About Our Signs

We strive for realism - not a toy-like appearance.

Our precision cut, precisely scaled signs are made from a durable, premium grade paper product. Prototypes are made on a mathematically-derived scale based on research of original signage size.

Because our signs are not thick plastic toys, with rough handling they can break.  To lessen the chance of breakage, TVCM designers always: 

  • Use your choice of scale 4x4 or 6x6 bass wood (not weaker balsa) posts.
  • Use real metal (steel or aluminum) posts, fit to as close to scale as possible.  (Due to material size constraints, Aluminum Posts are only available for S and O scales - they are too large for N and HO scales.
  • Use rail posts made from Code 40, 55, 70, 83, 100, 125 or 148 nickel silver rail. Many railroads repurposed old rail of any weight they had on hand to mount their signs.

Scale bass wood 4"x4" posts are, of course, more fragile than scale 6"x6" posts, especially in N Scale.  We mostly prefer the look of scaled 4"x4" over the 6"x6" wood posts, but either size is prototypical.

Installation:

For a prototypical appearance, mount highway signs so that the bottom of the sign is a scale 7' above the ground.  Your railroad company runs trains; you don’t need the hassle of scale figures filing negligence lawsuits when they bump their little heads on low signs. We give you plenty of post to trim as necessary!

Removal from package:

Signs are mounted to double-sided tape with a piece of cardstock placed over them to hold them in place. It’s best to carefully cut the cardstock on either side of the posts, then gently pry the posts off of the tape.  We find bent fine needle tweezers work best for lifting the signs off of the tape.  We make every effort to make sure your signs are packaged and boxed safely so they arrive to you undamaged.  

Production:

Most of our signs are hand cut. Why? Machine cut signs lack a realistic crisp edge, and sign edges are as important as the front and back. Sometimes signs are made to order, so it might take us a few days to make, package and ship your signs. We ship every Tuesday to save trips to the post office, sometimes more often when we can.

We'd love to see photos of the signs on your layout! Please email photos to support@tennesseevalleycustoms.com