Project Segway - Signals

(Occasionally, other events do occur and so I will from time to time go off-topic to discuss another railroad related project or event that is going on currently – we will get back to our regularly scheduled programming…)

A Classing PRR/N&W Signal. 

It seems that I am doing a lot of other projects these days. One of the latest is a signal project for Bob Folsom's HO N&W Model Railroad. Bob had purchased some 2mm LEDs and had figured out how to wire them up to create his signal system. What he was lacking was a viable set of signal heads for his railroad. That is where I came in and designed and 3D printed a set of heads to his specifications.

I printed 6 different round head configurations with block-out plates over any unused holes, and 3 different single row configurations. In addition, I designed the finials for the top of the signal poles and built them into test assemblies. These went out to Shapeways for fabrication in black PA13. The test prints came back and looked pretty good.

Round Signal Prototypes.

Single Row Prototypes.

The holes are just about perfect for the selected 2mm LEDs, generally forming a solid press fit.

Round Heads with an LED installed.

View from the back. Once painted the back of the LED should resemble the mechanical components at the rear of the signal.

There were a few minor printing flaws int he prototype signals that need to be resolved, and Bob has identified a still smaller LED that should fit even better into the back of the signal head. But, the first prototype has been constructed and is working.

Prototype Signal Head showing Clear.

Approach Clear.

Restricting Signal.

Diverging Clear Signal.

So, a few more tweaks, and my side business, the Model Works at Otowi Station will have a set of new products and Bob will have the parts to build all the signals his layout needs. Come to think of it, I have some other projects to finish for that business.

Cameron Turner