DIGITAL CONVERGENCE

[Anonymous]

is a term used to describe the integration of computer technology into everyday objects. In prototype locomotives, it takes the form of monitor screens that replace the traditional gauges and lights. GE calls their system Integrated Function Control, while EMD calls their system Fully Integrated Railroad Electronics (FIRE). Air brake systems also play a part. Wabtec's EPIC and New York Air Brake's CCB II systems complete the "glass cockpit" seen in a modern diesel. In model railroading, the technology exists NOW for our toy trains to reap the same kind of benefits that the "big boys" have. Simulation software such as Auran Trainz and Microsoft Train Simulator have spawned a cottage industry of programmers who write plug in software to provide additional virtual locomotives and entire virtual rail routes. Now, at least one company, Raildriver ( www.raildriver.com ) is p[roducing sets of full sized locomotive controls to be used to control the simulations. In my opinion, the next step would be to integrate the I/O (prototype-like controls) the hardware (Personal Computers), the software (train simulation and Command Control software), and the external devices (our trains and related hardware) to create a complete virtual railroading envoronment. This revolution will not occur overnight, but it will be forthcoming. because, believe it or not, the technology exists NOW!, it just has to be tied together. A few years from now we will sit down and run our trains EXACTLY as a real life engineer would.

[lionelsoni]

And it will feature all the reliability, durability, and robustness that we have come to expect from personal computers, software, and digital train control!

[Anonymous]

The computer I use to post to this forum is over 3 years old and has never had a major failure. Yes these systems are reliable and getting moreso all the time.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if this is what Neil Young and Lou Kovach have in mind?

[lionelsoni]

Chacun a son gout.

[Anonymous]

Chacun a son gout.

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[lionelsoni]

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=chacun+a+son+gout

[Anonymous]

Non parlez-vous Francais.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by johnblair

A few years from now we will sit down and run our trains EXACTLY as a real life engineer would.

Does that mean:

... I'll finally get paid for this?

...that on some days, I'll have to do it even if I wanted to do somthing else (like fishing?)

...that my life, and the lives of countless other people will depend on my experience, skills, and abilities?

[:)]