Technology and the hobby

[Anonymous]

In the February issue of MR, Terry has put forward some interesting arguements in his very well written "What if?" editorial. I do agree that technology has advanced substentially over a relatively short period of time making some aspects of the hobby more interesting for many.

Though Terry seemed to be looking in the future for alternative methods of wiring layouts, I look forward to wiring mine and I think that other less technical aspects of the hobby will be my challenge. I have to admit, however, that when we do think of the future, technology will most certainly offer more options for us to explore.

Now for the question: do you think that technological advancements have contributed significantly to the increase cost of the hobby? And what would like to see? That is within the realm of reality[:)].

[trolleyboy]

Well we have sound so I suppose the next "sence"would be smell,a real smoking noisy diesel or a real nice coal smell from the hudson at the station. I'll pass on the stockyard or the animal rendering plant though[xx(] You are right though the more technical the more :bling" to use the modern word' Myself so far I've shunned DCC and sound but I'm guessing that if the right BLI steamer shows up sound won't be an option any more. TB

[IRONROOSTER]

I think that the advance of the plastics has enabled more realistic models. Hard to say if that has caused price increases or they would have come anyway. DCC of course costs more, but it's optional.

The technological advance that I would like to see is the machine that produces parts on demand. You feed a plan in and get a set of parts out for a PRR K2 pacific as it appeared when built or a 1906 Santa Fe box car or some other model or your own design all at a reasonable cost. Don't know if it's in the realm of possibility.

Enjoy
Paul

[jwwhite]

IRONROOSTER;

How about these?

http://www.able-engravers.com/sdp_milling_machines.htm

3D Milling machines; $3000.00 - $20,000.00

Put the plans in, out comes your model. One even includes a scanner attachment so you can scan an object and then reproduce it!

[ericboone]

Paul,
The machines that make parts by simply "feeding" a plan already exist and have exsisted for at least 20 years. I have been having parts made by them for about 10 years now. They are called Stereo Lithography (SLA), Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
SLA uses an epoxy like material. A bed is flooded to approximately 0.010 inches with an epoxy like liquid. A laser is used to selectively cure the liquid. Then the bed is flooded with an addition layer of liquid and that layer is cured with a laser. This way a part is made layer by layer. This method produces very nice but not alway functional parts.
FDM essentially extrudes a small bead of plastic to form a part. These parts tend to be very strong, but the surface is very coarse. This is not necessarily good for models.
SLS is like SLA except a fine powered of plastic is used instead of the liquid "epoxy". This also tends to produce a rough surface texture.
Assuming you have 3D CAD software to create the "plans" already, a SLA model of a typical HO scale house or city building would likely run about $200. Even for a small part, expect a bare minimum $50 cost. (This is mainly setup costs.) Thus for modeling purposes, it is not yet cost effective compared to other methods. However, as technology improves, prices will drop.
I heard a rumor that HP was going to make a desktop 3D paper printer in the $1000 range. 3D paper printers make 3D parts by building up layers of paper.
Below is a good website explaining some of the varios rapid prototyping methods.
http://www.me.psu.edu/lamancusa/rapidpro/primer/chapter2.htm

Eric

[ericboone]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwwhite

IRONROOSTER;

How about these?

http://www.able-engravers.com/sdp_milling_machines.htm

3D Milling machines; $3000.00 - $20,000.00

Put the plans in, out comes your model. One even includes a scanner attachment so you can scan an object and then reproduce it!

Don't forget about the cost of software to create the 3D models and convert those models into an NC program to run the mill. This does not even count the cutting tooling. I would add about another $3000, not including a basic 3D CAD package.

[Fergmiester]

Warning:Technology has the potential of making us boring people!

It's true. If new technology makes this hobby too simple then the feeling of achievement and accomplishment will be lost. Striving to make something from raw materials is what truly makes this hobby great.

Instant gratification is our worse nightmare and enemy.

Fergie

[grayfox1119]

Ok, try this on guys. I am 65, and DO remember going out on a morning such as TODAY, with, snow, ice and cold, and sitting on a two holer and using the old sears catalog for paper. I remember the iceman coming to put a block of ice in to the icebox ( refrigerator of the old days for you young guys). , and going to the well for water, later the pump handle was in the kichen sink. ( wow, what will they think of next!) Do I miss those old days? Believe it or not, sometimes I do, but then I wake up to reality and enjoy my coffee on a warm "John" with INSIDE running water.
The point is guys, like it or not, technology marches on, and for the most part, for the better of humanity.
What I forsee for our hobby:
1. DC will still be around until it passes into the history book along with the last of the users.

2. DCC will see many improvements and enhancements, like no wire connections, but rather xmitted signals (RF) back and forth from every possible control, switches, locos, signals, operation of dumpers, real life action of factories, lights in the buildings, the list can be quite extensive.

3. Tiny sensors will transmit and receive signals to do all this with no wires needed. They will operate on very low voltage tiny button batteries.

4. Water will not be fake, there will be running water in the rivers and mountain streams cascading down the slopes, again, run my very small, ultra efficient micro pumps.

5. Software and computer systems will allow you to operate like never before usinf those tiny sensors. You will be able to detect and see visually any derailments, cameras mounted at key locations and in the engines will be far more efficient than those in use today.

But, for those who do not want to embrace new technology......you can still do as much or as little as YOU desire. But I point to one thing, for eons, we used DC, now look at how many are using DCC from the start, and how many have converted over!!!
Technology marches on!!!!

***

[Anonymous]

And my wallet marches OUT!! he he.