Many parts of the club layout are hidden from operator view when transiting from one town to another. This creates ample opportunity for head on collisions. So the solution of using signals, just like like a prototypical railroad would have done, was implemented. The Initial version just protected the tunnel section called the “Dark Hole” as it is long and emerges at the opposite side of the club room.

Over the years the signals have been progressively rolled out along the length of the main line. In all there are 34 x 3 aspect signals planned for the layout

Digitrax SE8C boards are used to drive the signal aspects. The Digitrax BDL128 is used for block detection on the signaled portions of the line. An Arduino running CMRI is used to detect the position off all the switches along the length of the main line. All the Signaling logic is controlled by JMRI running on a Raspberry Pi.

Custom interface connectors were made for the SC8C board to interface it with a Main Distribution Frame (MDF) installed under the layout. The individual signal cables are terminated in the MDF. Each 3 aspect signal has its own 4 core cable.

The signal masts are scratch built making use of 3mm LEDs. The gantries are made from laser cut plastic and surface mount LEDs.

Future development plans include an automatic dispatcher  responding to train operator requests to proceed down each main line section.