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Hi,
If You like to run traffic with a timetable there is a suitable clock running on Android phones: MRclock.
Several clocks can be syncronized over the network for use on clubs, module meetings etc.
Can also be used together with some PC or Mac based clocks.
ha de
Anders
In our group we have a few iPhone users, but no iPhone-programmer.
If someone out there is interested in coding a small iPhone client compatible with our other software, please contact me for information and the protocol!
So a fast running clock up high where everyone can see it would still do the jub as not everybody has android phones. But ignore me, i'm just an old fogey, your app sounds pretty cool!
So a fast running clock up high where everyone can see it would still do the jub as not everybody has android phones. But ignore me, i'm just an old fogey, your app sounds pretty cool!
Normally large clocks in the form computer screens or real clocks displays the time for all to see.
But when You are in charge of a station its rather nice to have the time on the phone right beside the timetables and all the other papers.
Also when playing alone at home the phone clock is perfect.
Fastclocks for computers can be found following the second link in my first post.
Trouble with a fast clock is, while it works great for trains running on the mains and such, it works lousy when dealing with trains that have a lot of switching moves that have to be accomplished.
Even Model Railroader magazine had an editorial back in the 1970's about this. IIRC, it was titled, "The Tyranny of the Clock". They said while the clocks do make the mainline runs "longer" and makes the runs smoother, time wise, they are a poor choice for layouts that have a lot of switching moves that have to be accomplished. Their contention was that local switching moves take time that is closer to what the prototype takes, esp. when run at realistic scale speeds, than the schedule can realistically allow for under a fast clock, unless those moves are accomplished at an unrealistic speed.
I personally want my operating sessions to relax me. Not stress me out. I've operated on many layouts that used fast clocks and instead of enjoying the sessions, I hated them because I felt under a lot of pressure because of the fast clock and the dictates of the schedule.
Cj is right, with fast clocks, switching is a pain! Weve come to a point at 1 round-robin group I'm in that we only use the fast clock to time station stops for passenger trains. Train stops, operator notes the time on the throttle display, waits til it clicks off 5 minutes, then procedes. Simple.
Weve got enough to deal with running 2 yards and 12 trains over a 3 1/2 to 4 hour period!!
While I've never been involved in an operating session I'd have to agree with Carey & Karl that it would take the enjoyment out of operating at a leisurely pace and turn into the same old grind of work many are trying to escape by getting into this hobby!
As for me, when operating my layout, when I get to that point, I want to be able to stop and shoot the bull with some of the Hoboes I've gotten to know along my back woods rural line. That's part of the enjoyment rather than having a schedule to keep.
But to each his own, that's what the hobby is all about!
the only thing I would even use the clock for is maybe a high speed rail line as they are intended for high speed ops so they are best for running a tighter schedule but I prefer to just kick back set the train speed and let it go...so I prefer no clocks (unless real time)
Note - I never said that everyone must use a fast clock
If You don't like playing with a fast clock - then don't!
If You do like it - enjoy!
mvh/anders
