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Cheapest Signals Ever? Neat Crossing Flashers By WeHonest For Model Train Layouts
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- Опубліковано 14 січ 2023
- #trains #modeltrains #modelrailroad
In this video, we try out some new inexpensive grade crossing signal flashers.
A big thank you to the channel supporters who are enjoying our content and partnering with us on Patreon for as little as $3 per month! Their generosity helps keep the content coming! / maintrack
This episode is not sponsored by WeHonest, the maker of the models featured in this video.
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Here are the eBay links to the WeHonest signal products featured in this video:
Without “Stop On Red Signal” sign:
www.ebay.com/i...
With “Stop On Red Signal” Sign:
www.ebay.com/i...
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In my last episode, I told you about this new switching layout I’m building. I have made some progress on the benchwork. I have also been working on the main layout and installing some new grade crossings. For these, I found a new option when it comes to signals. This will be part one of two because I’m still waiting on the circuit board controller. So, for now, I will show you what I have done so far.
Before we dive in I wanted to thank you for subscribing…and give a shout-out to our Patreon supporters who are partnering with us for as little as $3 dollars a month to help us keep these videos coming. / maintrack
Sedalia Missouri- the city I’m modeling in the 1980s, had a lot of grade crossings. I decided to try a product sold on eBay by a company with an unusual name…called WeHonest. I had never heard of them before, and these aren’t something you’re going to find in hobby shops. I did a little digging and found out it’s a Chinese company…it seems most products we use these days are from China…but these are literally sent from China straight to your doorstep. One of the big things I noticed is the price…take a look here…five dollars for a crossing signal. There’s gotta be a catch. But I figured if it's a bust, it was only five bucks right? So I placed an order.
And as you can see they have made the cut so far and they're protecting my crossing on 5th street as well as the one on Ohio Avenue at 16th street-- an unusual setup where the Katy mainline slices through the intersection.
Looking at these things there are some pros and cons. First off these things have pretty decent craftsmanship and you can tell they’re made and wired by hand. These are made of brass and are very sturdy so they’re not going to snap off if you bump them on the layout…the mast and signs are all metal.
The signal faces are strong plastic…though there were some small burrs and flashing I had to take off- with a file and Xacto knife…it was nothing major to clean those up.
All of them come mounted with screw threading you secure with the nut underneath the layout- those are included.
As for construction…the wiring comes up through the middle- out the top of the post and then down to the lights. It is hidden in the back..you can still see some of the wiring- painted silver with the rest of the unit…but touching that up with some black paint makes them nearly invisible.
At first, these signals looked a little large in size. I will be honest, I have not spent as much time looking at and studying signals as I have the trains and tracks. So, I did some scale measurements and compared them to highway department specifications….and lo and behold these things are very close…I think give or take a few inches but nothing that will be noticeable to your eyes.
It is important to know what you're ordering. The We Honest listings don't provide a lot of details. It has HO signals listed in two inches and three inches. You want to get the two-inch version….this is the three-inch version. There is no way that will fit in on an HO scale layout…maybe O- or S scale.
As I mentioned, this will be part one of two as I’m waiting on that control circuit board. Once I get that I’ll wire these up, turn them on, and see what they can do. We will see you next time right here on The Main Track.
While we can’t light these up just yet…I’m pretty happy so far…I think five dollars is a pretty amazing deal for these signals. Have you tried Wehonest signals before? Let us know about it in the comments below.
Also the Walthers cantilever crossing signals will wire right up to the control board for the china ones and work perfectly just in case you need to install a cantilever crossing.
That is great to know, Jason! Do you use the sensors for yours?
Hi!
Do you know if the WeHonest ones will work with the Scenemaster Walthers Crossing Signal Controller, or do the signals have to be specifically Walthers /Scenemaster brand to work with the Crossing controller?
@@IwshIcldstrtoverI’m sure they will. They are just lights and lights are “dumb”. Just as long as they have power they light
Thanks for sharing. I’m always looking for an inexpensive and simple way to have crossing signals. I chose the expensive route and still have issues. Can’t wait for part 2! -Mark
Hi there, Mark! You bet! I had been eying them online for a while but figured there was a catch. They’re not perfect. But, to be honest, I have yet to find a perfect crossing signal from any manufacturer. These are a good “close enough” in my book. I am hoping my review stands after I get the board and power them up! -Mike
I have used a lot of the crossing and block signals and electronics from WeHonest and have had nothing but great results.
