Choosing signals at Chadwick Model Railway | 134.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2021
- Choosing which signals to buy for your model railway, can be a hit and miss affair. Here are three choices at different price points used on Chadwick Model Railway.
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How do you find the time to do all the videoing,editing and research for these in-depth videos and still keep your layout progressing! Very informative, Cheers from New Zealand!
You’re too kind Alan, regards Charlie
He’s not human lol
He has very loving wife
He lives in the land of model railway
Literally the UK the only reason I would visit that country is to visit the model shops.
absolute aspects are the dogs danglies of signals, really nice
I couldn’t agree more Paul. They are something rather special.
Regards Charlie
@Chadwick Model Railway Shame they don't do N Gauge
@@SteveS3667 n-gauge returning this year: www.absoluteaspects.com
@@SteveS3667 they do now do N gauge
@@DCCtrainautomation Excellent, thanks for that.
Hi Charlie...Great vid as per.... I am in the process of dismantling my 6x8 shed , in the garden, and planning my 10x10 mancave to build a layout.. yes most folks just have to plan the layout I have to plan and build the space to put the layout first.. I have the locos, 13, with 3 spares or repairs on the way and some track but no where to run them yet... :) its my summer project... Am finding your vids educational and very useful.. I made a small 3 foot diorama for practice of hill, field, fence, track and ballast laying after watching your vids.. my friend said if i hadn't told him i had made it he would thought i had bought it .. made my day :) BTW have been into the hobby since i was a child, as most i think, only now, am 56, have time space and some funds to fulfil my hobby needs :) again thanks for the time and effort you put in to share your experience with us..
think i will call my layout AAP Railways... Dave..
Great comment Dave. Good luck with your project. Remember planning is everything. Regards Charlie
Great video looking forward to the next one. I started my railway career in 1976 in the signal maintenance department as a trainee. There is nothing worse than watching a model railway where the trains go past a red signal. When I rebuild my layout I will want to have an element of block sigmalling and automation, so will be very interested in any videos you make concerning this aspect (!) of the hobby. Cheers
What a great past Steve.
Hopefully the next video will be right up your street, or is it track!
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, I build all my Traintech signals and before the went digital, I built all my sensor controlled controllers as per Everard Junction episode 19, I now have two with feathers which are basically controlled by their signal decoder with the feathers linked to the switch on the slow motion point motors. Works a treat!
A great plan Chris. I’m so pleased that it’s worked out for you. Regards Charlie
I work in the elecronics industry so I am the kind of person who spends $400 on a soldering iron and while I would never buy a soldering iron like that myself it seems like great value for anyone who is on a budget or a hobbiest. My personal preference is for soldering irons with a cartridge style tip as you can swap tips quickly for a different size or shape (using a rubber pad so you dont' burn yourself) and they heat up to temperature in about 3 seconds.
Yes, that is certainly a product outside of my budget Paul. Regards Charlie
I just came across this video Charlie and glad you showed call on signal for Absolute Aspects. They do look beautifully made and very realistic, they will make a signal for location you need like three feathers and working call on
Yes, a stunning standard of workmanship.
Regards Charlie
Very good video Charlie, you are dead right about grandchildren and switches, I have one colour light with a switch on it and my 4 year old grandson will not drive past a red light. He always pulls out some old Hornby Dublo signals that I have in a box and puts them on the layout so he can stop the trains at them, hence they end up in my videos and photos sometimes.
I think it’s reassuring that children show such enthusiasm and discipline. The tactile switching appeals to their enjoyment of taking charge.
Thanks, this was a great video and I love seeing the different options that you showed, looking forward to seeing the next video with the signals installed and operating, especially with block detection.
Wish me luck Chris, I’m planning it already!
Thanks, Charlie. Really helpful and very timely for upcoming work on my layout. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos. 👍
You're very welcome Tom, regards Charlie.
Charlie - amazing! I'm not a signal kind of guy; most of the trackage I'm familiar with in my neck of the woods is dark. So, I don't ever anticipate using signals; however, you've made these items very attractive. But, I'm pretty sure the next video will probably cross my eyes! Thanks, again, for the marvelous lesson!
