Portable clamp-style signals

Portable clamp-style blue signals consist of a 12 x 15-inch (or larger) sign mounted on a staff around 40" long with a clamp at the base that attaches to the rail. The staff is set at a slight angle so the sign is near the centerline of the track. This style of signal is common on industrial and terminal tracks.

Clamp-style signals are available in NJ International’s maintenance blue signs set (no. 1308 in HO, no. 3308 in O). If you’re unable to find this set, you can make your own in seven easy steps.

First, cut a length of .015" thick brass sheet into a rectangle that’s twice the height plus the width of the railhead of the rail you plan to use ❶.

Next, fold the brass so it forms an upside down J shape extending down one side of the rail and over the top of the railhead ❷.

Fold the remainder of the brass down over the other side of the rail, forming a snug fitting upside down U shape ❸.

Once the brass has been shaped, trim it with a cutoff disc in motor tool (wear eye protection!) or a razor saw so it’s approximately 1⁄8" long ❹.

Clean any rough spots with a file or sanding stick.

Then drill a no. 73 (for .024" music wire) or no. 76 (for .020" music wire) hole in the top of the brass. This serves as the mounting hole for the scale 40" length staff. Other rigid wire could also be used. Secure the wire with solder. Once the solder has hardened, bend the wire so it extends inward over the center of the track.

Bend the top ⁄8" of the wire to be

1 vertical ❺. Then cut a scale 12 x 15-inch piece of brass strip for the sign plate and solder it to top of the staff ❻.

Finally, paint the entire assembly blue. The sign can be lettered with decals or text printed on label material ❼. The word Stop needs to be in scale 4" or larger letters. Any other words should be in scale 2" or larger letters.

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