I seem to start out posts lately (I use the term “lately” very loosely since I can’t remember when my last post was) with “I know it’s been a while…”.
Anyway, since I have some spare time on our drive to the last open house of the Canada Central in Montreal, I thought I’d share a few of our “adventures”.
We stopped in Edmunston to load up on (and get rid of) coffee. Lo and behold we found a train for Chris to operate with his WiThrottle (iPod)!
Here are some links for more information in followup to the clinic I gave at the MFMR Convention on May 14, 2011.
JMRI is a very useful tool for anyone using Digital Command Control. In it’s basic use JMRI – DecoderPro is a godsend for programming DCC mobile decoders. I really don’t know how folks not using DecoderPro get along. I have one loco Proto RS-11 with QSI sound that “loses it’s mind” every now and then during an operating session. Since I have the settings for all my locos stored in my DecoderPro roster file it takes only a minute or two to set the loco back to my customs settings and it’s back in operation on the layout.
Since the introduction of WiThrottle – a server and application combination – there has been a revolution in wireless throttle technology. Now we use our iPhones, iPods, and Android phones as throttles when we operate. The great thing about it is that our throttles are now universal – they will work on any DCC system as long as it has a computer interface, DecoderPro, and a wireless home network.
Anyway, on to the “more information” part of this post.
| JMRI web site – http://jmri.sourceforge.net/
At the moment 2.10 is the stable production version. 2.11.4 is the current test version. In my experience it is relatively safe to install the test versions to take advantage of new features, but beware that there may be issues. If you do have problems with a test version you can always reinstall the previous version. |
DecoderPro Manual – http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/manual/index.shtml
With the rapid development of JMRI this manual is almost always out of date. But it would certainly help for basic/older features. |
| JMRI Yahoo Group – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmriusers/
A great resource when you are really stuck. The developers of JMRI check the group daily – some several times a day. If you ever have a problem or question this would be the first place to ask your question. |
Other JMRI Clinics – http://www.rr-cirkits.com/Clinics/Clinics.html
A collection of other presentations on most aspects of JMRI. If you are into automation, dispatching, or remote control this is a great resource. |
| JMRI on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jmri
Lots of great (and some not so great) videos about how folks are using JMRI – from the basic to advanced. |
My Presentation – Click here
Probably not as good as many of the other presentation you’ll find on the internet, but it does have some links to neat videos of JMRI in use. |
Derwin’s Drop – Over the last few years passenger service on the Bayside and Tidewater Railway has slowly been degrading. Since the regular (actually “occasional”) passenger trains were annulled in 2010 for the less expensive combination cars (passenger and caboose/conductor’s office). At that time BS&T management said the change was due to decreasing demand for travel by train. “Using the combination cars will reduce cost for the railroad and still provide timely service for our regular riders”, said Albert Moneygrabber (head of railroad management for the BS&T). Since the changeover many regulars on the combination cars have reported a steady decline in service.
“The first train in the morning usually leaves on time”, says Penny Perriwinkle of Stevenville, “But I never know when I’m going to get to work, or when I’m going to get home”. Penny works as a secretary in the office at Chappell Seafood in Chappellton. Her boss, Mr George Pennypincher, complains, “I have lots of employees that travel from nearby towns that have no car (note – because he doesn’t pay them enough). The way that cheap old bugger runs that railroad I can’t depend on any one of them! I’m going to have to let them all go and only hire locals.” (note – good luck with that Georgey!)
As bad as service has been over the past year it reached an all time low yesterday. Rather than hold up the CN Interchange train the BS&T dispatcher ordered the Wayfreight to take the siding in Derwin’s Drop putting the lives of all the passengers on board at great risk when the combination car ended up parked at Chemical Hazards.
“The stench was horrible!”, said Penny when we caught up with her at the hospital in Chappellton where all of the passengers were taken after the incident. “We were all feeling quite ill, and started getting a rash before we got to Kenville. By the time we got to Chappelton my nose had fallen off. I put it in my purse so the doctor could sew it back on. I hope he put it on straight.”
In all, 14 passengers were taken to Chappellton Memorial Hospital and treated for exposure to several dangerous chemicals and radiation. All are in stable condition and are expected to require several weeks of treatment before they are completely recovered.
The transportation authority is investigating the incident and say they expect to be able to wrap it up quickly. Spokesperson Ima Fairman said, “It’s pretty obvious where the blame lies in this case. The Engineer of the train will be dealt with swiftly. He won’t be driving anything bigger than a motor scooter by the time we’re done with him!”
(see page 3 for “Accusations of Corruption in the Transportation Authority”)