What a heartwarming comment Pat, you’re too kind. Regards Charlie
I have to start delaying watching these videos, I went lookng for part two and then realised this was a fresh release. Great content as always.
Chris, give me a time mate! Regards Charlie
Charlie, yet another absolute fantastic video, full of good useful information and facts as always looking forward to the next one
Glad you enjoyed it Paul, regards Charlie
Excellent Charlie and informative as ever. Love the way you make a point about the fun of actually running your railway.
Glad you enjoyed it Mark, regards Charlie
Spot on again Charlie I was able to follow and understand exactly you points. Looking forward to the under board video. Stay safe.
Thanks Richard. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Wow, that Absolute Aspects Signal really is a great looking piece of kit! Very impressed with the build quality. I know some will say its expensive but if you take into account the time, skill and materials to design and build it then it's easy to see why it's the price that it is. Great video as always Charlie and looking forward to "part 2"
What a heartwarming comment Dave, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. As you say, pricey but as an exception, well worth it. Regards Charlie.
Another way to look at it: it's really the equivalent of a fairly substantial gantry. How many semaphore arms would you need to do the same job? You've got the signal, all the diverging routes, and the position light. Am I correct in saying the position light can act as a calling-on signal for every route? On top of that, the same signal can act as a distant for any, or all, of the routes. That's a whole lot of signal indications, so maybe not really 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 expensive.👍👌😁
Great tutorial as always. By coincidence, I received my absolute aspects signals today. Fabulous quality. Can’t wait to fit them, but of course I’m now going to wait for your part 2 regarding the wiring,! Thanks again Charlie! Fly Navy!
Wow, a great coincidence Nick.
I shall do my best.
Charlie,
Thank you for sharing this great advice. Signals are something I still need to come to grips with, and you have given some sage advice.
I will need to investigate Australian alternatives, but thank you, and I look forward to Part 2.
Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Great honest review and packed with useful information. I look forward to every one of your videos. Thanks.
Thanks Joseph, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie
Great video! Very informative and helpful. Will be sure to rewatch to help me when I get round to making my proper layout!
That’s great news Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it useful. Regards Charlie
Great video Charlie. What a huge difference in price range! Very interesting subject,looking forward to part 2. Roy
Thanks Roy, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Another great video Charlie! Thanks for sharing. Cheers Onno.
You’re most welcome Onno I do hope that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Thanks for the review and recommendation on the solder station, I've ordered mine already!
Glad I could help FD. Regards Charlie
Thanks for another informative video, Charlie! I model in N but find your stuff very interesting. I agree completely about working signals - they just MAKE operating the layout; having to turn and flick switches adds to the fun!
Thanks Kev, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
I’m planning a DCC layout, largely for flexibility and ease of wiring. But it occurs to me that there’s nothing stopping us from adding switch controls to a DCC layout to operate signals and points. It would just need the relevant electronics, which is my field anyway.
Absolutely brilliant. Makes me almost wish I was modelling MAS signalling. I can’t imagine how on earth you will make it work correctly so I’m really looking forward to part 2. To me it seems incomprehensible how to have the dots with the appropriate junction indicator clear for the dead end roads and obviously you’ll need to decide if you use leading or rear wheel replacement on your block detection to revert the aspect to danger when the train passes. It’s making my head boil just thinking about it. Good luck Charlie. I can hardly wait to see how it is done. Tony
I do so hope that I don’t disappoint Tony. The video should run from basic to complex so there should be something for everyone. Wish me luck,
Regards Charlie.
That soldering iron heats up quicker than my toaster! A great way of tacking these projects "above the board" and "below the board".
I agree, it's shocking.
I have about nine 4 aspect signals by a gentleman called Roger Murray, lovely fella, an ex BT engineer who made his own light signals to order, Roger retired and Absolute Aspects now make his signals, yes they are pricey but they are bespoke and are worth the money if you need or want that something a little bit different.
We are certainly singing from the same song sheet on this one Chris.
