Remembering what's running

@lionelflyer posted:

I find with 4 tracks (each with it's own ID) and 4 trains running, I have a difficult time remembering the engine ID for whatever is running on each track.

I have an idea to use an old flat screen TV with built in WiFi to put up over the layout that shows what engine (ID) is running and on what track.  I think this could be broadcast to the TV from a computer, either desktop or laptop.

Has anyone here created such a program?  I think this would kind of look like a dispatch board seen in railroad stations (not that I've been in one in a million years).  I usually use the last two digits on the engine number as the ID so just posting the engine number would be sufficient, although things like a sound diner or operating crane might need to be handled differently.

LionelFLyer

The easiest way to get this done is a white board or chalk board. Simply put the words "In Service" than the track numbers with the engine ID/cab numbers. That's how it was done on the PennCentral.

I like the idea of a white board.  I found and downloaded Microsoft Whiteboard.  I should be able to set up a template showing what is running on what track and then project the screen to a flat panel TV over the layout.

Thanks for the help.

LionelFlyer

@lionelflyer posted:

I like the idea of a white board.  I found and downloaded Microsoft Whiteboard.  I should be able to set up a template showing what is running on what track and then project the screen to a flat panel TV over the layout.

Thanks for the help.

LionelFlyer

Please, do keep us posted on how you are doing with this, really like this idea.

Ray

Interesting. But aren't some of you making this too complicated? My engine IDs are simply the last 2 digits of the cab number. And if they're running on the layout, then they are "in service." Simple, no matter how many loops you have or how many engines are running on the layout.

There are several solutions that work. I like simplicity without adding more items to look at. I can run 4 trains at at the same time on my layout. There are three mainlines, mainline 1, at 190', accommodates two trains. As Vern suggest, how the engines are assigned TMCC ID's is a good start. Unfortunately in S gauge the numbering system cannot always be just the last two digits because of the cab numbering overlaps between American Models and Lionel engines. I use the first two digits of the AM engines and the last two of the Lionel engines. There are still about 10 conflicts which need a one off ID assigned.

To run four trains I just use two Cab2's since each Cab2 toggles between two engines. The two trains on line one are on one of the Cab2's, the trains on Lines 3 and 4 are on the other. Works for me. If I need to quick look up an engine ID the entire roster is listed on the iPad screen in the LCS "Roster" view.

How do you toggle between 2 engines using the cab 2 remote? Can this be done with the WiFi app?

@Yellowstone Special posted:

Interesting. But aren't some of you making this too complicated? My engine IDs are simply the last 2 digits of the cab number. And if they're running on the layout, then they are "in service." Simple, no matter how many loops you have or how many engines are running on the layout.

I'm with you Verne!  This is exactly how I do it.  Never a problem using this simple yet effective method.

I use the last number or 2, or some combination of the engine number if I’ve run out of possible numbers

@amtrack5899 posted:

How do you toggle between 2 engines using the cab 2 remote? Can this be done with the WiFi app?

Push ENG and the other number comes up