Blair Atholl towards Drumochter..Signalling


Signalling . . . . . . . . .
In keeping with the prototype, signalling in the area modelled consists of four semaphore, three ground discs and three two aspect colour light signals. In the area controlled by the Blair Atholl signal box, Up and Down main lines each have a home, starter and distant signal, however the "down" distant is outwith the model and therefore not included. The crossover north of the station is controlled by two ground disc signals. Since the double line to Dalwhinnie was re-instated in the late 70's, Blair Atholl has control of the two intermediate block sections on the down line, formally controlled by boxes at Dalanraoch and Dalnaspidal. These sections are protected with semi-automatic 2 aspect colour light signals.


Up Home Signal Nr 6	Up Starter Signal Nr 7	Down Home Signal Nr 17	Down Starter Signal Nr 16

All semaphore signals on the layout have been constructed with parts from the "Model Signal Engineering" range of components and are fully operational. The coloured light signals are from the "Ekon" range, modified to match the prototype and fitted with LED's instead of the grain of wheat bulbs. Semaphore signals are activated by standard miniature 12v relays with a brass arm soldered to the moving contact. The relay is then mounted on a plasticard base on the baseboard under the signal and the signal's operating wire soldered to the brass arm. Return to the "danger" or "on" position is assisted by a piece of dress makers elastic cord which is strung between the brass arm and an adjuster screw in the baseboard



As can be seen from the control panel above, seventeen miniature long lever switches have been used to represent the lever frame in Blair Atholl signal box. Above each signal lever is an 5mm LED which gives indication of the signal's condition and is powered from auxiliary contacts on the signal operating relay. This system therefore gives an accurate display of all signals.

Signalling . . . . . . . . .