Signals | O-Scale | D-Style, Vertical Light Style

TYPE D COLOR LIGHT SIGNALS

The Type-D Color Light Signals were found on many railroads throughout the country.  These are called color light signals because only the color or combination of colors displayed the aspect.  These are still used or were used on the UP, Southern, B&O, Reading, C & NW, CSX and many other smaller lines.

Each O-scale signal will come with a Signal Control Board (SCB) for each target.  Each target on the ground signals will come with a snow shield (hood) for those railroads that use the shields.  Each target can be modified at Custom Signals from G/Y/R to R/Y/G for those modeling railroads using that configuration. 

Photos shown are samples and actual production items may differ.  

ATLAS SINGLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

This is the most common of all the Type-D signals.  It is considered an intermediate signal that would be used between junctions and interlockings.  It would also be used at the end of passing sidings and on routes entering a main line.  This signal will display the sequence clear, stop, approach and clear automatically.  Using the BSF-3 Flasher will increase the number of possible aspects.

OD-11 TYPE-D DWARF SIGNAL

This signal will be produced by Custom Signals.  This will be a full 3 color dwarf with SCB so that it will integrate into the complete signal system.  Using this correctly with other ground or dwarf signals will not only tell turnout direction, but also block occupancy.  This signal can also be used as a subway signal.  

OD-15 BIDIRECTIONAL SINGLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

Even though this signal existed in plans as far back as the 1920s, it was not used very much until the late 1980s.  It was not until the mid 1980s that the federal government allowed the railroads to place the signals on either side of a main line track instead of only on the right side as the train approached.  Its primary use was on double track main lines where positioning two single target signals between the tracks would be impossible.  The railroads originally solved the problem by using bridges or towers, but building and maintaining these was much more expensive.  Once the law was changed, the bidirectional signals became a useful, less expensive solution.  Using this signal instead of a bridge will also be the same for you when you build your railroad no matter what era you are doing.

This signal will be produced by Custom Signals.  It will serve the same purpose as the Atlas signal above.  It will have the automatic sequence of Clear, Stop, Approach, Clear from either direction.  Using the BSF-3 Flasher will increase the number of possible aspects on either target.

OD-25 DOUBLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

Custom Signals will also make this Medium/Limited/Restricted speed indication signal.  This signal will have a fixed red display on the top target (R for Red in the TCL) so normal speed indications are not possible.  This top target is used with the lower target to display medium, limited or restricted aspects only.  One automatic sequence is MEDIUM CLEAR, STOP, RESTRICTED and back to MEDIUM CLEAR.  The medium clear can also be omitted.  This signal would be used at the end of passing sidings, junctions or anywhere you see the R/# symbol in the TCL.

This signal would be used where the train would have to take a diverting route or where normal speeds would not be permitted. This is generally where the number of tracks was decreasing and the train had to move to another track. One such location would be at the end of a passing siding.   

OD-35 DOUBLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

This signal is used on the main line where another track or crossover enters the main.  It has a full target on the top that displays the same aspects as the Atlas signal above.  It also has a fixed red target below which is shown as R in the TCL.  This is use because most railroads require a double red for an absolute stop for home signals.

The lower target is wired for both red and yellow colors.  This can be used with some modifications and the purchase of another Signal Control Board..

OD-45 DOUBLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

This signal is used on a main line where the train has the option to stay on the main line or take a diverting route.  This could be at a junction or a crossover.  It comes with two SCBs, one for each target.  This signal will give you normal, medium or restricted aspects.

OD-55 TRIPLE TARGET GROUND SIGNAL

This signal is used on a main line where the train has the option to stay on the main line or take more than one diverting routes.  This could be at a crossover with a junction.  It comes with three SCBs, one for each target.  This signal will give you normal, medium, restricted and slow speed aspects.  These will also be available in custom versions OD-56 (R/3/3), OD-57 (3/R/3) and OD-58 (R/R/3).