Installing 3-position semaphore signals on a model railway for realistic operation.

The Azatrax TS2 and TS2-D block signal control circuits can be used to operate semaphore signals as well as conventional LED block signals.
 
For details of the TS2 and TS2-D installation and operation, please see our block signal control circuit page.

• This page applies to scale model semaphore signals, such as made by NJ International and Tomar Industries. These signals have a moving blade that can be operated by a Tortoise™ slow motion motor mounted under the layout.
   
• This does not apply to semaphore signals that have a built-in operating mechanism, such as made by Lionel, MTH or American Flyer.

The diagram above shows the TS2 or TS2-D signal control circuit connected to an Azatrax SSR6 solid state relay, two Tomar 81-870 adapter circuits and two Tortoise™ slow motion motors. Each motor is linked to a semaphore signal using a Circuitron Remote Signal Activator, part no. 800-8100.
 
Each Tomar 81-870 semaphore drive kit includes one adapter circuit with connector, one Tortoise™ motor and one 800-8100 Remote Signal Activator. This will operate a single-blade, three-position semaphore signal.

Tomar 81-870 Three Position Blade Signal Mechanism Tomar/Azatrax semaphore connection instructions  Package includes: • one Tomar circuit with Tortoise edge connector • one Circuitron 800-6000 Tortoise™ motor • one Circuitron 800-8100 remote signal activator kit Relays and a power supply are listed below.

Circuitron also makes a control circuit to control a model railroad semaphore signal.
 
Circuitron SD-2 (800-5520) semaphore driver circuits can be used with the Azatrax TS2 or TS2-D block signal control circuit as shown in the diagram below:

The Circuitron components are sold individually.
One SD-2 circuit plus one Tortoise motor plus one Remote Signal Activator kit will operate one single-blade, three-position model semaphore signal.
 
The Remote Signal Activator kit is optional, but recommended. The SD-2 installation instructions describe making modifications to the Tortoise motor if you plan to make your own activator mechanism.
 
However, if you use the 800-8100 Remote Signal Activator kit then no modifications to the Tortoise motor are needed.

Circuitron SD-2 Semaphore Driver, 3 Position Circuitron/Azatrax semaphore connection instructions  • one SD-2 driver circuit for one semaphore, 800-5520
Tortoise™ slow motion motor • Circuitron part no. 800-6000
Remote Signal Activator • Circuitron part no. 800-8100 • Cable actuation for one semaphore or crossing gate • Easy precise adjustment of stops • Tortoise™ motor not included (see above)

The Circuitron SMAIL™ is a Tortoise motor with a built-in logic circuit.
When using a SMAIL, the SD-2 semaphore circuit is not needed.

The Remote Signal Activator kit is optional, but recommended.

 

Below are the solid state relays needed when either the Circuitron or Tomar methods (above) are used with an Azatrax TS2 or TS3, and a suggested power supply.

SSR6 solid state relay module • Six SPST normally open relays on one module
Accessory power supply, PS1215 • Regulated 12vdc, 1.5 amp, slim plug-in • Can power up to eight TS2 / TS2-D circuits controlling a total of sixteen semaphore signals.
TS2 or TS2-D detector and signal control circuit • Please see the TS2 block signal circuit page for ordering options and installation information.

Home | Detectors | Signal controllers | Switch machines | Relays | Power adapter Crossing signals | Track signals | How to order | Support | Contact | Links