Red Means STOP

Well folks I have spent the better part of the weekend installing two Atlas signals that I acquired at a recent train show. They are impressive devices and add another area of operating interest to the layout. They have the ability to become fully integrated with the Signal control boards (SCB) actually connecting to each other and displaying a color of signal appropriate to the occupancy of the block before it and after it. For now though I have them operating in independent mode, so that when a train enters the corresponding block, the signal goes to red and then yellow (timed for 8 seconds) when the train leaves that block, then back to green The SCB is controlled by a block occupancy detector - in this case, a NCE BD20. One word of advice though make sure you have good lighting under the layout, as the screw terminals on both devices are very small and difficult to get the wires in when you are underneath a layout looking up...my neck is still sore. Till next time....

Train Show

Hello Folks - Well its train show season again, and I managed to get the module to the last two shows. Last month it was Truro and this past weekend it was just across the harbour in Dartmouth. I was pulling double duty at this past show, as Dave M and myself were operating a couple of sales tables as well (thinning out our collections) - I was really lucky that Dave decided to do this, as most of my sales ended up being to him!! Thanks Dave. The show went over well and as always the UMG modules received many positive comments and the group spent some quality time operating trains for the public and answering questions and generally getting the word out about model railroading. I also attended an operating session at Doug's WRS on Saturday evening after the show Have a look at this posts picture. It's my module amongst the other UMG modules (for more info see the UMG site) http://theumg.ca/2009/11/dartmouth-2009/Belonging to a modular group is a great way to expand on your model railroading experience and a great way to be part of a large model railroading experience. Till next time...