My layout is about 15 x 15 feet and models a 1912 Nevada short line. It has progresses to the point where operations are now the next step. The layout is relatively simple with 2 yards, a couple of towns and a staging/fiddle yard. Trains will be 5-6 cars long. I’m looking for the best, straight forward operations software to use. I don’t have a lot of time so something where I enter the towns, car data, industries and trains and then it comes up with switch lists. Mac would be preferred but not totally necessary. Suggestions or ideas? - Nevin
JMRI Operations would be a start.
Caveat. With any computer system it will take time to tune it. But for a basic, to have something quick , that’s where I’d start.
Thanks, that looks like a good start. It looks like it will run on a Mac. Do I have to download the entire JMRI package or is there any way to just download the operations software?
Far as the JMRI program, after you have the program, you will need a computer interfaces that will work with your DCC system.
In my case, I use Digitrax so my computer interfaces is there PR 3.
While I have not gotten to the point of using JMRI to totally control the layout I do use it to control the throttles with my computer! I must say it makes running 3 to 10 trains at the same time very easy and enjoyable!
Cuda Ken
Not for operations.
If that’s what you want, that’s fine, of course. But real railroads in that era ran on paper, naturally. Car cards and waybills (and paper switchlists written from the waybills, if desired) would be much closer to what was actually used. Just curious why you are looking at computer-based?
I’m not trying to be contentious at all, so please don’t get me wrong. But for a relatively simple railroad set in an early era, hand-written paper seems more realistic – and usually can be set up much faster initially than a computer switchlist program.
Best of luck with your ops.
Maybe I am confusing operations for layout control. To me op’s means the computer controls the turnouts, where the trains stops and starts and which trains run.
My goal one of theses days will be to have around 9 holding tracks where the trains set. They will be heading in different directions and the computer will act as the dispatcher controlling which train is parked, then selects what train runs next and the route it takes.
Now if we are talking waybills, I totally misunderstood!
Cuda Ken
For a layout the size you’re talking about, I’d think about some form of tab on car system, like the color coded tack. I know a lot of folks don’t like the look of the tab on the car, but it is probably one of the easiest to set up because there’s no paperwork.
Of course a lot of folks also like working the paperwork, so if you’re looking for the added fun of working like a train crew from paper, Cuyama is right.
“Operations” in this context relates to the purposeful movement of railcars and trains, simulating real life. Not computer control of the model locomotives.
Nevin,
‘Software’ for ‘operation’ is going to entail some initial setup. Even the manual ‘car card/waybill’ system that does not use a computer still has a lot of setup(create a car card for each freight car/create waybills for the movements of the freight cars).
There is a $50 software package(Flex-Bill) that has very little setup(you need to enter your towns/industries), but you can generate waybills & switch lists by just entering the cars as you go. Search on the Internet - There s is a free download for testing. Our club is going to use it as we do not have to ‘keep’ the freight cars at the club, and can ‘bill’ a freight car as needed. Not the most accurate way of doing things, but will work for the majority of ‘non-operations’ modelers that the club is made up of.
Jim
Do a Google search using this phrase:
free model railroad inventory software
There are many choices.
Bob,
The OP is not looking for inventory software - He is looking for ‘Operations’ software…
Jim
Jim: I’ve found references to Flex-Bill but can’t find anywhere where it can be downloaded. Any suggestions?