FREMO, Layout Planning5 Comments

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Freight Operations Concept 1.0

traiNmaster

Note: This is the third post in my series about my first FREMO N-scale module, built to the N-RE standard. I hope you will enjoy reading about the background of a private branch line (private Nebenbahn) located near the river Aller in Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), as well as my planning, construction, and eventually the operation of the FREMO module. Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. A Quick Recap What I didn’t quite realise when starting this project is that the prototype at Verden Süd naturally lends itself to two operating modes: a single operator doing everything, or multiple operators each … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Freight Operations Concept 1.0

FREMO, Layout Planning9 Comments

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan Concept 1.0

traiNmaster

Note: This is the second post in a series about my first FREMO module in N scale, built to the N-RE standard. Rather than presenting the research as a complete history, this post shows what I had discovered at this stage—and how that information shaped Track Plan Concept 1.0. Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Concept Overview In this second post, I delve into my concept and planning for my first FREMO N-scale module. If you have not read the history of the Verden–Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE) and why I chose to model this private branch line, you can find it here. … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan Concept 1.0

FREMO, Layout Planning7 Comments

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Past and Present

traiNmaster

Note: This is the first in a series of posts about my first FREMO module in N scale, built to the N-RE standard. Rather than providing a complete history, this post explains what I discovered during my research—and how it influenced the planning, construction and eventual operation of the module. Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Why I Chose Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn Before I dive into the history of the Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE), I should explain why I chose this railway out of all the lines across Germany. I actually came across the name VWE almost by accident while looking for … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Past and Present

AnyRail, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Tricks in Adding “Rolling Stock” to AnyRail Track Plan

traiNmaster

Currently, AnyRail does not include object libraries or user object libraries for rolling stock such as locomotives, passenger cars, or freight wagons. However, you may still want to check track spacing and determine how many freight wagons you can realistically fit on each siding. By using the existing features in AnyRail, you can create your own “rolling stock” objects and add them to your track plan for positioning and spacing checks. First, choose the longest wagon and locomotive you plan to use on your layout. Measure the body length—both with and without buffers—as well as the body width. In my … Continue reading Tricks in Adding “Rolling Stock” to AnyRail Track Plan

AnyRail, Layout Planning1 Comment

Centerline View Matters More Than Track View in Track Planning

traiNmaster

I know that when it comes to track planning software, we usually want to see the actual tracks and turnouts—preferably with roadbed. However, any track planning software that offers a centerline view brings an added level of advantage. When it comes to actual track laying on your layout or module, you typically draw centerlines to guide the placement of roadbed (cork, foam, or other materials) or directly position tracks and turnouts along those lines. These centerlines ensure that the tracks are properly aligned. Why not do the same in your track planning software? AnyRail offers this feature under Show → … Continue reading Centerline View Matters More Than Track View in Track Planning

AnyRail, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Google Maps/Earth Aids Track Planning Fidelity in AnyRail

traiNmaster

We often get inspiration for our model railroads from our favourite railways or locations. We might like a particular station, junction, or industrial track plan and want to incorporate it into our own layout. With AnyRail, you can import images from Google Maps or Google Earth, resize them, and use them as a baseline for laying out your model railroad tracks. This is how I did it. First, I selected the industrial area and the corresponding tracks I wanted to model in Google Maps/Earth. Using a snipping tool, I defined and captured the required area. In AnyRail, go to Insert … Continue reading Google Maps/Earth Aids Track Planning Fidelity in AnyRail

AnyRail, Layout Planning, Product Review1 Comment

Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

traiNmaster

Update 21.12. and 29.12.: I have updated this post with more information about the AnyRail features and changed the title from MS Office-like to PowerPoint-like. It was a coincidence that I discovered the AnyRail track planner software. I had previously used the licensed version of SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller) for track planning. SCARM is a well-established layout planning program with a solid model train simulator and a 3D viewer. Some features take practice to master—just like any new software or hobby. I decided to give AnyRail a try to see how it compares and what, if anything, it … Continue reading Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

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Mehr als ein FRED in Hand: Zugführer-Holster zum Tragen von Werkzeugen

traiNmaster

See below for the English version. In 99 % der Fälle bei FREMO-Treffen übernimmt das Fahrpersonal als Mitspieler faktisch zwei zusammengebundene Rollen: Lokführer und Zugführer. Ich selbst habe nur ein einziges Mal – beim H0-RP25-Treffen in Spabrücken – erlebt, dass Lokführer und Zugführer tatsächlich getrennte Rollen waren; beide arbeiteten dabei mit identischen Buchfahrplänen. Außer FRED-Handregler und Buchfahrplan benötigt Lokführer/Zugführer mehr Werkzeuge während Einsatz. Durch die zusammengebundenen Rollen hält der Mitspieler nicht nur FRED und Buchfahrplan in der Hand, sondern zusätzlich auch Wagenkarten und weitere Hilfsmittel. Was packe ich in meinem Zugführer-Holster? Ihr seht schon, dass ich viele Sachen in meinem … Continue reading Mehr als ein FRED in Hand: Zugführer-Holster zum Tragen von Werkzeugen

FREMO1 Comment

“Anderer” Führerstand: Meine Ersten Schritte als Fahrdienstleiter bei FREMO

traiNmaster

See below for the English version. Was ich an FREMO wirklich schätze, ist die Möglichkeit, Züge nach echten Fahrplänen zu fahren – und die große Vielfalt an Rollen, in die man schlüpfen kann. Die häufigste und meistgefragte Aufgabe ist die des Triebfahrzeugführers. Jeder FREMO-Tag ist in 2–4 Sessions eingeteilt, wobei jede Session etwa 2 Stunden in Echtzeit dauert (oder ca. 6 Stunden mit der 1:3-Schnellzeit). Je nach Größe des Arrangements und der Kreativität des Planers gibt es pro Session typischerweise 40–50 Buchfahrpläne. Das gibt jedem die Chance, pro Durchgang 2–3 Fahrpläne selbst zu fahren. Neben der Rolle des Lokführers gibt es … Continue reading “Anderer” Führerstand: Meine Ersten Schritte als Fahrdienstleiter bei FREMO