Signals: Need Help re: design choices

[rmp090946]

I've been reading T12 manual, a forum provided tutorial, reviewing forum comments, looking at user-made routes to gain knowledge of the signaling logic and placement. T12 and user-made routes I've reviewed use a variety of signal designs (i.e.: Searchlight Signal 04; Signal Dwarf; Searchlight Signal 06-RD; plus some "gantry" type to name a few). I'm beginning to understand the placement logic; but, not sure why I should be using a particular "design" (dwarf, tall vertical, gantry). Is it a "user-design" choice (based upon geographical location or era) or, is there some reference I can research to explain why or when to use the various choices of signal designs available within Trainz12 and the DLS? Thanks in advance for any input or sources. Bob

 

[JIb228]

I like search lights, and it helps that the route I am modeling uses them. If your building a freelance route, then use what you think looks best or would best fit that road. (British semiphors would look way out of place on a CSX main line.) If your building a prototype route, look and see what they use. Ether with field trips out to the line as I do, or look at photos others have taken.

 

[Dermmy]

Very very simple rules of thumb:

04: On straight track where nothing diverges

06: Single Junctions or crossovers - RD, Right Diverge, LD left diverge

08: Interlockings - multiple junctions protected by one signal on each track, station approaches, double crossovers, whatever.

Dwarf/Ground sigs: Yard trackage

Gantry: limited clearance for post sigs, or to give a visual clue to that this area is important! 08s on gantries = sexy signal!!

As to what style: suit yourself - be guided by prototype - mix them up to suggest historical differences in different areas - whatever...

 

[RRSignal]

Dwarf/Ground sigs: Yard trackage

Dwarves are often used on mains, at least here in the U.S. Most often, they are used at interlockings where the direction is against the current-of-traffic, but there are some places where they are used even with it e.g. many ex-Conrail lines.

 

[rmp090946]

Thanks very much for the reply(s), they are right to the point of my confusion and clears it up for me! I'll print this out for reference. Thanks again, Bob