Well made.
Hi, Chris! That’s great to hear. I’ve been very pleased with them so far, too. I still have several more crossings to install and wire. But, so far, so good! -Mike
Great video! I’m mainly an O gauger but I do have some HO and find the differences between the two fascinating. The start of your layout looks fantastic!
Hi there! I’ve seen some pretty cool O gauge layouts! They’re definitely easier to handle and work on than HO trains. I can certainly appreciate other scales and enjoy seeing what modelers come up with. I sure appreciate you watching! -Mike
Thanks for posting this video I been considering on purchasing these signals im a little sceptical because I never heard of this company but watching your video I'm to make the purchase. Thanks again
Hello! Yes, I went back and forth before making my purchase and couldn’t find much online in the way of reviews. I figured it was a pretty inexpensive risk to buy some, and I feel it paid off! Glad to hear the video helped out! -Mike
Great videos. Outstanding layout, trains, scenery and attention to detail. Keep up the great work!
Hi there! Thank you very much! I checked out you channel, too. Excellent work! I followed and will look forward to seeing more! -Mike
@@MainTrack Thanks Mike, I appreciate the feedback.
I have those as well, love them you cannot beat it.
Hi, Mike! I have enjoyed them so far. I purchased several sets for my crossings. So far, so good! -Mike
I look forward to see this video coming up on the main track trains!
Hi, Ethan! Thank you. I am working on this episode right now and will have it out very soon! -Mike
I like to see how they work!
I used the standard crossbucks from Small Scale Innovative on my HO scale branchline layout, they are great to have
Hi! I have seen those and they are nice! I would like to get some of those for my non-signaled crossings. They’ve been out of stock the last couple times I’ve checked. -Mike
I haven't tried them yet but now I am interested in them based on your review. Thanks for that!
Excellent! Please let me know how they work out for you. I appreciate you stopping by to watch! -Mike
Awesome! Can't wait to see them in action!
Thanks! I’m looking forward to getting them wired up! -Mike
Mike, don't forget the Liquor Locker on the the opposite corner.LOL
Hi, Mark…I’m going to do my best to see what I can fit in there. That was a happening little corner! I got lucky stumbling across that Walters house that just happens to have the same roof profile and general dimensions as Korner Lounge! -Mike
Yes your video is a big inspiration im going to purchase a few for my layout thanks again
Hi there! I’m glad you found the video helpful! I’ve been pleased so far and plan on buying more. I appreciate you watching! -Mike
I work at White Rose Hobbies. We purchased the signals for our HO display layout. The signals look great but we have not had any success with the crossing signal control boards. We have tried use three different circuit board with no success. There are instructions on the web for installation of the circuit boards.
Hi, Fred! That certainly doesn’t sound good. I am preparing to wire mine up this week. I’m hoping I have better luck with them. Please let me know if you figure out a fix for the ones you have!
@@MainTrack Will do.
Nice find! They look great for the price. Look forward to seeing them working.
Hello! Yes, they’re not bad at all…especially for five dollars no less! As I mentioned, I’ll probably add a few additional details. We’ll see how it turns out! -Mike
Dave, (the guy that makes those signals for WeHonest) does some great models of Searchlight Signals with exact scale platforms and dimensions too. He has various styles of the new Darth Vader style signals and Type G signals as well. I'm planning to do almost all of my HO layout with his system.
Hi! That is great to hear. The railroad I’m modeling was dark territory and only had signals at the interlockings. So, I will need some of those signals eventually. I’ll see what they have in stock that could work for me! -Mike
Good intro to these signals. Looks like they have some kind of adapter on the ends of the wires? The Walthers signals just have plain magnet wire, and it is a real pain to deal with. Someone suggested I solder some larger wire to the magnet wire, and it made life a lot easier. Take care - Bill.
