You sir, are a genius! I had thought to myself how cool it would be to strip a GP cab & set it up in the basement to run the layout way up in the loft with something similar but knew it was beyond my ambitions. The only shot I thought I would have was by copying folks who used the Train Simulator throttles with JMRI... a great idea but NOTHING like this! Again; you sir, are a genius! Congrats on a job well done and what appears to be a job well filled with fun! (And after hearing ya speak of the size of your layout... let me tell ya that you have a great level of detail packed into that layout! You packed a ton of photo ops into a remarkably compact layout... God help us all if you ever decide to build something larger! We can't keep up as it is. :) ) I can imagine being lost in this system for days on an industrial switching layout... and VERY cool having the car coupling integrated w/ the radio! (And stay out of that old mansion on the hill!)
That is simply amazing Bruce. The thought of all the planning and work that went into this simulator is mind boggling. I applaud you and the others that assisted you in this masterpiece.
Ultimate Throttle Update 09-Jun-2015 The fourth F7 locomotive with the camera telemetry transmitter is now being track tested. This locomotive transmits 3 axis of angle and shock to the cab for rail grade calculations and additional motion feedback for the vibration transducers. In addition, the telemetry locomotive detects high frequency infrared pulse from small .060” optical fibers placed in the rail ties through-out my layout so environmental sound effects can be heard as the locomotive passes specific locations. For a more realistic cab experience, the two floor selection have each a 1,500 watt transducer totaling 3,000 watts! No more limited to just the seat, the entire cab shakes to the motion of the locomotive movement. As expected, additional work on the cab sub-assemblies was required to handle the massive vibrations without damaging the equipment. I hope to post another video within the next couple of weeks.
Absolutely fantastic work. I'm just beginning to get back into model trains after a 50 year absence, and as an engineer, I've had in the back of my mind that something like what you've achieved should be possible...though I had no idea someone was actually working on it. My sincere congratulations, and admiration, for your pulling it all together.
AMAZING, simply amazing and true to prototype... JUST INCREDIBLE IN DETAIL... You, sir, are a modern American master craftsmen... simply making the dreams of a model railroader come to life in a near "actual" cab.... just beautiful. THANK YOU. I just never thought I'd see something like this before I died. BRILLIANT. You can transform ANY model railroad into the experience of a lifetime of dreams... just awesome...
Great demonstration Bruce...! Very Very interresting for us that have not been on a cab ride. Yes video is long, but so is train rides...! All we now need, is a lunch box...! Keep on trackin' Bruce...Now I have to go...my NeXT ultimate DCC video is waiting...
I'm claiming most of this project complete. There are still many fine tuning tasks and I hope to work more with DCCSound on capturing more prime mover sounds under different conditions. I also want to link my UDT to my JMRI computer interface to create virtual dispatching. All my signals, turnouts, 16 Digitrax block detections and 24 assessories outputs (on a little layout) will enable me to do a lot on the LocoNet and interfacing DCC packets with my cab using custom JMRI software.
I just stumbled upon this video (and thus, the series)... all I have to say about this video is how REVOLUTIONARY this project is! Absolutely stunning to see the level of fidelity which you've managed to incorporate into a home project! I'm speechless. Plus let's not ignore another feat which is equally impressive, that being the layout itself! Master craftsman level modeling, there! Awesome job. Anyway, getting back to the cab... your achievement reminds me very much of the old flight simulators used by the military and airlines before the advent of video graphics. During the 60's and early 70's, flight simulators used for the purpose of practicing approaches and landings were built around the concept of the pilot's control inputs being fed into a computer which then drove a video camera that the pilot "flew" over a large modeled landscape. Imagine an N-scale detailed landscape about 30' x 100'... with a 3-axis camera rig able to move over it. The pilot's "flew" the camera as the video was piped back into their simulator cockpit. That my sir, is exactly what you built, except it was for trains, not planes, and you did it in your home with 1/100 the budget and manpower! BTW, did this project appear in one of the model railroading magazines, and I missed it?
