The subject of railroad signaling is a fascinating one. Signals provide a margin of safety and protect the train crews, freight and passengers on the railroad . Grade crossing signals also protect the general public from collision with moving trains. Signal operation relies upon three basic elements:
- Detection of trains
- Operation of the signals
- Operation Logic
Signaling is a complicated topic, far beyond the scope of this knowledge base. But Digitrax offers several items which will help you with creating a realistic signal environment.
Detection determines the presence or absence of trains. Both the BDL168 and BD4 will supply you with the detection information.
Operation of the signals is accomplished with the SE8C Signal Decoder.
Signal operation logic must be supplied by outside sources, and computer programs such as Railroad & Co. make this project simpler.