Hello! Yes, the wires have prongs on the ends that make them easy to insert and screw them into the board. I used the Busch ones many years ago on an old layout and recall they had hair-thin wires. It sounds like the same kind of construction on those. They look good once you get them working! -Mike
Glad you found them . I have been using that company since my n scale days for most my crossing signals and use atlas for my block signals since they are all relayed together.loved the update !
Hi, Jason! I’m glad to hear you’ve had good luck with them. For such a common part of railroading, I’ve always been surprised there are so few options out there when it comes to decent looking crossing signals!
I have these on my layout. It took me a while to figure out what I needed. I had to get a master board, and a sound board in addition to the flasher board that came with the signals. The master board is for the IR train detector that starts the flashing of the signal.
I think you will need those boards and an extra IR detector as well as a power supply to get yours working the way you want.
I’d send you a picture and a video but I don’t know how to put them into a comment.
Good luck!
Hello! That is great to hear. My board and accessories finally arrived a few days ago and I’ve been trying to figure out the wiring schematic. I’d sure appreciate any photos and videos on how you did yours! My email address is mike@themaintrack.com
I like these signals. Have about a dozen of them. Looking forward to hooking them up. Thanks again for sharing Mike. I always look forward to your videos.
Thank you, Johnny! So far so good…we will see how it goes once I get them up and going. I am also looking into those other boards you told me about!
Keep an eye on Johnny’s layout Michael, his work is incredible!
@@MesquiteBelt Thank you Devin
Please keep us up to date on the crossing signals. 👍
Hi! I will be sure to do that! -Mike
I have used these in both HO and N and I love 'em. For the cost they can't be beat. If you look at my videos you will see them in action, the HO have sound, the N not yet. When I build my new layout I am going to try them with the operating arms powered by servos so watch this space
Hello! I just checked out your channel and saw your signals. They look great! I sub'ed and look forward to seeing more about your layout! -Mike
@@MainTrack Glad you liked them and thanks for subscribing 👍
Haven't acquired the signals, but have bought from them several times. No issues at all. And yeah... the name threw me off a bit when I first came across them years ago. 😁
Hello! It’s good to hear you’ve had good luck with them! I agree…it’s one of the more interesting names I’ve seen for a model railroading outfit. It would be interesting to learn the back story. I suppose if the product works, that’s what matters in the end! Ha. -Mike
Thanks for sharing your signals , they look great… I actually made some decent ones with the life-like brand non operating ones using some leds and resistors with a simple flasher unit - very budget friendly
Hi! Thanks for watching! They’ve been pretty decent little signals thus far. It sounds like you had a fun little project building some. We have so many great modeling products these days, but part of me does miss the days when we had to get creative and build more of our own stuff! -Mike
They.look real sharp. Good video
Thank you for watching, Bruce! I appreciate that. -Mike
Mike it's getting there keep up the great work, signals look great too as far as the taller one you can still use them sometimes the railroad uses the where a hills approachs a crossing so a motorists can see the signals sooner when they creast the hill work for the wc/cn I found them in northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan on secondary lines so you could use them that's my two cents worth Mike
Hi, Andrew! Thanks so much! That’s a good idea for those taller signals. I can’t think of any like that on the MKT. But, I rarely throw anything out…I never know what projects I’ll drum up! It seems if you look hard enough, you can find a prototype for everything! -Mike
Another great video Michael!
Why, thank you good sir!
Will have to check these out. Look great, especially for the cost.
Hello! Yes, I have been pleased so far. Some guys have sent me videos of their in operation- and theirs look good. So, I am looking forward to hooking them up. -Mike
So, did they work the way you wanted them to. You never showed us the train going through the crossing letting the signals run through their cycle. That would have been interesting to see. I’d like to see them lit up.
Hello! The crossing signal video is finally in production and should be available right here tomorrow. They work great! Thank you for your patience as I worked to produce that particular episode. -Mike
Railroad crossings on Sedalia subdivision layout M-K-T Locomotives
Hello! That is correct. I appreciate you watching! I have a crossing follow up video coming up soon! -Mike
I really enjoy your videos!
I got 2 of them and there made very nice
Hello! That’s great to hear! I’m enjoying the ones I got, but am still waiting on that corridor board. I’ll likely be trying out and reviewing some other brands shortly.
