Trains are one of the cornerstones of the development of many countries.
The railroad connected one end of the U.
S.
with the other and made travel across the country possible.
They have been the lifeblood of transit even since they have declined in the passenger industry.
Even though trains have evolved over time, they still represent a part of history and are viewed as something less than high-tech.
It almost seems like a contradiction to think of using computers with model trains, but it was inevitable that it would happen.
Computers are used heavily with real trains, but is there a need for them in the model railroading hobby? There are primarily two types of computer software that can be used for model trains.
Let's look at what each one promises for the model train enthusiast.
Model Train Layout Software You can find many different software programs for designing a train track layout.
If you are proficient with a computer, it is probably much better to design on the computer before attempting to place a layout on the bench work.
Not only can you check feasibility before building your track, but some software gives you design ideas that can add some really interesting features you might not think of on your own.
The weakness of design software is generally in the mistakes you can make in data entry, and there is sure to be a learning curve if you haven't used a program before.
Although most programs are inexpensive, you have to decide if you are going to be designing a great many layouts or if you will only build one.
If you can't borrow software to design a one time train layout, it might be better to just forgo software altogether.
If you have no plans to go into model railroading for profit, you might be better off purchasing a book that contains innovative layouts other people have produced, and choosing one of them or a hybrid adaption for your own model layout.
Model Train Control Software A much more interesting topic on software is the type that can be programmed to run your engine and perform other tasks.
If you have a very involved layout with several train sets, computerized control makes it much simpler to run everything efficiently without any mental mistakes that can cause crashes.
Control software lets you schedule your trains to do their rounds when you want them to the same as commercial trains are scheduled.
Trains have long represented a service that runs on a schedule, and trains are often called by their time of arrival at the station.
You can plan yours in a similar fashion.
Some of the other items that can be controlled by a computer program are the sounds made by the train and the whistles.
This comes from a program that has authentic sounds reproduced to match the type of train you are running.
Track switching or turnouts, changes in train speed and timing, and flashing lights at crossings are all controllable with the right software program.
If you have a large and busy layout, computer software and a computer tied directly to your system is a big assistance in running your model trains more efficiently, and it gives you more time to enjoy the trains while they run.