Hi Bruce! I'm both a Model Railroader and a Prototype Locomotive Engineer. I operate the big modern day diesels though. You have an amazing set up. It looks like you can really have a lot of fun with it. I've often thought how cool it would be to have a DCC throttle that is more like the prototype. If I can make one suggestion for you is to raise the height of your camera mounted on your dummy unit. Looking out the windshield of a real locomotive is at a higher view angle from the tracks. Great work! Thanks for sharing! Tim G.
tmh57 Hi Tim. I felt the same on height issue. You can really tell when face to face to another locomotive. The challenge is keeping the overall height of the locomotive within HO limits, and I went through $3,000 worth of cameras and lens to get where I'm at. You can almost do it with a "pin-hole" camera with a 6mm lens, but you can only get 480 resolution. On a 48 inch monitor, 480 doesn't look good. I'm pushing 1080p @ 30 fps. In the end I felt picture quality out weighed view point. In time, cameras will get smaller to meet the challenge. Thanks for the comments!
I've already have received complaints about the length of this video. I'm sorry. I choose to capture the essence of the entire project in this video. Many people that have seen the more resent videos didn't understand what was going on because they hadn't seen (or understood) my first, technical boring, electronics on a bench, first videos.
Bruce Kingsley Bruce - the video length is fine as is the content - great stuff - very realistic and looks fun - thankyou for sharing, I started out in HO/OO however, I "migrated" to 7-1/4 inch gauge and have a BNSF F45 diesel that you can sit in - I have a DCC sound module in the loco plus 2 x 100watt car amps - there's nothing like a GM EMD engine sound! (or a 5 chime lesley!)
Bruce Kingsley The length is fine. If you had made it shorter you wouldn't capture the detail of this. People can fast forward. This is fantastic! Would you be able to help me out in finding some of your engine sound files? Particular the startup ones for things like purging the cylinders? I am trying to do something like this (for those of us who don't have the time or space to do one as spectacularly amazing as yours) but using software in a web browser. (JavaScript and HTML, connecting to JMRI with WebSockets). I am trying to make the engine startup as realistic as possible, but I am a little over my head in that particular area, since I've never even watched someone else start a diesel locomotive except on UA-cam.
K4Robotics The sound files are embeeded in a SoundtraxTsunami AT1000, www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/tsunamisound.php perhaps they may be able to assist with specific files? Cheers!
Reply to questions and comments emailed to me: Thank you everyone for your positive comments! Yep, I know the signals are in the wrong location, but not when I installed those 3 years ago and I don’t want to destroy the signals and scenery to move them. They are feed by JMRI (which was not on during the video) read by 16 Digitrax block detections and interpolated to produce 22. In addition, they feed by the logic of the turnout position. I’m working on JMRI software to send DCC packets to the UDT cab’s radio computer to produce a virtual audio dispatcher out the radio’s speaker. Sorry for my driving skills (horn, etc). I had to produce the video alone and I was focused on the camera capturing the UA-cam demonstration, operating the cab, and watching some of the computer control calculations and diagnostics stats. I’m still in the debugging phase and there are many expensive and time invested components that could be damaged if not monitored. I will try to improve on future videos. Thanks for understanding.
Yes, that is the ultimate throttle! Nice job. And I thought that I had done something great when I made an HO camera car that put the video on a monitor in my train room...
Ultimate Throttle Update 30-May-2015 DCCSound just sent me a new version EMD F7A sound project file for my Ultimate DCC Throttle (UDT). Running on a phantom secondary ESU decoder, its only purpose is to create the detailed sounds of the EMD 567BC prime mover engine. Unlike conventional decoder programs, this latest version is designed to reproduce all the different type of sounds created by the 567BC when transitioned from every combination of notches, including when dynamic brakes are engaged. With the addition of a new output impedance matching circuit and a new Behringer KLARK TEKNIK audio processor, the sound experience is exceptionally realistic! To utilize this new secondary decoder, the UDT required a major software revision to manage two LocoNet throttle slots command packets. The UDT software also was updated to now respond to JMRI Panel Pro commands over the LocoNet. The UDT cab radio now provides dispatcher voice commands based on block occupancy, turnout positions and signals (which I know I don’t have correct on my layout) or any custom script. To JMRI, my UDT is seen as another signal/accessory output decoder on the LocoNet. The UDT software now employs the function of dynamic braking within the locomotive mathematical model. I’ve started to breadboard the UDT’s Telemetry Locomotive. Following the “Pusher” as a motor-less F7A unit (now the system is ABBA), the Telemetry Locomotive will transmit tilt sensor signals from the front camera locomotive to the UDT to calculate the effects of rail grade. In addition, it will transmit pin-point layout positions such as road crossings, station/loading platforms, fueling positions, children playgrounds, etc., beyond what my current occupancy detection or DCC transponders can do. This will also feed the UDT radio commands as well as triggering exterior environment sound effects played through the primary sound system in stereo. I’ve received some new ideas on reducing the “Pusher” motor ratio from a major model locomotive manufacture with goal of increasing the low speed resolution. In addition, I’ve placed on order a micro 16 mm planetary gear box I hope I can put in series with the drive shaft to reduce the speed to a ratio of 4:1. With this incredibly slow speed, I expect I will have to add “Super-Capacitors” to the Pusher as well. I’ve been getting help from a major model railroad backdrop designer on creating a 360 degree realistic backdrop large enough so the camera cannot see over it.
