ETMRC Signals — Tall, Dwarf and Bridge


ETMRC makes its own signals. Photos Signals 1 thru 7 describe the tall and dwarf signals. Photos 8 and 9 show usage on the ETMRC layout. Photos Signals 9 and 10 describe the construction of the bridge signals. Photo Signals 11 shows the typical usage on the ETMRC layout. The ETMRC signals are operated from + or - 9 volts DC. Correct color polarity is determined at time of wiring.

Signals 1

Signals 1 - Parts, Fixtures and Tools

  1. Wire, Red, AWG 22 or 24
  2. Wire, Green, AWG 22 or 24
  3. Wire, Yellow, AWG 22 or 24
  4. Brass Tubing, 1/8"x.014", K&S Engineering Stock Number 127
  5. Brass Tubing, 5/32"x.014", K&S Engineering Stock Number 127
  6. LED, Green/Yellow, Mouser 604-WP937GYW
  7. LED, Red/Green, Mouser 604-WP937EGW
  8. Resistor, 1K Ohm, 5%, 1/4W, Mouser 660-CFS1/4C102J
  9. Washer, Flat, Number 4, From Hardware Store
  10. Ladder Stock, Brass, Oregon Rail Supply
  11. Fixture, Wood, 1"x2", with groove and 1/8' diameter hole
  12. Not Shown, Nail polish, Enamel, Black or Silver
  13. Not shown, Soldering iron, solder, flux, etc.
  14. Not shown, Cutters, Plier, etc.

Cut parts 4 and 5 from the tubing stock. Part 4 is for the tall signal, 5 is for the dwarf signal. Lengths have been marked on fixture 11 for repeatability. Since the tubings extend below the table the more critical dimensions are on the top of the signal.

Signals 2

Signals 2 - Fixture, LED, Resistor and Wire

Place LED (1) into hole in Fixture (2). Solder Resistor (3) to LED (1), Solder Wire (4) to Resistor (3). Repeat as necessary for the rest of the signals being built. Note wire length is optional; the author uses 20-24 inches to facilitate under table wiring connection.

Signals 3

Signals 3 - Insulating solder connection between wire and resistor

Use Enamel Nail Polish (1) to insulate solder connection between wire and resistor (2). The author uses at least 2 coats.

Signals 4

Signals 4 - Assembly

For the tall signal, insert wire, resistor and LED subassembly (1) into 1/8 inch tubing (2). Solder 5/32 tubing (3) to (2) using fixture guide marks. Solder wire (5) to tubing (2). Cut and solder brass ladder (4) to tubing (2).

The dwarf signal is similar, but there is no ladder and the pieces are shorter.

Note that red and green wires are used for the red/green LEDs, while yellow and green wires are used for the green/yellow LEDs.

Signals 5

Signals 5 - Adding the target

Superglue (cyanoacrylate) (2) connects the washer to the LED (1).

Signals 6

Signals 6 - Completed Signals

Completed signals are shown. The signals have3 been painted black with the enamel nail polish. Silver can be used, but the target should be black. Two tall signals for ends of a block, when a bridge is not used. Three dwarf signals for turnout indication.

Signals 6

Signals 7 - ETMRC Typical Schematic for Tall and Dwarf Signals

Switch S is a SPDT toggle switch. S-1 is a Green/Yellow dwarf signal. S-2 and S-3 are Red/Green dwarf signals. BX and BY are block signals. ETMRC uses Tortoise® switch machines. Color polarity is determined during installation. If wrong color, reverse the wires.

Signals 7

Signals 7 - ETMRC Mathis Mine #5 Looking Southbound

From left to right —

  1. Northbound Dwarf Signal, Main, Green/Red
  2. Southbound Tall Signal, Main, Red
  3. Northbound Dwarf Signal, Spur, Red/Green
  4. Northbound Tall Signal, Main, Green
  5. Southbound Dwarf Signal, Main, Green/Yellow

Signals 8

Signals 8 - ETMRC Electron Power Company Spur Looking Southbound

From left to right —

  1. Southbound Dwarf Signal, Spur, Red/Green
  2. Northbound Tall Signal, Main, Red/Green
  3. Northbound Dwarf Signal, Main, Green/Yellow (Not visible in photo)
  4. Southbound Tall Signal, Main, Green/Red
  5. Southbound Dwarf Signal, Main, Green/Red

Signals 9

Signals 9 - ETMRC Two Track Bridge Signal, View 1

Signals 10

Signals 10 - ETMRC Two Track Bridge Signal, View 2

Materials and Tools —

  1. Magnet wire
  2. Wood, balsa, 1/2x3/8x2 inches painted concrete
  3. Brass Tubing, 1/8"x.014", K&S Engineering Stock Number 127
  4. LED, Red/Green, Mouser 604-WP937EGW
  5. Ladder Stock, Brass, Oregon Rail Supply
  6. Washer, Flat, Number 4, From Hardware Store
  7. Superglue
  8. Not Shown, Nail polish, Enamel, Black or Silver
  9. Not shown, Soldering iron, solder, flux, etc.
  10. Not shown, Cutters, Plier, etc.

Balsa wood (2) and brass tubing (3) are cut to fit. Clearances depend on location. The crossbar at the top is also balsa wood (2). LEDs (4) have lead wires bent 90 degrees and poked thru the wood. Enamel wire (1) is cut to 24 inches long, 2 pieces are twisted together and soldered to the LEDs (4) on top of the crossbar. The wire is then routed thru the brass tubing which has been assembled into bridge structure. The ladder (5) is added. Washers (6) are added to the LEDs. Superglue is used for assembly. Black nail polish is used to paint the assembly.

Signals 11

Signals 11 - ETMRC Two Track Bridge Signal at CP G,
Slip Crossover and City West Siding

From top to bottom —

  1. Southbound Signal Bridge, Main, Two Green/Red LEDs
  2. Northbound Signal Bridge, Main and Siding, Three Green/Red
  3. Dwarf Signals, Main, and crossovers, etc. Green/Yellow, Green/Red or Red/Green as appropriate.