Regards Charlie
Great vid Charlie, thanks! Looking forward to the next episode - automation / block detection and all that good stuff.
Coming soon Anthony. Regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie for showing the different signals Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year regards John Robertson from Australia
Thanks Rob, and the same for you over the Christmas period. Regards, Charlie
Hello Charlie, thanks for another splendid review. I agree that if you want a specific signal for a specific track layout, then save up the pennies! That signal is worth the £120 tag as I could wast 100 hours and not come up with anything half as good! 👍
I had some old 2nd hand Exon signals on my old garden railway taht just plugged in and after painting up they looked great. As you say, it is all about findig what works for you and they all seem good items.
I got a similar solder station last year last year BTW and it was well worth the 40 quid or so I spent. The SLP is especially useful as I always get sidetracked and end up making a cup of tea, making dinner, writing a symphony, drivig to Glasgow and back before then thinking..."Did I leave the iron on?" 😑
Have a great week Charlie 👍🍀🍻
What a great comment Tim.
Happy modelling, regards Charlie.
Afternoon Charlie. Booked a couple of days off to flag the new patio. Got the flags home and to the garden at 9:30. Thought I'd watch video 134 from Friday again and have a brew. Ha it's 13:55 and several videos later. Just finishing off with 100! Oh, " That will be the phone then ". Great Chanel Charlie and brilliant videos. Keep up the good work much enjoyed and appreciated. Gareth
Thanks Gareth but best you get that patio finished while the sun shines mate.
So happy to see you buy a soldering station - you will find that it was too long in coming; they are not to be without. Soldering flux is a pet peeve of mine; choose wisely. I prefer a liquid with a solid 60/40 solder with no rosin core. Your kilometers may vary.
I’m pleased that you approve of my choice Chuck.
Charlie yet another honest , informative and entertaining video
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thanks for this Charlie. As "illuminating" as always. Looking carefully at some of the many real-life High-Def cab-ride videos available here on TH-cam is very instructive as to UK Railway signalling. After looking at just a few it's very apparent that there is quite a lot of variation between different regions of the UK network. Three and four light signals, the use of feathers or arrow-lightboxes and so on - even some semaphore signals remaining on tourist lines! It does at least mean that modellers of the contemporary scene have a fair few choices when it comes to signalling. Thanks again Charlie - looking forward to the next part on the control systems which is my main area of interest.
Yes it’s a great subject to cover, stay tuned! Regards Charlie
Good video Charlie and well explained. Thought you might have featured CR Signals alongside the other 3 manufacturers. Liked the bit about the soldering iron which I'll check out, mine is on it's last legs. When you held the iron in your hand I was waiting for a loud yell and some choice words but the iron was cold - could have been another one of your classic moments 🤣 cheers Euan
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Euan. I’m sorry but I couldn’t include any more manufacturers, the time just wouldn’t allow it. Regards Charlie
Thanks for the information on the soldering station that is what I was looking for have just bought it from Amazon first class thanks charlie
That’s great news Stephen, I’m sure that it will serve you well. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another interesting video. I realise that I’ve got a lot more research to do on signalling before I get to that stage on my layout but the idea of clunky semaphores appeals more than coloured LEDs. We’ll see.
Yes it’s a real case of horses for courses David. Regards Charlie
Funnily enough I've been considering that particular solder station off Amazon for a while, I appreciate the mini review as it tells me it'll be worth it, so thanks for that!
I also love the use of DIP-14 sockets to connect the Absolute Aspect signal to the base plate, that'll make maintenance of the layout super easy as you can simply just unplug and replug the signal without having to mess around with glueing stuff.
You’re pushing on an open door on this one JS. It truly is a great design. Regards Charlie
I would assume that, at that price point, they are using high quality DIP sockets. Hope so, cos lower grade sockets tend to get a little unreliable for low current connections as they age. When I was a service engineer (many moons ago) problems on cheap computer boards were very often fixed by reseating the chips held in such sockets. I agree it's a neat way to allow easy removal of the signal though!
