Bill Weber model train dispatch center controls 1188 ft. of main line track. Train lay out is the Union Pacific RR from North Platte to Portland. Up to 6 complete trains can run at any time.
Power routed blocks! Pre DCC and still a useful way to control trains. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits.
They are throttle indicators. They tell what throttle is assigned to each block. This is not a DCC layout. It uses individual throttles that can control any locomotive or group of locomotives. This is how all big layouts were controlled prior to the invention of DCC.
It works. I used to dispatch a club layout with that type of control. It really kept the dispatcher and the operators on their toes. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits.
Don't knock it until you tried it. It took a special kind of person to dispatch Power Routed Blocks. Not only did you need to establish the routes, but you also had to assign the correct throttle to the correct block. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits. Today, with DCC, the dispatcher only needs to focus on the route. And, there is nothing to stop an crappy operator from overrunning their limits and causing a collision with another train.
I love how civilization rests upon the shoulders of several insanely methodical and calm people
Wow ! That looks really cool. Must have taken a ton of work. Very nice !
jefflewis4 I'm hoping that I get hired
Neat. Modeled on the real GRS NX CTC. Once the cadillac of CTC systems back in the day.
Those boards are fantastic. They must polish them all the time.
The technology looks amazing
Power routed blocks! Pre DCC and still a useful way to control trains. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits.
A lot of time and many has been spent on this layout !
Holy foamers dream!
So what do the LCD numbers Indicate?
I'm wondering the same thing.
They are throttle indicators. They tell what throttle is assigned to each block. This is not a DCC layout. It uses individual throttles that can control any locomotive or group of locomotives. This is how all big layouts were controlled prior to the invention of DCC.
I'd love to dispatch that layout!
Really cool
I see buttons for switches but not signals - but does the layout have signals? Like ABS maybe? Rule 251?
Must had set back a few bills to assemble that.🤑
I think they spent more money on the CTC system than the layout... lol..
Michael Appleby would agree
All that gear and they skipped DCC to stay with cab control. OMG!
It works. I used to dispatch a club layout with that type of control. It really kept the dispatcher and the operators on their toes. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits.
imagine then so in Chicago Railway Tycoon
Well, I guess it keeps them off the streets and out of the bars; a married woman's dream.
It is too noisy in this dispatch centre. This vmcoukd be a safety hazard.
those modelers couldn't dispatch for anything if it saved their lives..
I used to teach people to do the real job over here in Britain , for over 40 years . And I think they are doing a good job !
🤣🤣
Don't knock it until you tried it. It took a special kind of person to dispatch Power Routed Blocks. Not only did you need to establish the routes, but you also had to assign the correct throttle to the correct block. With crappy operators who didn't pay attention to their instructions, I always left a dead block in front of them so they couldn't overrun their limits. Today, with DCC, the dispatcher only needs to focus on the route. And, there is nothing to stop an crappy operator from overrunning their limits and causing a collision with another train.