Hi,
I am looking for ways to engage my kids in the model train layout, and wondered if anyone knows of software that would allow a kind of "game" to be played on the layout.
The software would run on a PC or tablet next to the layout. The interface would have a clock and a list of jobs to be done during the play session. Players select (or are randomly assigned) jobs and perform operations on the layout (deliver some freight from A to B, operate a 3 pm passenger run, move an engine, etc)
The clock would run fast so each game lasts maybe 30 minutes, during which player accumulate points for each completed job.
Does this kind of software exist?
thanks
KS
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I do not know of any off the shelf software like you describe.
Most software I have seen for generating switch lists (or "puzzles" if you prefer) was code to match the specific layout.
Building a timer into such a program would not be difficult.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Sounds like you may want to look into JMRI.
It can do a lot of what you want, although you'll probably have to do some of the "game" work by hand to set up and run a "play session" -- tell it where cars are, and when they've successfully been moved to the target siding, etc.
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
Nothing off the shelf, but it could make for an nteresting game. Though I'd also include a penalty for completing tasks too fast, otherwise the kids will just drive the trains liek slot cars to get as much work done in the set time limit. Or, if using DCC - restrict the speeds on the locos to something realistic for the type of loco so they can't zip around.
You could also try a Timesaver game, or the Inglenook design, but those are basically limited to switching freight cars. I know there are train shows I go to where someone has a Timesaver set up and it seems to get a decent amoutn of attention from the younger crowd. As do the train races using 3 rail tinplate equipment - not as easy as it looks because the track includes some sharp S curves so that if you go too fast your loco will fall off the tracks.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
A Compendium of Model Railroad Operations describes operating a model railroad and the jobs such as engineer, brakeman, tower operator, dispatcher, ... as a kind of role playing game!
you might start out
someone needs to decide which cars get picked up at and industry and which dropped of
someone drives the train
someone switches turnouts
someone uncouples cars
model railroad operation requires teamwork
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
One could probably spend dozens of hours coding something like this -- or an hour or two hand-writing a stack of "situation cards" to be drawn from at regular intervals.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
cuyama One could probably spend dozens of hours coding something like this -- or an hour or two hand-writing a stack of "situation cards" to be drawn from at regular intervals.
Yes, at the heart of this that is what I want to do: a stack of cards, a timer, a score table. And your "analog" solution is an easy entry. But my kids love everything with a screen, bells and whistles. And to be honest I am not far from them either The JMRI stuff looks like a way to this, but my coding skills are limited. I can mostly design GUIs and do simple scripting. If anyone's interested in working on something like this give a shout.
I don't recall JMRI needing a lot of "real" programming. But maybe it's changed that much in the last half decade...
Shoot me a pm if you need a hand (but it's been a while since I have played with jmri)