I do have them on my layout
Hi, Mike! That’s great. How has your experience been with them?
I can’t wait to see them in action and the bar nice touch it’s coming together can’t wait to see the office switching layout be put on the main how are you going to do that how are you going to fit the layout into your garage when it’s done I had a blast watching keep up the good work-Webbcity railfan
Hi there! Thank you. I’m hoping to move to a house with a larger garage or basement within the next year or two. With that, I’ll have the ability to combine all the layout pieces together. Everything I’ve constructed so far is designed to be moved eventually. That is the plan at least!
Nice
We honest signals + west coast circuits work great for me! Pretty cheap as well compared to some of the other options.
Hello! That’s great to know. I may have to try the ones by West Coast as well. I’ve got plenty of crossings to go, so that’ll provide plenty of opportunity to try out some other options! -Mike
Where can I find information about West Coast Circuits. I have searched, but find nothing.
I have 3 sets of crossing bucks and got a flasher circuit board from fleaBay to make 'em flash. Now I've got to figure out how to make them turn on and off as a train enters and leaves the intersection. I installed 2 each red 3mm LED's in each of the crossing bucks and the flasher alternates the on/off sequence for each LED (I used very tiny magnet wire to wire them and the ballast or current limiting resistor is installed on the tiny circuit board). I think I paid $1.50 for the flasher circuit which you have to add the supplied components. I think WeHonest is the supplier I got the mini flasher circuit board from. Other modelers have suggested reed switches and photo cells. Any ideas? I do have an Arduino and have seen the code to make the flashers flash, but I already have the flashers. I will need to find a code to use with a photo cell or reed switch to control the flasher. That's something you'll have to think about as well. Cheers from eastern TN
Hello! Were you able to find a fix for that? I have used the photocells for mine. WeHonest sells some. They’re not the smallest I’ve seen, but once you have them in and ballasted around them, your eye doesn’t notice unless you’re looking for them. They’ve worked pretty good for me. -Mike
I'm interested, but I will wait until the circuit board video is out, and what you have to say about installation and set up.
Hi! You bet…I will make sure to give an update once I get those wired up and going! -Mike
I would have hoped by now that part 2 would be posted. Cannot find it on your channel. 😮💨
Hi there! Thanks for watching. My apologies for the delay on getting new content out in recent weeks. Life kept me away from the layout room. But, I should be back on track now and look forward to rolling new stuff out.
@@MainTrack thanks for the response. one more question... how long is the threaded portion of the signal? with 1" of pink foam on top of 1/2" plywood on my n scale layout, it would have to be in excess of 1.5". from your video it does not look like they are that long. can you confirm? thanks.
Any issues with the IR sensors? I plug them in and can’t get the signal to stop flashing
Hello! I haven’t run into too many issues with my sensors yet. The only hiccup has been the signals stopping mid-train if it’s a short one- like just couple of engines, or engine with a couple of cars. To fix it, I adjusted the timing on the circuit board. Unfortunately, that means the signals keep flashing for a while after the train has passed the crossing. I’ve been working to find a better happy medium! -Mike
The main issue about Chinese signals is that they're not exactly to scale. I thought buying a pair many months ago but I decided not. Most about the black target holding the lights. And having them doubled doesn't help too. But it's a question of taste here. If the signals suits your own needs... why not using them. From my part, I mostly like Tomar and former Busch signals (now Walthers). More expensive but more to scale. Great job on weathering those MKT engines !
Hello, Luc! Thank you for watching! I agree with you on these…they certainly aren’t perfect. I did some scale measurements and compared them to some prototype installations. Most of the pieces are close-ish. The targets are indeed on the large side. I plan to swap out some of the parts with Details West parts. Tomar signals look great, but have been very hard to find in stock recently. The Walthers and Busch units are also nice, and I have used those in the past. But, to my eye they seem to represent more-modern units with aluminum masts. A lot of the older grade crossing signals like I’m modeling tended to be a little clunkier. But, I’ve seen a lot of variations. I will see how these do, but am certainly open to something better when I find it- or I can find it in stock. For such a common and prominent part of the railroading scene, I’m surprised we don’t have more great options from manufactures to choose from!
