I use a fast clock program I wrote in the op sessions on the Siskiyou Line.
The program allows chosing speed ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:15, 1:30, or 1:60.
You can pause the clock whenever you want, or you can quickly reset the time to any hour or minute.
You can download the free software by going here:
Thanks Joe!
I’ve saved this thread for future use on my upcoming layout. Definitly want a fast clock since I’ll be running scheduled passenger service.
Cheers!
Thanks Joe, that is extremely helpful!
Yeah, thank you! Fast clocks are our friends.
Any chance of a version for Linux, or source code?
Allen
I have my ancient DOS one I wrote some 8-10 years ago. If anyone is interested.
Allen:
Been thinking about doing a Java version since I do Java development in my real job.
The version above is in Visual Basic, and takes advantage of the MS Timer object, which would not translate over very well into anything besides MS Basic.
So a Java version is in order … maybe I’ll see what I can “whip up” over the holidays. A Java version has the advantage it will run on anything you can get a JVM for, which includes Linux.
I downloaded it, and since I’ll have passenger trains, it will be used
Glad to see some of you can use this program.
If you want to change time ratios during a session, you can do so. Just pause the clock, reset the time ratio, and then start the clock again.
thanks for sharing! [tup]
Could someone explain the principle of using a fast clock to operate a model railroad.Sorry if this question seems dumb.I have heard the term fast clock used many times,but I don’t know how to apply it to operations. Is it a minute = scale miles traveled?
Since our layouts are by necessity compressed (for example on my HO Siskiyou Line, I have 6 scale miles of mainline that represents about 130 miles of the prototype line … that’s a compression of just over 20:1), it makes sense to also speed up the clock so it can take hours (apparently) instead of mere minutes to traverse the line.
On my Siskiyou Line, I run an 8:1 fast clock to simulate this. Instead of taking 10 minutes to go from Eugene staging to Roseburg (a distance of about 60 miles on the prototype, but only about 2.5 scale miles on my HO layout), at 8:1 it will take an apparent 80 minutes.
Much more reasonable, especially if you run passenger trains, which are much more time sensitive than most freight trains.
Thank you for the reply,Iam just beginning to get into operations and all the info.I can get is greatly appr.I know that alot of you have great amounts of knowledge and the fact you are willing to share it only makes this hobby and this forum such a wonderfull place to be involved.
Glad you like it.
One of these days I hope to do a version that doesn’t require MS Windows, but that will run on Linux and OS X too.
This is also good for the newbies here that have shown interest in “railroad operations”, regardless of layout size or scale!
Cheers and High Greens![:D][;)][8D][8)]
Thanks for the digital version, but does anyone know how to build an analogue version, as my train room is some considerable distance from my computer.
Thanks
Ian
It shouldn’t be to difficult to write this program. An analog version would require a little extra work to move the hands of the clock. The digital ones are much easier because it doesn’t require the extra graphics work. Challenger, if you have trouble reading the display perhaps a digital version that displays the numbers in a much larger font (size) would help. The numbers could be made 4 or 5 inches tall (on a 17 inch monitor). That would allow you to see from a good distance away.
The size of font isn’t the issue for me, its the position of the computer in the front room, hidden by walls, doors and benchwork to my position in the train room where I’m in front of the operation desk. Perhaps I should start a new topic on this?!
Thanks anyway
Ian
Thanks alot Joe, I will be using it on my laptop computer for scheduled passenger trains!
Thanks again,
Chtis