1. Completely resigned the telemetry locomotive electronics to micro size. The computer, accelerometer, gyroscope, stilt sensor and XBee transmitter now integrated into the front camera locomotive. This removed the fourth locomotive. 2.Converted the camera locomotive to now have front wheel Stanton Drive. The third “pusher” locomotive is now gone leave only two locomotives (camera and HDMI transmitter). 3.Was able to fit an ESU LokSound LokPilot DCC decoder and large “keep alive” capacitor. I will be able to add a bunch of locomotive lighting effects. 4.Raised camera to maximum scale height to improve image prospective to be closer to locomotive windshield height. 5.Initial tests indicate I’ll be able to get the Stanton Drive down to half the speed resolution of the older Pusher (one HO railroad tie spacing in 4.5 seconds). 6.Now that I’m down to one powered truck, I had to add some major weight to improve traction. I did this by adding a lead filled fuel tank between the two trucks. 7.Completely redesigned operating front coupler and more sensitive impact sensor. Using micro solenoid instead of micro motor for remote uncoupling. 8.No more room in camera locomotive, completely packed with electronics, pulls about 2.5 amps just sitting still! 9.Should still be able to put a F7A shell over camera and F7B over transmitter. The F7B will need some of the shell hand made of brass and aluminum to manage the enormous heat produced by the transmitter (about 45 watts). 10.Rail grade effects are now operational
Nicely done! That looks like a pretty awesome experience. The only thing that would bother me is seeing the rest of the room from within the model. Why not have a fold up panel with more skyline on the open side of your layout, and possibly some sort of blue/white cloth tent structure over the top that is backlit.
Fantastic Bruce! This model really needs to be somewhere where you can really show it off! It looks great and works brilliantly and sounds amazing. It was well worth the hard work and determination of yourself and the others involved, well done. Cheers, Dan
Ok, just one comment from a nit-picker. This is truly awesome and with the great attention to detail I'm surprised you missed this. We are looking out the right front window of the cab. The track is centered on the right side of the loco. If the camera were placed on the right side of the moving train where the window would be, the visual perspective would be correct.
Hi Mr. Zip. Thanks for the comment! You are not the first to make that observation, and yes, it is nit-picking :)In my video Part-15 I demonstrate the system with a custom camera, with my number one priority the quality of picture and focus range of 1080p @ 30 fps on my 48" monitor. I looked at off-setting the monitor to the window, though that cuts out some of the horizontal image and gives you a disturbing feeling. The new camera is mounted to the right .10" off centerline, which all I could do without the width exceeding HO clearance standards and risk hitting stuff.What people can't see on the UA-cam videos is the very high quality view out the window, and the powerful synchronized sounds and vibrations, even going a little too fast have made people feel sick and had to stop the system.Bruce K.
OMG!! NOT perfect (and I'm thinking/hoping you don't want it to be....yet), but.......FANTASTIC! Your video just happened to be listed under my "Recomended", so I clicked it, and WOW! Now I'll HAVE TO click Part 15. WOW!
Finally model railroading from the real world perspective! This cab should be in the Smithsonian. Models look much better from this view. Also, time slows down to real world operative speeds instead of model speeds. Much more enjoyment can come from operating smaller layouts instead of having full basement empires. Those that detail the inside of model buildings should really be excited. Great job Bruce in setting a new standard in model railroading. I'd like try do what you have done, but from the perspective of an SW9 cab instead.
Thanks for your comments and observations. It is very true the scale slows down time and how you see it. This was a major challenge because it put a big demand on the "Pusher" to operate slow and smooth because the 48 inch monitor amplifies every little movement. I wish there was a way to "gear it down".
