Eat your hearts out, swabbies! While you're diddling around trying to understand DCC, unilateral sine wave optimums, the cosmic black holes and other trivia... I get to sit in the cab, or hang my head out the window, and run this! (See pic below) The FRISCO is SLOOOOOWLY coming back to life via the magic of V scale!!! Bwhahahahahahahhaha!!!!! The Mighty Coonskin
For clarification: I didn't build the model. It was built by a friend/associate of mine. I was just re-enthused about my V scale Frisco project and wanted to share a pic of a V scale Frisco 700 series Consol! FWIW, I intend to "clone" this model, then renumber the clone as 2724, which would be correct for my 1904-1908 target era. In fact, I intend to use clones to create the entire series from 2724-2730. A total of seven engines from of one model! Andre Ming
Do you control all of this with a plastic keyboard, thereby minimizing the intended effect, or have you gone all out with an interface that resembles the controls in a real steam locomotive? "Enquiring minds want to know."
He probably controls it with his IPhone or Android, whichever he has. After all they both have an app available to run trains through Decoder Pro! My wife got a new Andriod phone for Christmas so I told her I wouldn't have to purchase another handheld that I need. Her response was what one would expect!
Nope, no Android, and didn't go "all out" with a cab simulator. Believe it or not, some of the diesel guys have built replica stands of EMD's AAR stand they used from about the GP30 on. Also, there is marketed a mini-desktop control set that replicates the desktop type of controls. I have one, tried it... don't actually care for it. I prefer the keyboard over using the mouse within the cab to move the sticks/etc. For running steam, I also prefer to hang my head out the cab. Doing so gives a nice view with panoramic capabilities. Below, you'll see four pics within MSTS to illustrate the concept. What you're looking at: 1. Forward view at one of my routes that is proto-lanced in the St. Paul, AR area of the Frisco. In fact, my version of St. Paul is pretty close to the pics I have of it. For good operational possibilities, I did add more rail spurs to mills than actually existed though. 2. Looking back. 3. Panning and looking down one of St. Paul's streets. 4. And finally, looking over toward some of the many sawmills that made St. Paul the self-professed "Hardwood Capital Of The World". Have fun! Andre
Iantha: Search Youtube, I recall seeing a European video of a fellow running his DCC trains using his phone. Andre Ming
Regarding the smartphone app, multiple things are needed: 1) smartphone with wireless internet capability and the railroad throttle app installed 2) wireless computer router connected to a computer 3) Decoderpro/Panelpro installed on the computer 4) Interface/cable connected between computer and DCC system Once all the hardware is in place, the Iphone has to be linked to the wireless router, the computer and then in PanelPro the Iphone connection is linked to your DCC system. (For more information do a little "googling"). For more discusssion, please start a new thread here: http://www.frisco.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?311-DCC
Turning your phone into a DCC throttle? Won't be doing that at my house . . . . I don't need another variable in my wireless command control system although Digitrax gets a strong A- from me. I need U30Bs, GP15-1s, . . . . AND scenery . . . . AND structures . . . . . AND signals . . . . . AND more cars . . .
Winning the lotto would help! But, I still need to buy a ticket! My trains [ G Scale ] are now being converted to the Aristo Train Revolution R/C control. Throttle, sound, smoke, the works! Trading the beer train for it was a good decision! Later, Dan
Wow... I've accomplished a LOT on my V scale version of the Frisco since I last posted here: * I now have the CAD program and plug-ins I need to start the learning curve on constructing my own V scale steam engines. Cool! BUT... the big news (for me) is that I have been on a track laying binge on my circa 1900's Frisco V scale "route". To that end, I've been extending the rails north out of Fort Smith (Milepost 415) and Van Buren and lo and behold... as of tonight I am north of Porter/Schaberg (Milepost 381)) and almost to Bridge Number 3! Only about 7 miles and I'll be in Winslow! My sort-of "goal" for the remaining winter is to lay track all the way through Fayette Jct., and on past Fayettville. I will then make the decision whether to shoot for Pettigrew and build the St. Paul Branch... or head on up to Monett. I know I want to include the St. Paul Branch, as well as the Black Mountain & Eastern shortline south out of Combs thereon... but whether I'll try for those first or continue north to Monett first is still up in the air. In terms of real (virtual) miles, Porter/Schaberg to Fort Smith is 34 miles, and Fort Smith to the end of the Mansfield Branch is 32 miles. That's over 66 miles of Frisco track, plus all the supporting cast (i.e. other railroads) in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region and the Coal Belt region! Below you'll find a pic denoting recent progress... however this map is now out of date, lacking many miles to the north!! Andre
After some input from fellow Friscophiles, I now have reached Fayette Jct. This place was a toughie with its double track wye. My version isn't exact... but I feel it contains the essential elements of Fayette Jct. As I learn more about this area in the 1900's, I will place industry tracks I learn about where it is practical. Below you'll find an overall track map and a closer map of Fayette Jct! Andre Ming