UK rail signals would be the end of my career as a train driver :)
US (and Canada) signals are so very unique, and you get used to what they communicate. Not at all helped by the mix of dispatcher/waybill signaling in use, too.
Oh, and you drive through "red" signals in the US, just at only 15 mph, expecting to come to a full stop by the next Block (if red). And, yes, that's rather a lot of Block Signals (and why they are often in stacks of single, double, and triples with 1, 2, or 3 lamps per each).
We, in the Scenic Shop at the Club, would often be set to the task of rigging signals ten at a time so they'd go in with the scenery. We used a lot of fibre optics at HO and dealt with the LED under the roadbed (individual LED had not quite miniaturized enough in those days)..
What a great comment Captain Mac. So interesting how people do things across the pond. Regards Charlie
Thank you, informative and entertaining.
No Brian, thank you for watching.
Thanks for the look at English signaling, while I don't completely understand it all is interesting to see. The sodering station looks interesting and I think I'll see about getting one too. 👍👍👍👍😃
I’m so pleased you found it interesting JO. Regards Charlie
I have a little soldering iron that I bought about 25 years ago. It was cheap, about $110 Au dollars at the time. It's never failed. and it got some heavy use.
Sometimes the cheaper ones are fully worth while, and if they do happen to fail early, you can buy 5 of them for the price of the Weller. For Model Railway, you don't need to be super precise with temperature.
I found a couple of very nice 3D models that I was able to print, but admittedly that takes time and to get the fine details does take some fiddling, but for me half the fun is fiddling around :)
An excellent point Brendan, unless you solder for a living, the Wellers are hard to justify.
Another interesting video Charlie. I'm just amazed at the detail you can put into a model railway now. The soldering iron looks just the ticket.
Thanks Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate.
@@ChadwickModelRailway As I've said before Charlie, your videos and tutorials are not complicated and some of the tips are extreemly useful additions to anyones layout.
Thanks for another great video Charlie. Soldering iron looks good.
Glad you enjoyed it Steve, regards Charlie.
"All above board" Loved it. Great video Charlie.
Sorry mate, I just can’t avoid the puns. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie, your videos are amazing, Thank You
What a heartwarming comment Michael. Regards Charlie.
Good video Charlie I fitted CR colour light signals and feathers to my n gauge railway very pleased with them and the company regards Mike
A good point Mike thank you, regards Charlie
Another super video, thank you. Bit too large for my tastes, but thankfully CR Signals have a new range out soon for N Gauge, which is stunning when you consider the size.
A fair point Jamie, your budget has to dictate take your quality.
Regards Charlie
absolute aspects are well out of my price range, but I can see the quality that you get for your money. Another informative viedo.
Thanks Mike, regards Charlie
Fantastic hand built signal I love it, now not to be too nick picky the terminology of the signal is wrong. The two white lights is a subsidiary signal not a ground signal and you mentioned a route indicator, that is called a theatre box. A route indicator is what we call a feather which is slang and can have other names depending where in the country you are. And just for info in the 70s Southern region feathers had 3 lights not 5 as today. Great video as always
We live and learn LR. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, great Video, sometimes as you say simplicity can be an attractive alternative. Keep safe.
Never a truer word Peter.
Another brilliant video Charlie Many thanks. For me it’s got to be Absolute Aspects They’re awesome very real to life prototypical operation Yes there’re not cheap but if you want this level of detail etc then they are very much worth it. I’m very much in a projection phase in my layout planning and doing research I’ll need 6 colour light signals priced exceeding £500 but very much worth it in my opinion Looking forward to part deux 👏
I couldn't agree more Kev, regards Charlie
A really interesting video Charlie. Having looked at various semaphore signals I choose to have ago at constructing Model signal engineering's semaphores, i really enjoyed building them, if you have the correct tools, equipment and a range of solders that melt at different temperatures its interesting. One of the advantages over plastic kits if you make a mistake, remove it and do it again. just use a good flux and keep things clean.
A sound plan Philip, regards Charlie.