Reply to questions: Yes, my UDT does have the sander valve. If the software detects wheel slippage, turning on the sander valve changes the coefficient of wheel to rail friction in the mathematically model. Regardless if you need it, the software calculates the discharge of sand until you empty the storage box. Brake fade is calculated based on cast iron brakes. I do accelerate the cool down time by factor of 10. Everything driven by pneumatics is based on the reservoir math model. Use up the air, no brakes, bell, horn, reverser cylinder, etc. I thought I captured coupler slack in the video. It shakes the cab and creates a distant sound based on how cars there are. The introduction of each box car mass and bearing friction is based on 12 inches of prototype travel. You can see the effect when I'm pulling a heavy load and I initially move when first started, but as the slack is taken out I stall. Reversing the loco introduces the slack in the reverse order. The mathematically model does account for rail grade, but I have to set it with a dial. I hope to put a tilt sensor in a box car and transmit it to the cab using an XBee.
Bruce Kingsley I'll admit that many won't 'get it' and that I, personally, don't understand 99% of it but the sheer level of joy is there and I foresee that in a short while there will be a module that incorporates all of your hard work into dcc engines. Send those patent applications in, my friend! You are ahead of the curve and the next generation of dcc will have your work incorporated into it. I work with many engineers (not the train kind...) who have absolutely no joy in their work and only wish they could solve problems with this kind of enthusiasm. You sir, regardless of your career, are a top-notch engineer (again - not the train kind) who brings both enthusiasm for problem solving AND joy for the result in something that is a precursor for products that will one day (SOON, I hope!) have little kids just as wide-eyed about model railroads as we were way back when it was a 'miracle' just to have a small model moving round on a 4 x 8 with smoke! Bruce - keep it up!
That's crazy impressive to find out that's a homemade cab. I figured you had a real hotdog control stand. (And i have a real one so I'm even more impressed i was dooped lol)
i bet the hard part was finding the parts for an older EMD. the air brake, throttle, dynamic, etc are hard to find. who did you go to for parts? i know you said you machined some with help of a friend. i go through LTEX, NREX, SILX and S&S LOCOMOTIVE. i am an emd guy, actually restoring a emd control stand atm.
Hi Michael, thanks for the complement! Absolutely nothing in this cab is real. I modeled, painted and weathered everything. 90% is wood and plastic. Only handles and a part in the throttle is metal. See some of the videos before part 9.
If anyone has any ideas how I could mechanically "gear-down" the pusher locomotive so I have greater low speed resolution, I would greatly like your input.
Well...Can the train be lowered...? could you use smaller Wheels...? They will travel shoter. Electrically, I would put a resistor in series with the motor...Thus lowering the pulses...and the power. If the resistance is equal to the motor, it will halve the output. A simple solution is two motors in series. Excuse a "real" amateur for chirping along...! I don't have motors, but will find some and make a test.
Fantastic work. Takes model railways to a new high. Probably a bit better than my old H & M controller. But " ULTIMATE "???? Hmmmm..... show me a steamer version and we'll talk ultimate :) Thoroughly enjoyed.
After watching the video in which you said your wife didn't like a certain noisey device you use (I've forgotten which one it was), I came up with a two-fold recommendation, with the first part opposing the second: 1) keep the sound system, but make it louder, thereby losing the annoyed, complaining wife; OR... 2) buy a really good set of headphones. It seems to me that keeping it moving realistically is actually more enjoyable that sitting in the engineer's seat, although your case is probably the only exception to that in model RR history. Your attention to detail puts most other model railroders to shame, but at the same time, it may put a dent in your poor wife's sanity. The electronics of today is fascinating compared to the stuff of 20-30 years ago. I haven't had a layout in that amout of time since my wife bought a pre-built one from a guy who was leaving. It was a 4 x 8 layout, and my youngest son and his best friend enjoyed it immensely on a daily basis after school. I keep finding more and more digitrax layouts almost every day on youtube, and I'm considering building one either for myself or for my grandson. It obviously wouldn't be on the same scale as yours, but I could probably build one that I'd enjoy, grandson or no grandson. Seeing these videos has been inspiring . Thank you and keep 'em comin'.
Most impressive
Thanks for the comment!
@@BruceKingsley yeah looks like a really creative way to simulate train driving!
This is just about the coolest diy project I’ve ever seen
Thanks Mike for the comment! Make sure to watch the Part-15 video which has even more and better stuff.
