Some more parts came in.
First, we have a tiny 4-wire connector to allow the signal heads to be replaced should one fail. These things are TINY and should be challenging to wire up.
And more tiny stuff, a collection of M1.5, M2, M2.5 and M3 screws.
And lastly, some threaded inserts for 3d printed items. Also in M2 - M6 size.
For the mast signals, I’ve settled on the trilight, or “Type G” signal. My version is loosely based on the GRS type G. They will be in either single or dual head.
Here’s a closeup of the mini screws (see previous post) that secure the front to the back of the signal, to allow repair or replacement of a failed signal.
I’m just about done printing all the bits for the mast signals on the section I’m thinking I can get done this year. Each mast signal consists of a base, equipment cabinet, mast (acrylic tube, not printed), a number board, and 3 bits for each signal head.
I’ve also printed a centering jig for when I glue the bracket to the signal back. Some 1 minute epoxy and voila.
I have some plastic food containers that I use for various things, that are perfect for holding the parts for each signal.
Now to figure out how to mass-assemble these, so each one doesnt take a half hour.
Which connectors are you using for the tiny 4-wire cable? Looks like a JST product to me…
You might be able to find pre-built cable assemblies with that series of connector, or even just pre-crimped leads. It saves you some of the tiny fiddly hassle but will cost more. Might be worth it to avoid fiddly assembly for the many signals you’re planning?
Yea, these are pre-crimped with 100mm leads. Not too bad, but I had to order some smaller shrink wrap, since the wires are 26ga.
That’s not fast?? Huh. How many are you planning on making?
This year’s plan is for eight mast signals, and about twice that in dwarf signals. I’m doing all the mast ones first, then I’ll do the dwarf signals for each location as I start installing the various hardware bits.
That’s going to look so unbelievably cool, and will be awesome to operate by.
Are the LED’s fairly visible in daylight? I assume the signal hoods make a big dif.
