As far as PC control goes...how about this?


This is 'Wunderland' in Hamburg. It is not our gauge, but still...

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ACkmg3Y64_s?rel=0

For me, the goal is trains from a hand-held DCC throttle, points from a mimic panel (but still DCC so I can override from the throttle if I want), automatic signalling - but without a computer in the sense of a PC, I spend too much time on a PC for a living.  Gadget-boxes from the likes of Digitrax and CML fascinate me, and I love the idea of programming up all the control logic on a limited device, so I'll only get a green signal when the points aren't set against me, the block ahead is clear, the next signal is either green or yellow, etc.

I like signalling.  You may be able to tell

Totally agree with PLD - the variations of peoples pleasure is endless and so it should remain with no-one person being right or wrong in their choice of operations.

currently im comfortable with standard DCC control and hand moving points via rodas and levers, i like to feel moving the points, but in the future? im a bit of a techno junkie so controlling my layout from an ipad etc i think i'd give it a go if the setup costs arent astronomical,,,

My DCC set up uses an Iphone or Android phone/tablet as the controller.

Ahem if I ever get round to building a decent sized layout ie more than 1 point  then I will go for route setting (and possibly automation) by PC.

Cheers, Mike

Quote from: red_death on March 28, 2012, 04:32:52 PM
My DCC set up uses an Iphone or Android phone/tablet as the controller.

Ahem if I ever get round to building a decent sized layout ie more than 1 point  then I will go for route setting (and possibly automation) by PC.

Cheers, Mike

I go for route setting via diode matrix. 

Analogue, even though i have a lot of DCC compatible stuff.
My imagination is enough for sound, a couple of days sat at an exhibition sat next to a 00 diesel depot DCC noise generator and 27 years of being round the real thing is enough noise for me.

I'm happy with DCC control for the trains and a mimic panel with switches and LEDs for points control. What I really want to do next is develop the scenery to a high level of realism and create some very detailed little dioramas within that.

Quote from: tim-pelican on March 28, 2012, 01:50:02 PM

I like signalling.  You may be able to tell

Tim, have you ever looked at http://www.simsig.co.uk

I learned a lot about signalling there.

anyway... back to topic!

Mark

Quote from: scruff on April 05, 2012, 11:01:32 AM
Tim, have you ever looked at http://www.simsig.co.uk

I learned a lot about signalling there.

Yes, them, and the PC Rail sims as well, but thanks

I don't get alot out of building layouts and scenery. My hat goes off to all of those guys out there who do.
The way I see it, I just want to play trains, building it just gets in the way of play-time. I suppose it's because I build and install things for a living, don't look forward to coming home and using hand tools again.

If someone built and produced a rtr layout to my liking, I would buy it even if it was expensive. I also like rtr locos and stock as building them myself doesn't appeal that much although I have had a few succesful results before when I put my mind to it.

Latest layout is hand built but on the blocks at moment. Over the moon when grafar and hornby starting releasing rtr scenery in liddle end and scenecraft.

Quote from: OwL729 on April 05, 2012, 07:37:23 PM
I don't get alot out of building layouts and scenery. My hat goes off to all of those guys out there who do.
The way I see it, I just want to play trains, building it just gets in the way of play-time. I suppose it's because I build and install things for a living, don't look forward to coming home and using hand tools again.

If someone built and produced a rtr layout to my liking, I would buy it even if it was expensive. I also like rtr locos and stock as building them myself doesn't appeal that much although I have had a few succesful results before when I put my mind to it.

Latest layout is hand built but on the blocks at moment. Over the moon when grafar and hornby starting releasing rtr scenery in liddle end and scenecraft.

I completely understand where you are coming from Dave, I guess its a bit like a motor mechanic that fixes cars all day but his own car blows a load of smoke, or maybe a panel beater who's car is full of dents.

So long as you are enjoying what you do yourself thats great, you only have to please yourself