This is exquisite! I need one of these in my life! Only emulating an SD40-2 control stand instead!
What an incredible job......this is nothing short of amazing.
Thanks Alco for the comment!
Absolutely unreal man. I don't know that I could ever get to this level, but props to you
Thanks for the comment Whatever!
You sir, are a genius!
I had thought to myself how cool it would be to strip a GP cab & set it up in the basement to run the layout way up in the loft with something similar but knew it was beyond my ambitions. The only shot I thought I would have was by copying folks who used the Train Simulator throttles with JMRI... a great idea but NOTHING like this!
Again; you sir, are a genius! Congrats on a job well done and what appears to be a job well filled with fun!
(And after hearing ya speak of the size of your layout... let me tell ya that you have a great level of detail packed into that layout! You packed a ton of photo ops into a remarkably compact layout... God help us all if you ever decide to build something larger! We can't keep up as it is. :) ) I can imagine being lost in this system for days on an industrial switching layout... and VERY cool having the car coupling integrated w/ the radio!
(And stay out of that old mansion on the hill!)
That is simply amazing Bruce. The thought of all the planning and work that went into this simulator is mind boggling. I applaud you and the others that assisted you in this masterpiece.
Thanks Tom! This project went much further which is captured in the UA-cam video Ultimate DCC Throttle - Part 15.
I'll be sure to check it out, thanks.
Ultimate Throttle Update 09-Jun-2015
The fourth F7 locomotive with the camera telemetry transmitter is now being track tested. This locomotive transmits 3 axis of angle and shock to the cab for rail grade calculations and additional motion feedback for the vibration transducers. In addition, the telemetry locomotive detects high frequency infrared pulse from small .060” optical fibers placed in the rail ties through-out my layout so environmental sound effects can be heard as the locomotive passes specific locations.
For a more realistic cab experience, the two floor selection have each a 1,500 watt transducer totaling 3,000 watts! No more limited to just the seat, the entire cab shakes to the motion of the locomotive movement. As expected, additional work on the cab sub-assemblies was required to handle the massive vibrations without damaging the equipment.
I hope to post another video within the next couple of weeks.
You are one of those amazing individuals! As an engineer, I truly enjoyed this series of videos on your Ultimate Throttle. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Jose for the comment!
Absolutely fantastic work. I'm just beginning to get back into model trains after a 50 year absence, and as an engineer, I've had in the back of my mind that something like what you've achieved should be possible...though I had no idea someone was actually working on it. My sincere congratulations, and admiration, for your pulling it all together.
Thanks Fastold, Part-15 demonstrates what this system does now.
AMAZING, simply amazing and true to prototype... JUST INCREDIBLE IN DETAIL... You, sir, are a modern American master craftsmen... simply making the dreams of a model railroader come to life in a near "actual" cab.... just beautiful. THANK YOU. I just never thought I'd see something like this before I died. BRILLIANT. You can transform ANY model railroad into the experience of a lifetime of dreams... just awesome...
Great demonstration Bruce...! Very Very interresting for us that have not been on a cab ride. Yes video is long, but so is train rides...! All we now need, is a lunch box...! Keep on trackin' Bruce...Now I have to go...my NeXT ultimate DCC video is waiting...
I'm claiming most of this project complete. There are still many fine tuning tasks and I hope to work more with DCCSound on capturing more prime mover sounds under different conditions. I also want to link my UDT to my JMRI computer interface to create virtual dispatching. All my signals, turnouts, 16 Digitrax block detections and 24 assessories outputs (on a little layout) will enable me to do a lot on the LocoNet and interfacing DCC packets with my cab using custom JMRI software.
I just stumbled upon this video (and thus, the series)... all I have to say about this video is how REVOLUTIONARY this project is! Absolutely stunning to see the level of fidelity which you've managed to incorporate into a home project! I'm speechless.
Plus let's not ignore another feat which is equally impressive, that being the layout itself! Master craftsman level modeling, there! Awesome job.
Anyway, getting back to the cab... your achievement reminds me very much of the old flight simulators used by the military and airlines before the advent of video graphics. During the 60's and early 70's, flight simulators used for the purpose of practicing approaches and landings were built around the concept of the pilot's control inputs being fed into a computer which then drove a video camera that the pilot "flew" over a large modeled landscape. Imagine an N-scale detailed landscape about 30' x 100'... with a 3-axis camera rig able to move over it. The pilot's "flew" the camera as the video was piped back into their simulator cockpit. That my sir, is exactly what you built, except it was for trains, not planes, and you did it in your home with 1/100 the budget and manpower!