Thank you for the compliments! I appreciate you stopping in, Luc! -Mike
Hi Mike, I also got to confess that I'm not a big Athearn fan... I'm glad that it's a better fit for you. Every time I buy one of their engines, it's like a pain in the ass to make them run properly. I had a bunch of Athearn engines but I decided to get red of them. All I got is a few MP15ac on witch I had to put time to upgrade the running and put DCC and sound decoders with a Keep alive unit. Now we're talking...
About signals... you have no idea on how I agree with you. Not many options on the market. I said I find Busch signals a bit more interesting BUT they're easy to break and I hate their too smalls copper wires. As for Tomar, I think you must order directly on their website. Pretty expensive. If I didn't like crossing signals that much, I would put wood and metal model Railroad crossing signs and it would make it. What are trains without signals ? Keep on your good work. LUC
Can I use these signals on a conventional layout no dcc I have 3 rail o gauge layout
Hello! I would say you could. The signals themselves are not connected to my track or DCC system. They operate with independently with sensors and a circuit board powered with a conventional AC adapter. While the seniors are burning in the track bed, there is no connection to the layout wiring. They’re still working well for me! -Mike
These signals are going for 22.00 now I do some business with them here an there
Hello! Well, the price of everything in life is going up it seems. That’s still a pretty good deal compared to many others out there. I’m glad I stocked up on mine while the prices were lower. I’ll likely buy a few more. -Mike
Hi Mike, nice video I do N scale and have dealt with WeHonest and they are just fine. I got scenery items from them. I would buy from them again. This item looks pretty good regardless of the price. Who mkes the sound board? Keep on track.
Hello! Thank you! It’s good to hear you’ve had a positive experience with them. A while back, I saw a a plug and play add-on speaker for the WeHonest board. I plan to add that when I can find one. Now that I need one, I can’t find them. That’s luck! Ha. I appreciate you watching! -Mike
Looks good Mike! Will these signals be automated some how, or will it be a simple on/off switch?
Thank you! Yes, the circuit board I ordered includes sensors you wore between the rails. So, we shall see how it works! Otherwise, there are some other good options out there for crossing detection and operation.
Can't find them can you please provide a link thank you
Hello! You bet. I will post those here and in the description, too. There are several versions, but here are the two I used:
Without “Stop On Red Signal” sign:
www.ebay.com/itm/402804649967?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_57RYB3pRiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gAZHkFaBSMW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
With “Stop On Red Signal” Sign:
www.ebay.com/itm/154224853910?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_57RYB3pRiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gAZHkFaBSMW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Are there any available for N Scale?
Hi, Andrew! I haven't seen any N scale signals in their eBay store. However, I do see some on their website. It looks like they've got some good choices for N guys! -Mike
What was the item # at ebay . Because I really thinking about getting some for my MKT layout I have been building the 3 years.
Hi, Donald. Yes...I've had issues finding in eBay searches, too. Here are links to the item:
Without “Stop On Red Signal” sign:
www.ebay.com/itm/402804649967?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_57RYB3pRiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gAZHkFaBSMW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
With “Stop On Red Signal” Sign:
www.ebay.com/itm/154224853910?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_57RYB3pRiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gAZHkFaBSMW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Does wehobest make o scale signals
Hello! Yes, it looks like they produce other scales, too, including O. However, I’m only able to find the O versions on their website- wehonest.net
I hope that helps! -Mike
What was the link o missed it is their s web site
Hi, Richard. This have purchased mine from their store on eBay, but you can also find the website at www.wehonest.net. I hope that helps! -Mike
Not sure what's going on at the start. At 0:20, you look like you've green-screened the background onto an 8-bit colour version of yourself, and somebody's paintballed you right in the glasses. But great content, as always!
Hey there! No green screen tricks here. Ha. Long story short, my LED panels aren’t playing well with a coating on my new glasses lenses…that’s a reflection from the lights on the glasses. I’ll be working on a fix for that. I appreciate you watching! -Mike
@@MainTrack Ah, makes sense. And I guess there's either a yellow seam across the shoulders of your shirt, or a strange lighting effect there.