Okay...what am I doing wrong here (with signals)!?

[NJCurmudgeon]

As part of a layout I have been messing with involving a large yard. I have started placing signals and there is something screwy...or maybe it's just me that's screwy! As an example, I have a track that splits into two for a stretch and then comes back together to one again. I have been using the Searchlight signals. As a test, I set a loco on the one track and set my switches so there should be a clear path around it on the second track. I place a signal on each end on the straightaways and another further down so there should be two clear blocks ahead. Regardless, all the signals show red though when I hover the cursor it says "No Train Approaching." I've tried other signals all with the same result. Since there is a clear path for two blocks, shouldn't it be showing green? I had wondered if it was a 'permissive' versus 'absolute' signal issue, but it seems to do the same with other US signals as well. I've looked at some guides online, but from what I've seen, it should work.

So am I just missing something here?

Thanks!

 

[fran1]

"I have a track that splits into two for a stretch and then comes back together to one again." A passing loop. Slap track direction marks down making each track one way and place signals at the exits of either track.

"when I hover the cursor it says "No Train Approaching." ". There wasn't, it was on the other track. Put the loco in before the signals and make sure it's direction is facing them.

 

[Robert3a0]

Are you having the problem in Driver Mode, or are you just checking in Surveyor Mode? In Surveyor Mode the signals will often appear red when, in reality they are green. If the signal indicates no train approaching, it is probably set to red by default and should change to green or yellow once the train enters the previous block. Also, your points must be set to enable/clear the through traffic. Try driving it and you will probably find it works OK.
Regards
Bob

 

[NJCurmudgeon]

Hi fran1: The issue with that solution for me is that I want the track in question to be accessible from both directions. An inbound train stops, the locomotives decouple and move off to a shed. A switcher comes in from the direction the train traveled into the yard to start pulling off cars to reassemble smaller local trains. So a direction marker would prevent that.

Hi Robert3a0: It happens in both Driver and Surveyor. I am testing it with only one car blocking one of the two tracks and changing the switch to see if the signal changes. I don't have a locomotive facing the signal. So I take it that you mean it should turn green when there is a loco in the block facing the signal? I'll try that!

Thanks to you both!

 

[NJCurmudgeon]

Yup! Robert3a0 was right! As soon as I dropped a locomotive in front of the signal, it showed the aspect I would expect. Thank you!

 

[fran1]

Yup! Robert3a0 was right! As soon as I dropped a locomotive in front of the signal, it showed the aspect I would expect. Thank you!

I noted that, paragraph 2 of my reply.
Re the coupling loco, signals in same place and use track marks, 1 just in the loop and 1 at the far end where the main loco will uncouple. If you place the far track mark with arrow facing down the loop you can use the couple at trackmark command for the switcher.

 

[stagecoach]

It wont matter which way the TM faces if you use couple at TM, it checks the entire track it sits on from junction to junction. It will detect the nearest wagon or loco on the open path

 

[fran1]

It wont matter which way the TM faces if you use couple at TM, it checks the entire track it sits on from junction to junction. It will detect the nearest wagon or loco on the open path

I meant to say couple to vehicle facing trackmark.

 

[NJCurmudgeon]

Thanks guys. I wasn't aware of the couple at trackmark command - it sounds like it will be especially useful for the yard I'm working on. Thanks!