As expected an illuminating video on signals for ones layout by Mr Bishop. I must say the Absolute Aspects hand built posts are the bees knees for route identification. Though ones pockets would need to be very deep if you plan to use a lot of point work with lit routes. Having the likes of the hand built AAs made for your most complex signal area would be ideal. Then to use a mixture of the other types available for the normal straight R.A.G. signalling and with feather operation for turn out pathways to light the way. You can also use the semaphore type signal posts to indicate your routes, with both a mechanical movement arm and Red or Green lit lenses on the spectacle plate. A nice under £50 soldering iron you got there Charlie. I must check if they have a variant with heat gun as mine is getting on in years, quite bulky and not the most comfortable to hold.
A great comment as usual John.
Many thanks, regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Why Thank You Charlie, a great compliment to receive from a highly regarded TH-camr.
Glad you said the berko/eckon are satisfactory as just bought about 10 for my layout ..Plus good point made with the absolute aspect signal ..if you need a specific signal then they are the only chose.... At least we don`t have to deal with the bulky Hornby 2 aspect signals from the past anymore lol
I’m so pleased that you have signals that suit your need James. Regards Charlie
Very informative Charlie. Middle for diddle for me. I quite like soldering.
Good on you Clive, regards Charlie
Interesting video Charlie, I have just hand built a 3 aspect with callon and route indicator to to show 1 to 9.
You have my respect Dave, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie , I like your choice of soldering Iron, I've had a Weller for the past 35 years can't live without it
I can only dream of such a luxury!
(I could buy one really but I’m too mean)
Great video Charlie as always, I'm really having trouble planning this aspect of my railway, as it is a copy of Goathland so I need LNER semaphore signals, should be fun. Keep them coming
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thank You
Charlie, I want to thank you for showing your new soldering station. My Weller finally gave up the ghost after 40+ years and I wasn't looking forward to spending $260.00 for a new one. I saw your demo and ordered one. I received it today and am very impressed. I actually prefer it over the Weller. Thanks again. Larry Tucker
That’s great news Larry let’s hope that it lasts as long.
Thanks Charlie, nice review
Thanks William, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
😆 Those would look interesting on a US layout, so many bells & whistles so to speak. And I like the feathers concept. Very neat.
I shall enjoy this series.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Frank. Regards Charlie
Great video, probably going beyond the scope of my layout but very interesting none the less. The soldering iron is a consideration, looks like a good half way from the basic iron to a professional one. I’m use to instant heat in work from switch on but as you could very well guess that comes at a price of £600 plus for a cheap one which makes the one you found a fare compromise.
Yes Rob, you can end up paying the earth for a good one.
Great review Charlie
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Adam. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie another great video mate I really enjoyed it every interesting I use colour light and Dapol semaphone signals on my layout your video will help me alot Charlie thanks I work my layout and signals on DC I have got some of train tech ground signals for the layout last week stay safe and well mate goodbye for now clive in N.lreland
Thanks Clive, hopefully the next video should come in handy for you. Regards Charlie
Charlie, another iron to look at is a TS100, Amazon. I have several different irons, but this one is great for working under a table in tight quarters. Also perfect for electronics (PWB’s etc) and surface mount components.
The TS100 is an impressive soldering iron, it looks small but it is up to the job and with full temperature control.
Thanks guys, it seems an interesting alternative. Regards Charlie
Nice video Charlie the signal with the 3 way feather is a really neat looking signal. there is alot of choices when it come to chosing signals Berko make some good signals from what i have seen.- Nicholas.
It's great to have a choice across many price points.
You have my respect Dave, regards Charlie
23:25 I know it's an entirely new field but with a 3D printer anything can be made. I've printed my own signal head design and made up a complete signal for less than 10p (not a typo) including the cost of 4 LEDs and some enamel coated wire to go up through the signal post. I'm bound to say it, but, I consider mine to be on a par with your budget end signals. Looking forward to the "under board" video.
I think it’s about time that you made a video on how you did it!
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway That has crossed my mind but videography is definitely not within my skill set.
