Sunday, February 3, 2008
Model Operation
I rec'd a newsletter today from the I-80 NMRA group that covers the area around Punxsutawney, PA. (ironic because it was groundhog day). Interesting bunch of guys who seem to have the same issues all groups are facing- limited involvement. Always the same names in each newsletter like the Winnebagoland Whistle here in my Div. of the NMRA. The question that was posed by the editor and answered by several regulars was "What Is Model RR Operation"? Like porn, most people can't describe it but know it when they see it! It seems to me that operation is the realistic movement of cars and trains across a layout. What do you think is the best way to achieve this? Look for my Easy Model Railroading Operations Page to be online soon. It will be linked to my website at www.marksmodelrailroading.com
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2 comments:
Ever since the Commodore 64 was introduced, I looked for computerized ops software to take the place of car cards. I had used car cards but didn't like all the paper and my operators couldn't remember to shift cards.
About 12 years ago I discovered Shipit! by Albion Software (http://www.albionsoftware.com/).
I does everything I wanted, prototypically. My operators only need to look at a printed switchlist on a standard printed sheet and it tells them where to go, what to set out and what to pick up.
Once the data is all entered, the computer generates the sessions and I rarely need to change anything in the program.
Bob Wundrock
Bob is right-on with regards to Ship-It. I have a similar program and prefer it over the car-cards for the same reasons. However, car cards are still a staple in the hobby and when set-up right are just as good provided everyone is on the same page using them.
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