Modellings tips and answers - Using Ratio Signals in OO gauge - Videos
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This week in history
On the 21st of February 1954, CC 7121 (a specially modified SNCF CC 7100 Class electric locomotive) broke the rail speed record when it achieved 151 mph. The record-breaking run took place on the line that connects Dijon with Beaune in France.
Did you know this existed?
This week's lesser known item is a pack of 100 Gold Plated Pins from DCC Concepts. The hardened and gold plated pins can be used for fixing working point rodding rod stools, track or many other things around the layout.
Small and subtle but very strong, the gold plating also makes them easy to solder to.
Small and subtle but very strong, the gold plating also makes them easy to solder to.
Ratio Signals - Which way to go?
At some point, most railway modellers require signals on their layout and semaphore signals are still as popular as ever. However, where things have changed is the desire of modellers to feature more realistic models on their layouts, and gone are the days of the plonk it and play Hornby Dublo-type signal.
That has led to many OO gauge modellers turning to signal kits by manufacturers such as Ratio. Their substantial range covers many different types, regions and construction options, but with so much choice, where do you start?
The first thing you need to know about Ratio's signal kits is that there are two different types: quick assembly and advanced construction. Both types require assembly, but the main difference is the variations of signals that can be built from a single kit.
Quick assembly signals tend to build just what's on the box (or with minimal build options). Advanced construction kits can have up to four building options that include a varying number of signal arms and different bracket designs making them more useful for modellers of prototypical or more complex track plans. That's not to say that quick assembly types don't have a part to play on many layouts. Their design may be simpler, but many layouts have relatively simple track plans too, and as their detail is just as good as on their more complicated counterparts, they serve their purpose very well.
The most popular quick assembly kits are the basic home and distant signals with either GWR square or LMS round posts. Those kits are complemented by a GWR bracket/junction signal with different arm options and a Southern Railways rail-built signal that can be used as a stop, distant, or stop and distant signal.
That has led to many OO gauge modellers turning to signal kits by manufacturers such as Ratio. Their substantial range covers many different types, regions and construction options, but with so much choice, where do you start?
The first thing you need to know about Ratio's signal kits is that there are two different types: quick assembly and advanced construction. Both types require assembly, but the main difference is the variations of signals that can be built from a single kit.
Quick assembly signals tend to build just what's on the box (or with minimal build options). Advanced construction kits can have up to four building options that include a varying number of signal arms and different bracket designs making them more useful for modellers of prototypical or more complex track plans. That's not to say that quick assembly types don't have a part to play on many layouts. Their design may be simpler, but many layouts have relatively simple track plans too, and as their detail is just as good as on their more complicated counterparts, they serve their purpose very well.
The most popular quick assembly kits are the basic home and distant signals with either GWR square or LMS round posts. Those kits are complemented by a GWR bracket/junction signal with different arm options and a Southern Railways rail-built signal that can be used as a stop, distant, or stop and distant signal.
The advanced kits offer a much greater choice of build options. Many kits contain sufficient parts to build anything from a simple home signal to a junction signal complete with shunt options. There are a number of post options too including GWR square posts, LMS round posts, LNWR square posts (with lower quadrant) and LNER lattice posts (also suitable for LBSCR).
Other kits in the range include a more unusual GWR lower quadrant round-post kit (includes two signals with home/distant options) and a GWR lower quadrant junction signal also with round-post design and featuring a railed walkway.
Other kits in the range include a more unusual GWR lower quadrant round-post kit (includes two signals with home/distant options) and a GWR lower quadrant junction signal also with round-post design and featuring a railed walkway.
We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:
- Can a locomotive motor become weaker and lose power over time?
- What is Vallejo metal medium?
- What is a reversing loop?
- What is a railway consist?
- How much scatter do I need?
Unboxing videos
You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified before everyone else or simply click on this selection. Please note that videos are at the bottom of each page.
- Train-Tech LFX2 Home and Shop Lighting Effect Controller
- Woodland Scenics US2265 Pre-Wired Single Crossbar Poles HO gauge
- Wills Kits SS58 Set of two garden sheds OO gauge
- Knightwing PM114 Station platform and shelter OO gauge
- Javis PF12 Wire fence section in OO gauge
- Wills Kits SS92 Assorted garden buildings and accessories OO gauge
- Busch 1499 Real wood telegraph poles HO gauge
- Kestrel Designs GMKD09 Station Building N gauge
- Woodland Scenics US2267 Transformer Connect Set HO gauge
- Wills Kits CK11 Craftsman Series - Pair of semi-detached house in OO gauge
Events and exhibitions
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