motorising disc/ground signals in OO

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has anyone done it?

Just a query on disc/ground signals - has anyone out there motorised them in OO? My plan is to use the Ratio kits, with wire-in tube to either a point motor fitted under the baseboard, or a hand operated lever. I've done the same thing with standard Ratio signals, which works reasonably well. Very new to this forum, see details of the layout in the new members section, so apologies in advance if I'm a bit slow in responding.
Keith

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Hi Keith.   I didn’t realise that Ratio ground signals were “Operational”, from what little I have seen of them, I thought that they were fixed. To make life easier? have you given any thought to “Position Light Signals”? There are no problems with motorising them, one just has to flick a switch to change the light position. Simples!Best wishes. Kevin

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Sorry I miss read ground signals… This only applies to the semaphores

The Dapol signals are very nice: https://www.dapol.co.uk/shop/model-accessories/motorised-signals
They can be controlled through analogue or with a little controller from DDC.  

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Hi Chris.   Thank you. For me personally I prefer WIT, points and signals if I can. I did look at Dapol, but, I am not partial to motorised signals, and they have too much below baseboard level. But the subject was “Disc Ground Signals” if you look at Keith’s thread, Woodside, you will see that he has  regular “Running Signals” .Best wishes.  Kevin

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I don't know of any commercially available motorised ground signals. I would have reservations about using the Ratio signals, as they tend to be rather fragile. 

I did pick up some etched brass ground signals, as yet unmade, but I can't recall whose kits they are off-hand. they would be far more robust if you are considering motorising them, though.

The easier alternative would be some position light signals, as Kevin has suggested. I have a few Eckon ones to use in the future, and I believe another manufacturer was also advertising some similar items.

Some possible links of interest for the latter:

www.crsignals.com/

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http://www.hattons.co.…ck_of_12/StockDetail.aspx


I have no connection with any of the above traders.



Jeff Lynn,
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Hi there,
How many are you planning to put on your layout and what proximity?  My first inclination was to have a wire arm through the baseboard with a cam powered by a small servo motor under the layout but it depends on how many you are planning to put close to each other, and the room you have to do so.  Alternatively a wire running through the cam to the outside control point of your layout could then be managed with a simple dial.

If you need clarification with a drawing, let me know!

Regards from Australia

Trevor

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Hi Trevor.  Thank you . My original  idea was a compact “ Shunting Puzzle “ , four foot by fourteen inches. Just to get back into Model Railway’s after such a long break. No signals and not much else. But that went our the window. I set up a programme track alongside the puzzle, but, then I wanted to add variety with an extension, scenery, a scenic break, and that is when I thought of a signal, leading towards the scenic break. Which of course as I didn’t have a plan, setting up WIT under the baseboard  has it difficulties . I am also thinking of a single track halt or small station, but that may be a Track too far? Best wishes. Kevin

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