Rob’s been in touch with a fun video of his model railway signals.
Who doesn’t enjoy a cab ride video? And it’s wonderful to see all of Rob’s layout too:
“Hi Al,
I thought your readers might enjoy this video.
The last time I provided a camera ride on my layout there seemed to be a few questions about the function of my signals.
I created this video to explain my thinking and the function of one of my lines.
There are three loops on my layout.
One is my freight line which is signaled for bi-directional running plus there are two express lines in each direction for passenger service.
In this video, we look at one of the express lines in detail.
I made the video as though it was a route learning video like it was done in the 70s and 80s in the UK just for fun.
In the video, it takes you almost all the way around the layout explaining the various signals and what they indicate, and how they work to keep the lines safe.
My regular subscribers seemed to really enjoy this video. Perhaps yours will too.
I remember there was one person who thought I needed a feather or two where there was a point or switch/crossover coming up in the line.
I have since started scratch building some of these and perhaps can share how I did it in a future video.
Here are a couple of pictures of them anyway for now.
Rob”
A big thanks to Rob for this – I know model railway signals are a sticking point for many of us.
And even if you’re not interesting the signals, it’s a very enjoyable cab ride.
And what’s more, there is another element to Rob’s post I am very fond of.
You know I’m always banging on about making a start – and then just to keep going?
Well, that’s exactly what Rob did.
Don’t just take my word for it though – have a look at his very post here.
It’s a journey for all of us – just enjoy the ride. But none of it happens unless you take that first step and make a start.
Rob took that step and look at him now. I was very happy to put him in the hall of fame.
And it’s always a pleasure when I see his name pop up in my inbox. He’s put together some fabulous posts.
One that springs to mind is his scratch built crane.
That’s all for this time. Please do keep ’em coming it’s the quietest I’ve ever known it I think.
And if today is the day you join in on the fun and make that start on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
Nicely produced video. I’ve done a couple of my layout, a great way to see all the detail work I still need to do!
Rob
What a great video. Thanks for sharing.
Your creation is beyond awesome and leaves us with OMG how did he do that.
Be safe
Look awesome.!!!!! I hope mine turns out that good .
Thanks for the signals vid. I’ve had in interest in interlocking signal systems for a while and this trip around Farland Howe made the logic behind the signaling system become very transparent. Thanks again!
Great work nice videos
Totally spectacular!!
Rob.
Great sharp and clear photographs of the layout as well a super video. Well done.
Brian – the HOn3 guy in Knysna RSA 🇿🇦
Thanks Rob – Excellent as always. One question – the third rail from FM202D to the level crossing on approach to Howe Street Station – Is this the electric supply rail as seen on British Rail Southern Region for trains out of Victoria, Charing Cross, Waterloo and Cannon Street to the south coastal areas?
Andrew in Oz
Always great videos Rob – thank you.
Regards to all.
Brian, Wokingham, UK
Rob you misidentified several corresponding numbers on the signal lights.
This could be confusing and dangerous for the engineer
The numbers stand for the location and action to be taken by the engineer.
You do have a wonderful and realistic layout . Love the video.
The critic
Rob, Just wondering how long that circuit is, noting it took nearly 3 minutes to get around it at a very good speed.
For Andrew Aves or anyone else interested. The third rail visible along Castle Bank is a PECO product. It is Code 60 flat-bottom rail with PECO IL-120 Conductor Rail Chairs. Hope that helps.
Rob McCrain – Farland Howe
Great Video! Very inspirational too.
I have watched Rob’s creation of Farland with fascination and joy for many years now. One of my favourite environments. Many congratulations on a wonderful project and it’s clear videos explaining hours of skilled effort.
Thank you Rob. You are an inspiration.
good video and pics. good layout.
Curious on how you lay your track, nails , glue or other means? Just getting started on my second layout (my first was all Lionel which I had to abandon when I got married and started having kids) Love the way you landscape, especially ridges Trying to maintain a track layout and still haven’t come up with one, but I conquer what I start….Great layout and love the train depots (source?)
Rob McCrain – Farland Howe
Absolutely “THE BEST “ train layout I have seen. I like Dangerous Dan but I have to say you “NAILED IT “
Continued success on your layout
I went from “HO” to “G” several years ago. I had it running outside until someone stole all the brass tracks
It is now running on a smaller area in my basement
I’m 71 and thinking of getting it back outside again in early 2025. Fingers crossed
Steve “Golden Greek”
North Aurora, ILLINOIS USA 🇺🇸
Great to see that you have the space to use home signal and distance signals as they are make to be used. Marklin signals are just like yours, but you need the space for them. THANK YOU MR. MCCRAIN.
Hi Rob, and thank you for your always inspiring and well constructed videos on your railway. You’ve done a wonderful job and continue to inspire us all. Thanks again and keep them coming. Glyn in Santa Fe.