thanks for sharing mate! Cheers Onno.
@@onnomulder9775 thanks onno
Brilliant mate, will these automatically change when a train has gone pass and the line is cleared a head?
@@rorz101uk not as I've set up but I'm sure there's a way
Hi Richard, do those signals only work with DCC? My second question has been answered in the comment below, and I agree with him. You can change the signal as often as you like, but the train will continue to travel unless you stop it.
Best wishes,
Martin (Thailand)
@@martinpattison1567 they will work with whatever you plug into them 😊 DC, switches, automation etc
Green is definitely "off' 👌
Green
Double yellow
Yellow
Red,
Go
Keep going but with caution
Keep going with caution next one might be red,
Might want to stop if you like your job,
General signaling 👍🏼
Does anyone have a good primer on prototypical signal operation in the various eras?
@@mattp1337 good question
Do you prefer the Absolute Aspect signals to the Train Tech versions?
@@waynemeakin I've never used the TT signals
I just wondered as they are very similar but the TT ones are a fair bit cheaper. I like the look of the AA ones though.🙂
I have both TT signals and AA. I find for me both are perfectly good and play different roles.
TT signals for automating simple red green, r/g/y and simple feathers related to points.
AA does more complex with YAMORC devices to control Théâtre boxes that actually work. So when I set a route to platform 3 the leading Théâtre box sets to 3. The customisation and quality of AA is great.
Cartoon construction sounds 😀
@@raymondleggs5508 I should add that
Hi Richard can you do this with DCC sound?
@@Dutton_Docks_Official a signal doesn't make a sound?
Sorry, I mean a loco, apologies I wasn’t clear!
@@Dutton_Docks_Official ah yes, most of my locos have sound
I thought red was "on"!
It is, and any other colour is "off."
Hi there. have some train tronics on my layout not sure how to wire up. Are these as simple as yours? caroline.
I'm not 100% as I've never used them, best ask them directly, I'm sure they'll assist 😊
@@NewJunction thanks for that. caroline.
Why not auto the layout so all signals are block as per the real world but with dcc to stop any signal then all others fit accordingly
So a single yellow light on a signal is 'accessory 76' but the other two lights on the same signal are accessory 75? That seems... overcomplex.
@davidf2281 depends on the scenario, my controller allows me to revert back to the last train with one button press
There is no such thing as "Amber" on the railway. It is, and always has been, YELLOW. It is all part of the railway's code of clear communication (ABC - Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity.)
Car drivers head on, forgive me!
So how come you can't control all three aspects on a single accessory code?
@will_how the Train tech SC2 doesn't allow it to my knowledge
That would definitely be a big issue for myself, how about if like in real practices, signals are interlocked, can you interlock these boards?@NewJunction
@@ronalynausan791 it's all possible 😊
@@NewJunction That just seems a bit silly. Why make a 3-aspect signal that requires more than one accessory codes ?
To make a 3-aspect signal that *_can_* be controlled on a single accessory code shouldn't be all that difficult -- even if it meant that to show green you press "1"; for yellow/amber, "2"; and for red, "3".
Perhaps Train Tech or Absolute Aspects can help with that.
5:32 typical network rail workers lol
No i didn't fit it for him
@@johnjmc you do everything else! 😘
£5 seems a bit of a rip off for a 40p (or less) 8 pin IC socket, bit of heat shrink and a few feet of wire.....
@@MalcolmCrabbe £5 for someone's time 😉
@@NewJunction Could you not use your own wires ? I know it would probably mean some soldering; but for those comfortable doing some soldering, it could save some money which could be put towards more trains.
@timothyjohnston4083 absolutely!
@@NewJunction I presume the pins on the bottom of the signal are identified somewhere in the instructions.
@@timothyjohnston4083he answers this in the video - the harness is an optional extra
🤣
@@thenorthproject8465 looks like North's hands..