I have a branch line that crosses over a main line. I want to install a semaphore signal (LGB 51960) on the branch line and have the train stop if there is a train coming on the main line. I am running DCC. Is this possible and if so how do I do it?
Its possible to do but I’m clueless on such matters. The club had a similar set up at a holiday display. We had two trains automatically alternating on the mainline but we did it using magnetic switches. The semaphore was hooked into one of the sidings. It was nice while it lasted but quit after a couple of days.
-Brian
It’s doable with a bunch of LGB accessories which you can’t find now.
Magnets under the locos, magnetic switches, etc.
In the olden days, LGB made all the parts to do this and even printed out a schematics in the earlier catalogs and tech books.
It can be done now with electronics, but I can’t help you. Sorry.
John,
I will try… Get a BD-20 from NCE & then you will have to creat a isolated section on both sides of the crossing on the main line… This needs to be only 1 rail, twice the length of your longest train… The power for the isolated rail needs to go through the BD-20… You will need a 12 volt power supply for the DB-20 to power the semaphore… If the semaphore has switch contacts you can use them to shut off power to the branch line… If the semaphore does not have the switch contacts you will have to get a 3 poll double throw relay & use that to switch the semaphore & branch line track power… Hope this helps…
Thanks for the help and suggestions. I’m going to wait for the Spring to try and do this.