In Search Of A Switchlist System

[BCR751]

I’m throwing this out there to get some feedback and stimulate some brainstorming.  I hope this is the right place to do so.
I am looking for a way to be able to generate switch lists for operation without having to use car cards, waybills, etc.  I am a single operator of the layout so I don’t need anything too complicated. My layout has only one railroad so routing isn’t an issue.

I would like to be able to pre-set cars at the various industries, yards etc. to start and then, for the next ops session(s), pick up cars and set out new ones.  The system would need to know the types of cars, how to handle the cars at the various locations as well as the duration of their stay at those locations.  I want to walk around the layout with one switch list and not have to deal with a bunch of cards.  I would like the list to be computer generated based on the roster of rolling stock and be printable.  Pretty basic stuff, I think.

I’ve searched the web and can’t find anything that would work in my situation.  Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Doug

[Mike C]

   I  am pretty sure that you can use JMRI to do this .      Mike

[ronw1970]

Here's an idea although I havent used it

[Tad_T]

JMRI Ops can definitely do what you want.

Complication in Ops is ~ related to how much control you want.

[SAH]

How many car spots do you have?

[BCR751]

How many car spots do you have?

I have a total of 34 possible spotting points.  Obviously, not all will be use in every ops session.  I checked out the JMRI Ops Pro and, although it appears to be sort of what I want, I'm finding it a bit too complicated.  However, it does a very thorough job of managing cars.  Maybe I should give it a bit more of a chance.

[dandopinski]

How many industries generate traffic and how many industries receive traffic?

[BCR751]

There are 27 spots that generate traffic and 17 that receive traffic.  Some of these spots serve both purposes.

Doug

[SAH]

I understand your hesitation re: JMRI.  It's very capable but might be overkill for what you want to do.

I'm using a home brew Excel based system.  Calling it a system might be stretching it a bit, but there is a rigor to the process that makes it work.  After a dozen ops sessions I think I can call it a success.

The output is a switch list that looks very similar to real AC&Y conductor's paperwork, if you look past the fact that it's not hand written.  If you're interested in exploring further let me know.

[Tad_T]

I could help you with setting up JMRI Ops if you would like to give it a try.

[GaryHinshaw]

JMRI will definitely do what you want.  Here are some pros and cons:

pros - 1) it has a built-in database system for all of your cars and locos;  2) it does a nice job generating demand without having to invent a scheme for yourself; 3) it has a reasonably large user community so it is easy to get your questions answered on the groups.io list; 4) it is likely to be maintained into the future as part of the JMRI suite.

cons - 1) the setup process and learning curve are pretty steep;  2) the program assumes that every car is in the correct place on the layout.  If you just 'run a train' and don't tell Ops what you did, it will get out of sync with the layout and you'll have to fix it by hand.  One way around that is to have yard tracks and trains that aren't in the program, then you can do what you want with 'em.

[Tad_T]

JMRI will definitely do what you want.  Here are some pros and cons:

pros - 1) it has a built-in database system for all of your cars and locos;  2) it does a nice job generating demand without having to invent a scheme for yourself; 3) it has a reasonably large user community so it is easy to get your questions answered on the groups.io list; 4) it is likely to be maintained into the future as part of the JMRI suite.

cons - 1) the setup process and learning curve are pretty steep;  2) the program assumes that every car is in the correct place on the layout.  If you just 'run a train' and don't tell Ops what you did, it will get out of sync with the layout and you'll have to fix it by hand.  One way around that is to have yard tracks and trains that aren't in the program, then you can do what you want with 'em.

I agree with all of the above.

#2 con is one that is often brought up. It is entirely a self-induced issue.

Maybe it is just the way that my mind works, but when I want to run a train, I just run the next train. That way everything stays in sync.

Tad

[NorthWestGN]

I'll be looking to create switching and train lists manually, I work with computers enough at work 8 hours a day.

Is there a strategy or step by step process to come up with the basics  for a very simple point to point operating session? I'll be able to literally count sidings and industries using both hands and no toes... I can always add Work and Excursion Extra trains as well to spice things up...

I have a very simple prototype timetable and can start with siding capacities, industry car type and frequency requirements plus through traffic and extras, anything else I need to consider? At this point I'm still modifying the track plan to make it more functional for future operation.

Brent

[Tad_T]

David Haynes did a nice tutorial on the basics of JMRI Ops that can be found here:

https://rcairgallery.com/stuff/Using-JMRI-Operations-A-Worked-Example.pdf

[BCR751]

David Haynes did a nice tutorial on the basics of JMRI Ops that can be found here:

https://rcairgallery.com/stuff/Using-JMRI-Operations-A-Worked-Example.pdf

Thanks for providing that link, Tad.  I'll go over it and see if it might work, if I can understand it

Doug