I was recently talked into buying a Lionel #153 Block Control (Semaphore ) Signal at a train show, since it is a neat accessory. When I finally figured out I could use it on the mainline, I had to buy another one since I have 2 mainlines. These 2 signals control the end of the passenger station yard. I had also bought some used Z-Stuff Dwarf Block Signals and crossing bells in a box of stuff way back in 2010. All of these devices are powered off a separate supply, so they stay on even if there is no track power. The semaphores are controlled by supplying the grounds using isolated track sections. This initially consisted of most of the loop, but the devices were getting too hot because the chance of parking a train on the block was very high which kept them constantly activated. I then shortened the block tremendously. This is still sometimes a problem, so I need to come up with a solution to cut them off if they get too hot. The Z-Stuff signals can operated off a built in photo cell or isolated track. Since the signals were on a curve, I could not get the devices close enough to the track to use the photocell, so I had to use isolated track sections with them also. The crossing signals could also use photocell or track sensing. Since it was 'protecting' three tracks, the 2 mainline tracks are detected with isolated blocks, while the inside 0-27 loop depends on the photocell. This is what they look like.
Semaphores indicating clear tracks ahead.
Semaphores showing occupied block.
Z-Stuff Dwarf Block Signal.
Z-Stuff Crossing Signals.
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