Javelin395

GENERAL OUTLINE OF WHAT'S GOING ON...
Thought I'd share with you guys a little project that myself (Javelin395) and Philip (F1p) are developing together. Some of you may be aware that last year, F1p developed a rather nifty bit of software for those who know the basics on programming HTML codes. This was a very useful bit of software, and once it was released, I decided to do a bit of altering to the codes to fit it to work on a computer. So far so good. But, I've recently decided to take on a challenge which is very ambitious, and before I go on about it, I'd like to say a big thank you to Phil who's been very patient with me asking lots of questions about the coding, and without him, I wouldn't be here talking about our big development. So, onto what it actually is about.

Some of you may be aware of 'TOPS' screens (or more technically known as TRUST screens) which can be found in every single staffed station across the railway network in this country. These are screens that display each and every train stopping and passing each station, and together, is a very complex system providing staff with the information they need. There are different variations of these screens, but I've managed to secure some photographs to use of a particular variation to which I'm basing my project upon.

The project is based upon a lot of very complicated coding, so much that you really need to take actual lessons to understand even the simplest of ones used. Over the summer holidays, I am going to be building this system around an every-day browser, allowing anyone to load it and get it working in order to make it a free download once I'm happy with it.

WHAT IS IT FOR?
The TRUST screens that I'm putting together have two purposes that I can think of. One is for those who want to run their model railway using these screens, a bit like a timetable, but a digital version. And two, it is being designed around the real screens so those who want to get to know how you operate them can use my screens to get to grips with it. Think of it as a simulator.

WHY DO I WANT IT?
This may not be for everyone, but for those who want to work on the railways, then one of the things that all employees come face to face with are the TRUST screens, and so when you actually get a job, you'll impress the managers! Or, if you're wanting to make your model railway a bit more realistic, then these screens can be customised to your specification.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
My aim is for these screens to be a completely free offline version of the real screens. My knowledge of the screens isn't great, but the main homepage as seen at the bottom of this post is showing all the trains due in the next hour or so with their headcodes, last report and other buttons to link to other pages. I am having a tutorial on how the systems work very shortly and will then think what I am able to do and so will let you know, when it's available for download, what it can do.

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF IT ONCE IT'S READY?
Once myself and Philip are happy with it, we will both host it on our websites for a free download for you to get straight onto your computer instantly.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE IT?
So far, I'm not too sure how I'm going to make it user-friendly, but I'll make sure you all know once everything is finalised.

WILL YOU KEEP US UPDATED WITH PROGRESS?
Defiantly, the MRL forums along with Philip's website F1p will have constant updates when progress has been made.

WHAT FEATURES WILL IT HAVE?
As I've said in the intro post, I'm not too sure, but it will come with full instructions on how to use it. A tutorial video is something I'm going to try and get done too.

I WANT TO REGISTER MY INTEREST, WHAT DO I DO?
I absolutely love people showing interest in projects I do. All you need to do is post a comment in this topic or contact myself through the forums about your interest.


Well, that's all I can say! And I shall leave you all with a photograph of the progress that I'm currently up to with it all. I've got it set up for my layout Basford Parkway but you will be able to enter your own details once it's published.

Regards
Jack

Title says it all! Hattons have brought some of the Heljan 86s prices down by quite a lot! RRP £130+, Hattons around £50!

BARGAIN!

http://www.ehattons....ass 86 electric

Das Denken ist eine schlechte Sache…

And for those who don't speak German:

Thinking is a bad thing...

So, there I was, happily browsing my photographs from the holidays of the past, then suddenly, I came across this photograph (which is actually my step-dad's who was with me on the holiday):



For those who don't properly know me, I love German railways. Their reliability, their adventureous network and their rather impressive stock. This photo was taken back in 2008 when I went to a little town called Hornberg which, for those who are interested, is deep in the heart of the beautiful landscape that is the Black Forest (Schwarzwald... I think). Other than a big toilet which was pretty impressive, was that breath-taking view across the viaduct. There were two main passenger services - the more frequent DB-regio service as seen in the photo and a less frequent but still impressive Inter-City service using some standard regional coaches.

Now this has got me thinking. Could I, using a spare bit of board that I've got left over (yes, I do have one that isn't being used), build myself a small diorama featuring part of Hornberg? Maybe just a few carriages, no loco required?

Seriously, how hard can it be?

*famous last words*


Thoughts and comments are more than welcome

Whilst the forums have been quiet this afternoon, I have been busy revising the layout of the MRL forum index page. We've had a few members finding it hard to find certain topics or even find the right place to create topics! So behind the scenes, we've devised an ergonomic layout to which we hope you, our delightful members, will find easy to navigate around and know where things belong.

We are working on adding some more features to the forums, including competition updates on the homepage and so much more. One other page is our Files page which is where our lovely Newsletter is kept. The default settings aren't fit for what we need them to be so that will be another page to get the refurbished look soon.

If you've got any more suggestions, please contact me and we, as a team, will see what we can do.

Regards
Jack

Click here to view the article

File Name: MRL Newsletter - May 2012.pdf
File Submitter: Javelin395
File Submitted: 09 May 2012
File Updated: 09 May 2012
File Category: Newsletter

--

May 2012

by Jack Bowley

--

CLICK THE 'DOWNLOAD' BUTTON

Click here to download this file