On this page, you find information about:
- how to build an Austrian light main signal with LEGO bricks,
- equipping the it with lights,
- automating the signal with a MattzoLayoutController.
Media
I have created a video about light main signals:
Deutsche Version:
About the signal
The signal was designed by Matthias Runte of MattzoBricks in 2026.
Shape and functionality is based on Austrian standard main signal (Standardhauptsignal) that is used on all Austrian major railroads since 1980.
Options
The panel of the signal has always the same standard shape. Nevertheless, some aspects of the signal are optional. So it’s your choice if you just build the standard functions, or integrate all bells and whistles.
Basic functions
The signal always has a green and a red light.
Speed restrictions
The signal can be equipped with a an additional green and yellow light. These indicate in combination with the upper green light that the train may pass with max. 60km/h or 40 km/h (if not otherwise instructed).
Departure
An additional small green blinking light below the upper green light indicate that the conductor has cleared the train for departure (Abfahrt).
Shunting clearance
The train may pass the signal into the next section of the track. Does not include a clearance to operate on the main track.
Replacement aspect
The signal does not operate normally. The train may pass the red signal (“Ersatzsignal”)
Colocated distant signal
At the position of the main signal, a distant signal for the next main signal can be colocated.
Please note that distant signals are required to show a blank signal aspect (all lights off) when a colocated main signal shows the stop aspect (red). In the Mattzobricks Train Automation System 2.0, this behaviour can be set in Rocrail in the signal settings of the main signal.
See the Austrian light distant signal page for more details.
Building Instructions
The signal is similar to build like the German light main signal. On the page of the German light main signal, there are some building instructions, which you may find useful.
The required parts are also quite similar to the mentioned German signal.
Automation
The signal is automated with a MattzoLayoutController (MLC). The MLC receives commands from Rocrail and lights up the correct LEDs for the current signal aspect.
Find more details about the MLC here.
To use the MLC with signals is described here.
In the firmware, there is an example configuration file called “MLC_conf_Complex_Light_Signals.h”. This is a configuration files designed for the MLC mega. This is a good starting point for you. Modify the file depending on the features that the variant of your signal has, and the aspects that it should be able to show.
Enjoy!