Signalling your layout - Ground, Repeater and Calling On Signals

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

The Llangollen Railway has the circular ground signals at both ends. At the Llangollen end, there is a ground signal outside the loop and is used to tell the engines they can carefully back down on their coaches, trucks or parcels vans. There's one at Llangollen Goods Junction loop for shunting purposes, and the last one is between the passing loop tracks at Carrog Station. This Carrog one is used to let engines complete their run-round operations. However, the circular ground signals have a different name: Dummy Signals.

[@davldcooksey4137]

Thanks for the video Dave very interesting 👍👍.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Thanks David, glad you enjoyed the show.

[@richardswiderski4985]

Very interesting video Dave explains a lot.👍

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Thanks Richard, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Threelinkdave]

There is one use for ground signals you didnt cover and that is the rubbing dunny. This iz often found where the points controlling a trai are some distance from the stop signal as can be seen at Arkey Bewdley and Kidderminster on SVR. They confirm the detection on the points is OK. In the case of Bewdley it also alows a loco to only pass the dummy when running round its train.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Thanks David, there's more to tell on the Signal story but we're only able to squeeze so many types into the stream :-) Thanks for adding your knowledge here and watching the video.

[@robinmathews2446]

I would like to have seen the model signals presented up close? What is the white disc on a post with 3 diagonal lights in front of the presenter? Why have it, if there is no explanation..

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

In regards to Limit of shunt. There are still board type L.O.S on the mainline. Brockenhurst, St Denys & Mountpleasant near Southampton are just a few. SPAD indicators have 3 aspects, the centre is a steady red with STOP on the lens, whilst top & bottom aspects flash red. The driver also receives an AWS warning horn. Since TPWS has been installed, SPAD indicators are now defunct. OFF indicators are for Guards/Station dispatch staff. All it means is that the starting signal is showing a proceed aspect.

[@hollyruston2444]

I believe that the "Off" indicator was introduced to remove the risk of an inattentive driver starting a train away against a "Danger" signal, after being given "right away" by the guard.

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

@@hollyruston2444 Actually No, they are normally further down a platform for dispatch staff & guards. For us Drivers, we get either banner repeaters or co-acting signals if we can't see the aspect.

[@hollyruston2444]

@@BoaFilmsPlc I didn't state if drivers "can't see the aspect". Read what was typed, not what you want to see.

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

@@hollyruston2444 And if you read what I said, they are normally in the rear of the driver. So very little use to a driver. The only time time they are useful to drivers is places like Clapham Jcn. were the signal is on a sharp bend through a platform and you are running on restrictive aspects, you see the OFF indicator before the banner repeater. But that is for passing through, not stopping. But for most times, as I said they are located in rear of the driving cab. They are more likely to be designed to prevent the station staff/Guard from giving RA on a red.

[@hollyruston2444]

@@BoaFilmsPlc I know exactly where they are/were located, I was with the S&T for 6 years before I joined the armed forces. Don't quote signalling at somebody who understands more about signalling than the colour of aspects!!!

[@hythekent]

Excellent Dave. Already bought a load of the diesel era GPSs from you. I notice that when on, they are very bright. Can the brilliance be reduced? Great skills cast this one Thanks

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Hi Hythe, you can add resistors to the circuit to reduce the brightness of each light. Check out this wiring guide by DCC Concepts - bit.ly/3lPTTgu

[@AlanLancasterAlanRLancaster]

Best advice on which signals and what they look(ed) like in a particular region is to watch regional dvd's

[@HattonsModelRailways]

That's correct Alan - its always worth a look at your chosen prototype to get the details correct.

[@AlanLancasterAlanRLancaster]

Best available are from Wizard, Barton-on-Humber - Ratio too easily breakable thin plastic

[@jdavis460]

Have a look at a film I helped to shoot for the BRB in the late eighties. Principles of signaling parts 1 & 2. It's on you tube.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Thanks Brian, that sounds like a great series for those wishing to look at signalling in detail.

[@hollyruston2444]

Why did you conflate Ground and MAS at 17:00?

[@jdavis460]

Yellow subs you can pass for the line it does NOT apply to. (retired train driver)

[@hollyruston2444]

I concur (former S&T Technician).

[@battlebat8087]

What about an RA light?

[@peterbradford5987]

Loved the photo of HST in Bath Spa Stn

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Its a great shot isn't it? It highlights some great signalling opportunities as well as a classic railway scene.