| These setups usually have problems due to the lack | | | | designed to operate through a standard software |
| of a drawn out plan. For a small investment of cash, | | | | interface. It is possible to network trains and controls |
| you can acquire model railroad software for your | | | | for one computer to control operations for several |
| computer that will be a great aid in your layout | | | | trains. |
| scheme. | | | | Microsoft.NET Tools produce the most popular model |
| You may have some experience with computer | | | | train software interface. It is compatible with the XNS |
| assisted drafting programs. If so, it will be a cinch for | | | | gaming interface. This interface allows a computer to |
| you to fall right into designing you train layout. There | | | | use different command stations' hardware interfaces |
| are several programs that can cost $200 or more, but | | | | to control the trains. All recent model trains have a |
| you might save that just by not making costly errors | | | | computer chip which uses a DCC (Digital Command |
| when you put your system together. | | | | Control) protocol. This means that a computer can |
| Software is typically 3-D, in that it can give you an | | | | program any DCC model train no matter what scale |
| in-depth perception of how a layout might look. You | | | | the train might be. |
| can backup and redesign repeatedly until you have | | | | With a bit of experience with the software you |
| what you want. After that, just print out the pattern | | | | choose, you can control the whistle as your train nears |
| and get to work with your layout assembly. | | | | a crossing, and the lights at the crossing location. You |
| One of the most exciting innovations in recent years is | | | | can slow the train and then speed it up again at certain |
| the integration of computer technology with model train | | | | places on the track. With the proper control, you can |
| controls. Model trains have computer chips to control | | | | change turn out or switching, too. Basically, you can |
| motor functions as well as sounds and lights. The | | | | control anything that the locomotive's computer chip |
| locomotives are controlled by computers that use | | | | was designed for and more. |
| software designed under Windows operating systems. | | | | The days of doing everything by hand are almost |
| All train operations can be controlled by the computer, | | | | gone. The use of DCC and a computer are changing |
| which is attached to the hardware interface, or | | | | the way we use our model trains. Instead of being the |
| command station. The interface may be a USB cable | | | | exception, model railroad software will soon be the |
| or serial RS232 cable. Model train software is | | | | normal way most systems are run. |