Running model engines like real engines

I think that MTH either has a new app for iPad or is working on one that is probably intended to replace the remote device with their DCS system.  Don't know the details since I don't own an ixxx.

The company that manufactures the train software simulator control box (http://www.raildriver.com) was working on a software interface that would allow the user to use their control box with real model railroad units.  Don't know if that ever happened or if they are still working on it.

 It would be nice if the sounds where automatically changed so they are more dynamic. The engine would go into drift when it's not working hard. Guys wouldn't have to turn the volume down because it gets annoying. You wouldn't have to hold a button on the remote or accelerate so hard to get labored chuff. QSI has a nice "sound of power" that is closer to this.

 I really should have gone to computer control by now. It's fun to watch the trains instead of having to sweat over every button push.

Here's my TMCC diesel controller. It's crude but it's a lot more prototypical than the CAB-1. Besides throttle and brake handles there are significant changes to the way it operates compared to the CAB-1. The CAB-1 uses toggle commands for functions such as direction, lights, etc. My controller uses the absolute commands so that when you throw the direction switch the engine will be in whatever direction the switch is in. Same with lights. When the light switch is in the on position the lights will be on. Big difference is in throttle operation. When throttling down there is much more realistic momentum so that you have to use the brake handle. And unlike the CAB-1 the engine doesn't resume speed but remains at whatever speed you braked to. 

First of all, good job on the diesel controller!  I like it.  Over the years, I can remember seeing a couple of different versions of the cab of a locomotive for running scale trains, one other one that was diesel, one that was steam.  Nothing wrong with creating a more realistic controller.

But, back to the idea of having software simulate the operation of a steam locomotive for a scale model - the concept reminds me of the times I have tried to run a steam locomotive on a train simulator type program.  Now mind you, I'm no stranger to steam - don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming I'm on the level of Rich or Hot Water, I have a lot of respect for them - but I've ran antique steam traction engines and live steam locomotives since I was a teenager.  What I've found out about the simulators... they ain't the same as having your hand on the throttle.  Not even close.  While they do a fine job of recreating the look of a locomotive's backhead, they cannot do justice to the sounds, feedback and feel of something under steam.  I get the same impression when I play a car driving game, or a motorcycle racing game.  No matter how good the interface and graphics, it doesn't feel anything like actually driving a car or riding a motorcycle.  I can't remember the name of the train simulator program I have, but I get frustrated trying to run a steamer on it... I do boneheaded things I would never screw up in real life, and it seems to be because I am missing visual, audible and tactile clues that I'm used to on a live steam locomotive.  I guess I feel like these things on a model locomotive would be as frustrating to me as on the simulators or video games.  Yes, it would be a fair attempt to mimic the operation of a steamer, but it still couldn't come close to successfully recreating the experience of being on or actually running the locomotive.  But, that's just my two cents, your mileage may vary.  And if that is how someone likes to operate their trains, then by all means, use it and enjoy!

Gary E - your controller is pretty impressive; I personally find the CAB-1 adequate for

my "realism demands", but I can see enhancing it - so long as it's not required, of

course.

If I really want that kind of detail, I go with a train simulator.  My toy trains are just that, toys, and I have no interest in getting any more realistic.  Sure, sometimes it's fun to strap my iPhone to a flat car and get a ride along video to watch, but I don't need it to drive my trains.  About all the more tech I want is to have an iPhone app that gives me the same functions as my Cab-1, but with a nice GUI.

This is really old school, but my favorite controller from my 30 years in HO was this one:

While primitive by today's standards it had more of a feel of running a real locomotive over the standard conventional controllers of the day.  The momentum circuit was a whole knew kind of excitement when you realize you are running on the wrong track and come up on another train unexpectedly!

For me personally, a physical controller would be more interesting only because I spend most of my day behind a computer and / or my smart phone so a physical controller would be my release from constant computer interaction.  Being on the DC side of O scale, I'd love to use my old MRC cab controls again, but I don't think they have the HP for O scale motors.

The old Lionel TMCC cab 1 does this with slight turns of the throttle knob, speeding up or slowing down, 8- 15 levels of intensity depending on the model.

Legacy does goes even farther by allowing you to create a load, or lessen the load with a slider on the remote and the engine will work harder or drift based on the amount of throttle put against the load, chuffs get deeper or lighter, diesels "thump" louder or softer.   Legacy smoke output also varies as the "load" changes.

No hard accelertaion or braking required.

In addition once your momentum is set to a realistic amount turning the throttle back below zero applies the brakes, which will squeal and grind until the loco finally rolls to a stop, quite realistic.

I like this idea Daniel.

Daniel,

First, I wanted to congratulate you on your recent OGR article.  Great idea AND a great article!

I like some of the ideas you've listed here... wouldn't it be nice if the train manufacturers gave us the control codes?  (Ok MTH, I'll stop harping on that one!)  But, if they did, a different interface of our own design could talk to a computer that could send codes to the train on the track.

Keep brainstorming!

Ed

I'd like to see something like this Train Cab Control connected to the Lionel Legacy System but smaller. 

Regards,

Swafford

Each person has wants and desires, if I wanted to fly airplanes, I would but I like trains, I have plenty of fun with conventional and Legacy. I wish all you folks that want to control your layouts at work, power to you but I want to see mine run 2-3 feet in front of me.

Brent

Thank you for the kind words, Ed! 

And thanks to all for sharing your input.  I appreciate learning more about what you enjoy about your train control, and sharing some of my thoughts!