Trackside Structures
These simply mark the mileage on a block of track. Can also mark fractions of a mile. Presently, I'm calling a baseplate (2 sections of track) a tenth of a mile.
This is a collection of ideas and plans for trackside structures that you might find along a typical railroad. I'm going to start integrating these into my layouts for added realism and interest and wanted to share the plans with everyone. If you're able to find photos and descriptions of additional structures or equipment, please share. For whatever reason, I've had a hard time finding pictures of trackside equipment that is currently in service along with descriptions of what it does and where it would typically be found. It's harder still to find this info for Norfolk Southern which services Huntsville.
Mile Post
Trains should sound their whistle when passing these posts. They usually signal an approach to a crossing or yard entrance. These are marked with a "W".
Click here for plan. Colors used: Dark Bluish Grey, White.
Whistle Post
Click here for plan. Colors used: White.
Yard Limit Post
These indicate entrance or exit from a train yard, which typically implies a lower speed limit. These are marked with "YL".
Click here for plan. Colors used: White.
Signals
These are placed on the right side of the track as viewed from an approaching train and indicate the status of the block of track. Green means proceed, Red means stop and yellow means expect to stop at the next block.
Click here for plan. Colors used: Black, Dark Bluish Grey, Light Bluish Grey, Transparent Green, Transparent Red, Transparent Yellow.
Signal Box
These are placed near signals, crossings or in yards and house the electronics necessary to operate nearby equipment.
Click here for plan. Colors used: Black, Dark Bluish Grey, Light Bluish Grey, Transparent Green, Transparent Red, White, Yellow.
Relay/Battery Box
Due to the risk of fire, batteries are not placed in signal boxes. Rather, standalone battery boxes are placed nearby for backup. Similar looking boxes can be used to house electronics for simple equipment.
Click here for plan. Colors used: Dark Bluish Grey, Light Bluish Grey.
Level Crossing
These are used anywhere a road crosses a track.
Click here for plan. Colors used: Black, Blue, Dark Bluish Grey, Light Bluish Grey, Red, Transparent Red, White.