Welcome to my Custom Model Railroad Builder website. My name is Mark A. Baczkowski and I'm your website host and the builder. My goal is to work with you to create and build a custom model railroad that you will enjoy owning and operating. Take a look through the website, and if you like my work - let's get busy creating your dream layout.

Model Railroad Signal Systems

Having an operational signal system on your model railroad is an exciting aspect of the hobby that's growing rapidly as new hardware and - if using a computer - software makes it easier to install and configure.

Model railroad signaling, once installed on a layout adds not only visual animation, but governs your  train activity. It gives you a clear, positive visual indication of what is happening down the line. As in real railroading, a fully operational signal system operates automatically utilizing turnout position and train detection to prevent accidents.

Signal systems can be as simple as providing signals to simply show turnout position or as complex as real railroads utilizing turnout position and train detection for full signal automation. I work closely with Richard Piccuilla at Custom Signal Systems on all complex signaling projects. He is the only "outside service" I use and trust for signal system integration beyond what I'm capable of doing.

Ultimately there are several ways to go when choosing a signal system for your new layout. Let's discuss the options and build the right system into your new layout that works for you. Some examples of signal projects are detailed in the photos below.

A plant of super nice looking modern block signals from BLMA govern the movements through this crossover section. These signals are functioning using the Digitrax LocoNet. The logic that makes them change color is handled by a Digitrax BDL168 detection board, SE8C signal board, and JMRI a software program running on my computer. Since they are protecting train movements through a crossover, their primary purpose is to show the turnout's position, secondly they'll also show what is happening in the first 3 track blocks on either side of the crossover by displaying either a red, yellow or green aspect/color. Installing this signal system utilizing the Digitrax SE8C and the computer requires some fairly solid computer knowledge. Further discussing the pro's and con's of this type of system installation and your signaling goals, would be part of the process on deciding which way to go with your signal system.

The Poco Grande N Scale layout features a 3 aspect/color signal system that protect the crossovers and any diverging routes from or onto the double track mainline in both direction of travel. This signal system also is fully automated. It too uses rail block detection which feed information to a custom made signal logic board that handles all signal commands to change the necessary signal colors. This signal system is independent from the DCC system and does not require a computer to handle the functionality. It's designed with common and readily available over-the-counter electronics which have been utilized many model railroaders pretty much since the hobby began. This layout's signal system, signals, and electronics were produced and installed by Richard at Custom Signal Systems.

My scratchbuilt block signals controlling train movements on the Parker Subdivision layout.

ATSF 5058 Southbound over the crossover on the N Scale Poco Grande Subdivision layout. Note that these signals were scratchbuilt by Richard at Custom Signal Systems.

Scratchbuilt modern block signals with snow hoods protecting train activity in and out of Tunnel 1 on the Weber Canyon layout.

Another type of signal found on railroads is the grade crossing. Here we have a pair of NJ International N Scale crossing gates that were commission by my customer. These gates were fully modified with micro LED's on the gate arms that are wired to flash with the mast mounted crossing light. Additionally, these crossing gates were activated when a train was "rail detected" within a specified length of track on either side of the gate...It also had the prototypical bell circuit board installed as well. These crossing gates were built, automated, and installed by Richard at Custom Signal Systems.

Once again another qualifier as a signal system that can be found on a model railroad...This is a set of 4 corner traffic lights and center hanging 4 way traffic light made in N Scale by Berkshire Junction. This was the replacement set for the original Model Power traffic lights that were first installed. These particular traffic lights were installed with the optional traffic light circuit timer so they were able to change colors as a real traffic light does...you can adjust the length of the traffic light cycle from green to yellow to red...a very cool feature! Always an available option for your layout.

Thanks for looking!

Questions or comments? Feel free to ask: mark@thesolutionfarm.com