I fanaly got the program running, not the fault of the program just my time. It is very neat and will make running trains more fun.
I do not recommed this program for a small layout that can be run with car cards. I DO recommend it for any switching layout since it will keep you from doing the same moves every time.
The SHORT version of what you do is:
-
Enter all Cars, description, road, number etc
-
Enter all Locos, description, road, number etc
-
Enter all the towns and towers for reference points on the route (Locations in the program)
-
VERY IMPORTANT, name ALL sidings and tracks in all locations. Yards, MOW, Industry (Fuel depot not just siding)
-
Locate ALL cars and Engines on the layout. Engines by towns, Switchers by towns and cars by Siding and track names.
6 Make up routes easy to do once you have done Item 4
-
Name your trains. Example: Train# 100, Mixed Freight, Leaves at 9:03am Froom Town “A” to Town “G” stops at Towns “C”, “E” and “F” assign this train a route.
-
Push the AUTO BUILD button and the program does everything else including a Form 19, Switch list, Manifest and forwarding list. No two autobuilds will be the same until all your cars have been moved from their starting points. See Item 5.
Rating this program on a 1 to 10 scale:
Cost= 1 $139.95
Install=10 Very easy
Learning curve=6 If you undestand windows a little and FOLLOW the start-up guide it is a 10.
Enter data= 2 Takes a LOT of time
Time saved after input= 10 No more writing car cards and a manifiest.
Dispatcher= 10 You draw a diagram and the dispatcher works it like a video game moving the trains around the board
Drawing Diagram=-1 This takes ALL the time. You can use a BMP or vector to draw it. (Mine is still not done.
Scheduling trains= 10 Shows where and when your trains meet so ou can plan sidings and passing.