On most operationally based model railroads, a working signal system seems to be on everyone’s wish list. In the April 2017 issue, model railroader Bruce Carpenter describes his novel approach to trying out a signal system using paper signal templates – the Human Model Railroad Interface. Click on the link below to download Bruce’s signal templates for Baltimore & Ohio, BNSF Ry., Chesapeake & Ohio, Nickel Plate Road, Norfolk Southern, Pennsylvania RR, Santa Fe, and Union Pacific RR signals.
How about “real” signaling. Wouldn’t it be neat to add real signaling to a model railroad. I would guess the expenses would not be more then a couple sound equipped engines. But, just think, how much fun it would be for REAL.
I just got around to reading the article and found it really intriguing. Even if it’s an April fools joke it has a lot of merit. Though I was wondering about the dispatcher’s role too (are roller skates in order here).
Is this article the annual April Fools Joke? It is very well written and documented, just seems a little funny to have the dispatcher running around a layout placing paper signals for every train movement?
This may the April issue, But I like the idea. Some of poor retired types cannot get the CEO (Wife) to spring for real signals. I use DC for the same reason, to convert my set to DCC would be 6K, DCC sound is 11K. I am lucky to get funds for the MRR and Trains sub. Loved it anyway, nicely done.
where is the canadian signals?
The UP signals are also are a bit out of date. The yellow over yellow is now approach diverging. Yellow over green is now approach clear 50, was advance approach at one time previous. I also noticed on the template that some of the signals where the head is the 3 aspect color light type, the green and reds are reversed. Green should be at the top, red at the bottom. It’s opposite from highway traffic signals.
In the picture above, at least on the UP, a train coming out of the siding to the mainline would be on a “Clear” signal, not a Diverging Clear. UP would have a single head mast, not a double. Even holding the main, it would be a single mast signal. Going into the siding, yes, normally a Diverging Approach to see a Stop signal on the far end, unless continuing through the siding. Again, speaking for UP protocol. Great article. Love the idea, very fresh.