Are the points to switch traffic between the two loops 'Facing' or 'Trailing'? That is, can the train move forward with a choice of the two directions (facing) or does the train have to be reversed back over the points (trailing)?
If a facing point, then a junction signal with two arms is needed. If a trailing point then a 'ground' signal - which Ratio do not make working versions of, alas - is needed. You would also need a 'stop' signal before a trailing point to protect trains if the point was against it.
In a goods yard there would be a stop signal to allow trains back out onto the 'main line' but otherwise there would be very few, if any, signals. Most small goods yards used hand-operated points and hand-signals by shunters and guards to shunt trains about. It was only the larger mechanised yards which would have had significant signalling arrangements. You would also need a stop signal on the 'main' line before the goods yard exit to stop trains while a train is coming out of the goods yard.
I know you've mentioned your grandson's layout elsewhere on the forum, but cannot remember the details. If it is a portable layout, then I would caution you about using Ratio kits. They are all plastic, and from experience I can tell you that they are very prone to damage when a layout is being moved. They also will not stand up to over-eager little fingers. I would suggest that if the grandson is under the age of perhaps 8, then it may be better to buy the ready-made Hornby signals. They are a little overscale, but they are reasonably robust and have quite strong metal posts.
Hope the above is of help,
John Webb
If a facing point, then a junction signal with two arms is needed. If a trailing point then a 'ground' signal - which Ratio do not make working versions of, alas - is needed. You would also need a 'stop' signal before a trailing point to protect trains if the point was against it.
In a goods yard there would be a stop signal to allow trains back out onto the 'main line' but otherwise there would be very few, if any, signals. Most small goods yards used hand-operated points and hand-signals by shunters and guards to shunt trains about. It was only the larger mechanised yards which would have had significant signalling arrangements. You would also need a stop signal on the 'main' line before the goods yard exit to stop trains while a train is coming out of the goods yard.
I know you've mentioned your grandson's layout elsewhere on the forum, but cannot remember the details. If it is a portable layout, then I would caution you about using Ratio kits. They are all plastic, and from experience I can tell you that they are very prone to damage when a layout is being moved. They also will not stand up to over-eager little fingers. I would suggest that if the grandson is under the age of perhaps 8, then it may be better to buy the ready-made Hornby signals. They are a little overscale, but they are reasonably robust and have quite strong metal posts.
Hope the above is of help,
John Webb