Nice displays Charlie. In fact, I have had a couple of quality Absolute Aspects N Gauge signals for a few years now from when they first sold them at Warley. Shame they stopped the N Gauge ‘line’. (Beeching must have got to them). Not sure if your Subscribers are aware of Paul at CR Signals whose N Gauge products are very good quality, hand built and sensibly priced too.
Thanks Kite, sadly I don’t have the time to review every option. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another very informative video, I like the look of the hand built signals although I think they are a little out of my price range I had to go for the Eckons on mine. One little point on soldering it's best practice to keep the iron around 360c for most tasks I only raise mine to 400c if I have a stubborn piece of track that needs a little extra heat. I know the unit has sleep mode but your iron tips will last a lot longer if you keep it set to 360c, keep up the good work and thank you for your video on the helix I ended up buying one from DCC Automation. Darren
What a great comment Darren. Yes buying signals can be a interesting task, but I’m pleased to hear that you’ve bought Helix too. Regards Charlie
Thankyou for the video
You’re most welcome Mark, regards Charlie
RE: IRONING welled do one at $130 pounds $300AUD and I bought and just like wellers food bag clips the legendary light blue is the sign of …. Well my last soldering iron. I would do no more soldering than you but it’s one of those tools that I like to get right. But see where we end up. Signals. The most droolworthy sideline accessory ever. Marvelous video always
Thanks Josef, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thank you Charlie for another interesting video, I always look forward to your video notification to arrive. I'm a semaphore person myself and there are also various pre-built and kit options for this market that might be worth a video sometime?
Hi Simon, I do intend to include some semaphore action too. After all, they were around right through the 1970s.
Regards Charlie.
Still around on a number of branch lines. I can find a couple within 5 minutes drive of my house.
I too would be interested in a semaphore video. Though I've not decided what to go with signalling wise, my "generic" single track garden railway line (could be anywhere, anytime) would probably be best with semaphores.
I also bought the soldering iron, but regretfully after only about an hour’s use there was a bang and the iron temperature fluctuated at about 100 deg, so returning it. Love the videos though.
Blimey David, I’m sorry that you were sold a duffer.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Many thanks, these things happen. I went back to my old Draper model.
I know its not in your layouts time period but I would love a DCC semaphore signals video!
I should touch on it in next week’s video Alexander.
Hello Charlie. Very interesting video on the types of signals, now I know you can't show all but did you look at CR signals. They cost less than Train Tech and used with Heathcote circuit boards they can be latched together to change when the train passes. One signal and board would cost less than £40 half the price of Absolute aspects signals. I use these on my Lakeside layout. Keep them videos coming. Mick
Hi Mick, no sadly I can only review what I own, I can’t really buy in every different sort. I’m sure you appreciate that, regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I do Charlie, thanks for the reply. Mick
good review of whats available for signals and use. I've used dcc concepts Alpha mimic for my ground signals in my yard area very easy to setup.
That’s great news Rob, how do you operate them? Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayconnect the mimic board to the DCC bus. The mimic boards controls 12 ground lights via switch close and throw
@@ChadwickModelRailway link for ground signals www.dccconcepts.com/product-category/the-cobalt-collection/mimic-signals/
Thanks Rob.
I've seen the Alpha Mimic thingie used on a few layouts, and it really does seem the ideal solution for DCC: you can still operate the points/signals on the controller, or you can use switches on a track plan more like a proper signaller might.
Anyone else watching Charlie’s glasses more than Charlie’s signals?
It’s dreadful!
Just a reminder to anyone considering using track detection and track powered signals, you'll want to power your signals from the main track bus and not from a feed connected to a detector module.
You can still use switches and levers for track powered DCC signals, but you will need to use a detection module (a cheap simple on/off Detector module not a track power detection module!) and a controller that can automatically trigger outputs from detection inputs, so any PC system or an Ecos type controller..
An interesting point P 77, regards Charlie
Charlie id fit some warm white led strips under the shelves pointing down over the railway the lighting then will look really good! nice even lighting will look just like natural daylight
A good tip, many thanks, Charlie.
