[Thunder]

Not sure if we been here before, but i find the lack of ready made, or easy to put together, semaphor signals, a real pain, there seems to be a complete lack of items in this area, im aware that there are some specialised companys who produce items to construct your own signals, and some that come in kit form, but lack of time, & my stubby ham fisted fingers, make these a no no, the range thats are available from hornby, has been around since my childhood, and really dont do a good layout justice, would,nt it be great if a company produced a simple fit together kit, that made several formations out of one box, and that looked half realistic? I would be very happy to purchase a kit that slots together in 30 mins, and gives me a realistic looking signal, my layout is crying out for such an item, does anybody else think that there is a gap in the market in this area?

 

[dwb]

I think the closest you will get to the "easy"(?) kit is Ratio. Unfortunately if you look at prototype signals, they are not substantial affairs which means they scale down very small indeed. If you are in any doubt, check out this album I started earlier this week.

There may be a market for signals that are a bit over scale but not as large as the Hornby offering, but I wouldn't be buying them.

David

 

[alastairq]

in recent model press [on and off line] there has been 'discussion' over the availbility of signals.

As DWB mentioned, ratio offer a goodly range, in plastic, but they are very fragile.

Hornby offer a basic range, more robust...and I personally 'feel' they are slightly over scale...but the printed arms are a welcome change...if a tad prone to breakage as well.....[do hornby offer spares/]

The concensus as I read it, is that the Hornby items are OK....with the exception of the bracket signals....which are very bulky.....but they do offer the 'basics'.

For prototypically correct signals, then MSE are the folk to see.......and I believe they are quite strong too.

However, I sense 'equipment' correctness isn't your barra......as long as they are stout, simple, and the arms are right?

[a pity Bachmann haven't entered this field? After all, whilst they offer DCC, in reality it is the signals that control the trains?]

However, all isn't [particularly] lost........I suggest you have a bit of fun looking around the used and abused stands...for the old Hornby [Dublo?] signals...they tend to be quite cheap, specially if battered.....and will repaint usefully.
Being made of metal, they are a bit smaller and finer than the current Hornby offerings....I have a few...picked up by scratting through the odds and ends boxes..specially at Deviation shed, NYMR!
cost but a coupla quid or so.....[and I'm happy to pay to support the goings-on at Grosmont!]