Signals | O-Scale | CS, Grade Crossing Signals

CS SERIES GRADE CROSSING SIGNALS

I have always wanted to do a set of grade crossing signals that were above and beyond everything else that has been done.  This is a hard task considering all the different manufacturers and products that have been produced in the last 60+ years.  Simple grade crossing signals have been used on the real railroads since the 1940s and are still plentiful today.  The flashing signals with the gates did not come into full use until the 1970.  Most of the larger and busier crossings are now protected by gates, but there are still many smaller and less frequently traveled roads using just the flashing signals.  You can also make you railroad look more prototypical by using the flashers on the smaller roads and the gates on the large major highways.  

Look at the detail of the lamp targets.  Nothing has ever been done in O-scale that comes close to this detail.  The front targets face forward, but both rear targets are angled toward the other side of the road.  The LED is completely hidden by a scale target housing and a red lens with the correct diffusion pattern built right in.  You can even see the signals working from the approaching train with the engineer check holes in the side of the target heads. 

Prototypical grade crossing signals only use a track sign if there is more than one track at the crossing.  Each of the CS series signals comes with a removable track sign and decals for up to 6 tracks.  Unless the crossing has multiple lanes of traffic separated by a divided highway, each grade crossing only uses one bell.  The CS-2 series comes both with and without a bell so you don’t have to look at a second bell that should not be there.  All dimensions are accurate to O-scale.

Each of these individual signals comes with an RJ-12 plug on the end of nearly 2 feet of wire for a direct connection into the GCF-1 GRADE CROSSING FLASHER (sold separately).  Link to the GCF-1 to see all of its features.  You can also cut off the plugs and use the signals with any common anode flasher unit on the market today.  Follow the manufacturers directions carefully.

I also sell the modular parts to easily extend the signal wires from under the layout or add on extra CS signals if desired.  Many grade crossings have an extra signal, such as the CS-1, to protect blind curves and side roads.  Using the GCF-1 will make all of these signals work as well as how they look. 

CS-1 GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL

This signal comes with just one pair of flashers facing forward.  This signal is used in a variety of locations.  One would be where road traffic only travels in one direction such as a one-way street or a divided highway.  Try a one way street on your layout.  It is also used on the left side of the road where there is a blind curve approaching the crossing after a sharp right hand turn.  It can also be used for a side road entering the main road at the crossing.  Adding any of these with a CS-1 to your layout would make a unique modeling scene.  

CS-2A GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL

This is a bidirectional signal.  It has the standard mast support at the bottom and a standard "tear drop" cap on the top.  This is probably the most common of all grade crossing signals.  It is shown on the left.

CS-2B GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL

This is also a bidirectional signal.  This is similar to the CS-2A except for 2 things.  First, it comes with a mast support that has a built in electrical connection box.  In real life this allows the wires from both signals to be connected together.  Second, this version also has the bell molded on the top instead of the flat top.  The prototype grade crossing usually only has one bell and no other manufacturer produces two different style signals for their grade crossings.  It is shown on the right.

The bell is for decoration only, the bell sound is additional (BELL-1).

CS-2 GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL SET

Here is a chance to set up a complete grade crossing at a discount price.  This kit contains the following:

1 CS-2A grade crossing signal with flat cap and basic mast support.

1 CS-2B grade crossing signal with bell and junction box mast support

2 AWS-1 Advanced Highway Warning Signs

2 WPS-1 Whistle Post Signs

1 GCF-1 Grade Crossing Flasher/Detector for 3-rail. 

(See the electronics section for complete details on the GCF-1)  

(Grade Crossing Bell Sound or 2-Rail Detection is additional)

(The AWS and WPS signs are sold separately below.)

CS-3 GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL

There are many grade crossing configurations where the signals must point in other directions besides perpendicular to the railroad tracks.  This signal allows you to have the standard pair of flashers pointing parallel to the highway and one additional pair of flashers pointing up to 65 degrees off the center front line.  The top pair of additional flashers will swivel over about 130 degrees to point either left or right from the front of the signal.  Once in place, simply add a little plastic glue to hold it there.  This signal will certainly ad some variety to your layout. 

CS3A GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL SET

For an additional $5, the CS-2B may be exchanged for a CS-3 in the CS-2 Grade Crossing Signal Set above.  Order the CS-3A Set.

CS-4 QUAD DIRECTIONAL GRADE CROSSING SIGNAL

(future production)

You will find a signal like this one where a road runs parallel to the tracks and comes to an intersection with another road that runs perpendicular and crosses the tracks.  This signal will certainly add a great deal of interest to any layout.  This will be a future production if there is enough demand. 

AWS-1 ADVANCED WARNING SIGNS

These are the familiar signs you will find along the highway warning you when approaching a railroad grade crossing.  These are modeled in exact scale size with the scale sign post used on most highway and railroad signs today.  The post actually has holes a scale 1 inch apart.  (2/pk)

WPS-1 WHISTLE POST SIGNS

This sign is not a familiar as the one above.  These are used on the railroad to warn the engineer when approaching a grade crossing.  It reminds the engineer to begin the LONG, LONG, SHORT, LONG whistle sequence. 

These model a universal type that can be used on any railroad.  These are modeled in exact scale size with the scale sign post used on most highway and railroad signs today.  The post actually has holes a scale 1 inch apart.  (2/pk)