Very interesting as always Charlie, signals are an important and overlooked subject on model railways, even big names as Hornby magazine make big mistakes on this subject. Will you be fitting semophore signals on any part of your layout?, as you mentioned younger modellers would probably prefer to watch and operate them, I'm a retired BR signalman, so seeing things represented in model form should be right and is difficult to watch and take seriously if it isn't, my distant signals where semophore although the up one had the shorter lever and was worked via an electric motor so my bias in model form is with them, but I'm very impressed with the research you've put into this Charlie, thank you, I'm looking forward to part two,
You’re clearly going to keep me on my toes Paul! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video, regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I wouldn’t need to keep you on your toes Charlie as you do your research and want things to be right, thank you again for your interesting video’s Charlie.
Hi charlie
As always a brill video loved it from start to finish as always.
One thing I would like to ask is when you do install the absolute aspects signal would you do the video as a this is how you wire it step by step especially with the feathers.
Again brill video as always.
Peter from Birmingham
Hi Peter, Great idea I will certainly hold that back for its own video. Regards Charlie
fantastic review
Thanks Max, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie just watched your video about signals another great watch I myself use the train tech ones but the sensor signals you can either use the prongs or soldering it to the track the sensor signals have three holes so you can connect signals together with the 2 outer ones and middle hole is to connect to a relay RL1 so you can do train automation the RL1 has 2 relays independent of each other so you can operate 2 different things but rather than me ramble on check out David from train tech to get better information I dual head 4 aspect,theatre signals and one with a left hand feather on Beighton Parkway Sheffield take care
Best wishes
Kev
Thanks Kev, I shall check it out mate.
For intricate track work it would be worth it, however if I used them for every turnout ( point) I would need a small lottery ($15,000) to do them all. Oh my! I like your format , lowest,medium, highest cost and there fore quality. This gives us options or mixture of them ( as most of us would do). We have to compromise in everything in model railroading. However, this is a dreamers hobby isn't it?😄
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it bob. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Great demo Charlie. Why do TH-camrs feel the need to say that they are not sponsored by so and so ?
I say good on you for creating good content, where manufacturers of accessories etc. would want their products shown on.
Hi Chris, it’s only when people mention that they are not sponsored, that you know you’re going to get an honest review rather than one with an affiliate link to a certain product.
Regards Charlie.
Ive basically Designed a fully automated 4 Aspect block system with Isolated Signal sections making impossible to pass a signal at red as the track section wont be powered until the block head has been cleared, thats ment to detect when a track section is occupied by drop in voltage as a loco runs through a section, but ive yet to actually take it out of computer simulation and actually build it due to lack of time and space for a proper setup, as well as ordering all the components id need since it a very wire heavy build and requires each block section to be Isolated from each other which would mean you would need to run a main bus under the board to power each block section as well as run wires back depending on if you want a 3 or 4 aspect block.
The theory is sound but the main issue i cant be sure of with out actually testing is whether or not the relay with runs the whole thing will actually trigger the why i expect it to, if your interested i can always send you the wiring diagram, though the professional stuff probably does it all already and better.
Very interesting Dkz, do make a video when you build it.
Hi Charlie
Great video as usual, are you going to consider doing a video on semaphore signalling after part two of this one.
I will include some semaphore in the next video Ian.
Nice find with the soldering iron, Charlie. Signalling is a silly price, IMHO. I'll just go DIY with a couple of leds, and some plastruct or evergreen plastic tubing. Etched brass ladders for 1/72 scale ships are virtually the right scale as well.
An interesting alternative 1701.
Hi Charlie, really enjoying your videos. Just wanted to ask what solder you used and also where you get it from. Definitely thinking about getting the soldering station that you are using.
Keep up the good work.
I use 60:40 resin core solder containing lead. I think that I bought it from Eileen’s Emporium.
Charlie, another interesting and informative video. I think price wise, paying £120 for a signal of that complexity which is also hand crafted is reasonable. I can't say I'm a fan of the connection method and how large a hole you need to drill in the baseboard to accommodate it, but then maybe you will cover installation in your next video.
An interesting point Malcolm, and I shall certainly have a go. Regards Charlie
Nice review.
