switching, signals.. just tossing some things

Do you run DCC?

If you do you might look into Digitrax's signalling system that they make.

From what I have read up on it it is supposed to work really well. however you do have to do a considerable amount of wiring for all the signals and block detection.
 
If you're looking for the different type of signals and their
meaning you could go to: http://www.railroad-signaling.com/

*Signal Aspect*
aspects1.jpg