Wiring Block Signal

[rick486]

I've got an issue with first ordering the signal, 6-14099 Mainline Block Target Signal, no one seems to have it in stock. Like a lot of things in Lionel's catalogue, they're only printed in the catalogue for you to dream about and salivate over, but not really available.

Anyhow, the Dwarf signals ARE available at Hobbytown but work with a pressure plate which attaches to 0-27 track....I have all FastTrac so this won't work...Also, I plan to have block sections with a "dead" outside rail to operate the signals but I don't think the Dwarf signal can be wired for a block setup.

Am I wrong....any ideas?

[mwarfel]

Z-Stuff has block signal detectors that have sensors on the side. They activate signals and signal crossings.

Here are the block signal detectors:
http://www.z-stuff.net/DZ-1011.htm

Hope this helps.

[rick486]

PERFECT....the z-stuff is BETTER as I don't need to mess with block sections and tearing out the outside rail connectors on all the track. Going up to Kennesaw Trains and Hobbies as they are the only ones close by to purchase. BTW, seems the signal I want (DZ-1050) is mostly available in S-ga.....that shouldn't be too much smaller than O-ga, no?

One last question (sorry)....is there a simplier, easier cheaper TMCC switch control system other than Lionel's SC-2 (6-22980)?
thx
Rich

Update on the "z-stuff" -- very hard to find and order, some stuff on eBay. My local dealer (above) had nothing when I got there. Found this website and they seem to stock the full assortment of "z-stuff":

https://www.wholesaletrains.com/Default.htm

[mwarfel]

I don't use TMCC or any other command control products so I would not know. You may have to wait until Rick K. gets on here. Im sure he can help you out.

[rick486]

WOW, I just received my Z-Stuff signals and hooked them up and all I can say is that they are freeking AWSOME, they are everything advertised. Bought em from wholesaletrains (link above) and they delivered within a week... Got two 3-lite signals, a semiphore signal and two dwarfs and the hookup was simple...just hook two leads to the track and let the built-in IR sensors detect the passing train....

SOOOOO much more sophistocated than the crude Lionel pressure switch and block track hassles. This Z-Stuff is GOOD....

[mwarfel]

Can you post some photos of them on your layout. Im interested in the 3 light signal.

[rick486]

I bought two different 3-light signals, the "pole" and the semiphore. The semiphore has a flag that moves with the changing lights. Here's the Semiphore:
GREEN:
http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=111

Semiphore YELLOW:
http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=112


Below is the plain pole signal, GREEN (it also goes to RED and Yellow but didn't want to exceed the pic limit per post)
http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=108


Finally, below is the right-hand portion of the double-loop layout whose plan is posted under "Power for Multi-Loop Layout" in this forum. From left to right is the UP Big Boy Lionmaster, the PRR Broadway Ltd, the UP diesel freight, and the Polar Express

http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=107

[wcantrell]

Two thumbs up for the layout. I like it. Can you take a picture further away so we can see more of the whole layout. Looks great.

[rick486]

Thanks, yes I'm gonna take a video and post it on youtube and put the link here. Four trains running over, around and under the bridge in one camera shot is a sight to see. I'll see if I can take a panorama and stitch it together.

I have 4 electrical blocks of track: two loops and two sidings which are controled by the TMCC block control box -- works great. I'm sure kids who are cell phone texters are better at pressing all the buttons quickly.

[rick486]

Here's a couple of pics of the Christmas...hope to have a video posted on YouTube soon

My son playing with the layout:
http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=115

Some neighbor kids having fun with the trains:
http://forum.ogauge.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=114

[wmwalker]

Rick
Nice layout there and the boys seem to be having a great time. nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.:)