Not sure if we should be worried about you having a first aid kit in your links though ;)
Better safe than…….
Great review as always. The hand-built one looks fantastic, what a great present Simon gave you.
Just a question on the options for that train coming over the viaduct. If that's a double slip leading into the industrial unit, isn't there also an option to go into the other platform and even onto the other main through road? (Or did I put the wrong track piece on the plan?)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Lee. The double slip just south of the viaduct is actually a long diamond.
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway is that not single slip, so you can come out of the industrial unit and over the viaduct on the correct left track?
It’s a double Tom. I was at the wrong side of the viaduct!
Charlie, another great video. My nine year old granddaughter is a factor in my current layout build, so you could have been talking to me towards the end. When you do your below the board video, something to consider. I am going to be running DC and DCC - but not at the same time of course. I have sound fitted locos and some vintage stock that cannot be converted. My granddaughter also has her own locomotive which cannot be converted to DCC. Thinking about the signalling, my thoughts were to have a separate DC power supply for all lighting and signals independent of the track DC and DCC. I assume that would work. Any thoughts? Might be worth a mention in the next video. Thanks for the inspiration.
An excellent point Clive, regards Charlie
I’m totally baffled Charlie 😂😂😂😂❤️
That’s how I feel at times Robert! Regards Charlie
I think if someone is able to build a signal it is more than just a five minute job, and means delicate care skills and attention to detail to do properly, which takes time. You would also need to order and buying the correct material, and test the product, to make sure it is safe. Unlike a large company it is a lot more difficult to use economies of scale, and as a skilled person could well charge twenty pounds per hour for their knowledge and experience. This is true in any field. In addition you need to factor in the cost of postage and packaging. It is also a hand made product, and therefore made to perfection. Similarly, I enjoy cooking, but I am sure if I made and sold an apple tart, I would need to charge more than people are prepared to pay for one from Tesco's.
I couldn't agree more Alan. You get what you pay for.!
I'm with Billy tbh and I'm a 'grown up' (allegedly lol), gimme the switch to throw anyday. I went DC but it was only partly costs and let's be honest it's still a much cheaper and perfectly good way into the hobby that should be pushed more cos some newcomers (and parents) get the impression that DCC is the *only* choice, but it was also because it's a great way to learn the electrics and the much more tactile nature of switches and even the sound is so much more satisfying.
A good plan but I would only buy DCC Ready locos. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway aren't they pretty much all DCC ready nowadays? Conversion is possible nonetheless there's a chap on TH-cam who's converted all his Wrenn locos so... 🙂
Well said on the joy of switches. A train driver can't change signals and points from the cab, so it just seems wrong to me that they're al on the same handset, although I can see there are occasions that can be useful.
But wow! that Absolute Aspect signal is one heck of a sexy beast. Does the "under the counter" bit of it have some fancy electronics in it, or is it just a few resistors for the LEDs and connectors?
Hi Andrew, there are no sexy bits on it, just a series of resistors. It’s feeds are purely 12 V DC to each of the outputs. I shall cover it in more detail in the next video, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, considering the time period of your model railway, (60s 70s) quite few semaphore signals were still in use, are you adding any of them to the layout? (Is it possible to, DCC semaphore signals?)
I’m not adding semaphores, but I will certainly cover them in the next video. Regards Charlie
In my professional life, I have used soldering irons costing from 15 quid to 400, and induction heaters costing thousands to solder microwave cables. My personal preference tho.. after all that.. the cheap gas irons. No cables, and a little flame vent at the side for shrinking heat shrink tubing. 👍
I'd stay away from circuit boards Alan.
@@ChadwickModelRailway . Honestly Charlie.. Gas Irons are no problem with circuit boards... Just be aware of where the vent is pointing 😂. I have never found differerent tips to be an advantage or disadvantage. A point is a point. Just heat capacity of the metal behind it matters to me. I was one of the last to do the soldering course at the old Marconi college in Colchester. Late 90s. My preference for gas irons is purely personal 😂👍. For field wiring.. superb. Circuit boards... no prob. For the algorithim.. every comment counts 👍