BTW, did this project appear in one of the model railroading magazines, and I missed it?
Thanks BGM for the comment! My later video #15 shows even more advancements.
Hi Bruce! I'm both a Model Railroader and a Prototype Locomotive Engineer. I operate the big modern day diesels though. You have an amazing set up. It looks like you can really have a lot of fun with it. I've often thought how cool it would be to have a DCC throttle that is more like the prototype. If I can make one suggestion for you is to raise the height of your camera mounted on your dummy unit. Looking out the windshield of a real locomotive is at a higher view angle from the tracks. Great work! Thanks for sharing!
Tim G.
tmh57 Hi Tim. I felt the same on height issue. You can really tell when face to face to another locomotive. The challenge is keeping the overall height of the locomotive within HO limits, and I went through $3,000 worth of cameras and lens to get where I'm at. You can almost do it with a "pin-hole" camera with a 6mm lens, but you can only get 480 resolution. On a 48 inch monitor, 480 doesn't look good. I'm pushing 1080p @ 30 fps. In the end I felt picture quality out weighed view point. In time, cameras will get smaller to meet the challenge. Thanks for the comments!
I've already have received complaints about the length of this video. I'm sorry. I choose to capture the essence of the entire project in this video. Many people that have seen the more resent videos didn't understand what was going on because they hadn't seen (or understood) my first, technical boring, electronics on a bench, first videos.
Bruce Kingsley Bruce - the video length is fine as is the content - great stuff - very realistic and looks fun - thankyou for sharing, I started out in HO/OO however, I "migrated" to 7-1/4 inch gauge and have a BNSF F45 diesel that you can sit in - I have a DCC sound module in the loco plus 2 x 100watt car amps - there's nothing like a GM EMD engine sound! (or a 5 chime lesley!)
Bruce Kingsley The length is fine. If you had made it shorter you wouldn't capture the detail of this. People can fast forward.
This is fantastic! Would you be able to help me out in finding some of your engine sound files? Particular the startup ones for things like purging the cylinders? I am trying to do something like this (for those of us who don't have the time or space to do one as spectacularly amazing as yours) but using software in a web browser. (JavaScript and HTML, connecting to JMRI with WebSockets). I am trying to make the engine startup as realistic as possible, but I am a little over my head in that particular area, since I've never even watched someone else start a diesel locomotive except on UA-cam.
K4Robotics The sound files are embeeded in a SoundtraxTsunami AT1000, www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/tsunamisound.php perhaps they may be able to assist with specific files? Cheers!
I think I could smell the diesel exhaust. Wonderful work!
Thanks Nathan! Make sure to check out Part 15 that demonstrate even more features.
Did anyone notice the man on the left-hand side of the tracks at 17:00 taking a flash picture?
Nice job Bruce! Looks and sounds great! ~Ted
Reply to questions and comments emailed to me:
Thank you everyone for your positive comments! Yep, I know the signals are in the wrong location, but not when I installed those 3 years ago and I don’t want to destroy the signals and scenery to move them. They are feed by JMRI (which was not on during the video) read by 16 Digitrax block detections and interpolated to produce 22. In addition, they feed by the logic of the turnout position. I’m working on JMRI software to send DCC packets to the UDT cab’s radio computer to produce a virtual audio dispatcher out the radio’s speaker.
Sorry for my driving skills (horn, etc). I had to produce the video alone and I was focused on the camera capturing the UA-cam demonstration, operating the cab, and watching some of the computer control calculations and diagnostics stats. I’m still in the debugging phase and there are many expensive and time invested components that could be damaged if not monitored.
I will try to improve on future videos. Thanks for understanding.
Yes, that is the ultimate throttle! Nice job. And I thought that I had done something great when I made an HO camera car that put the video on a monitor in my train room...
Ultimate Throttle Update 30-May-2015
DCCSound just sent me a new version EMD F7A sound project file for my Ultimate DCC Throttle (UDT). Running on a phantom secondary ESU decoder, its only purpose is to create the detailed sounds of the EMD 567BC prime mover engine. Unlike conventional decoder programs, this latest version is designed to reproduce all the different type of sounds created by the 567BC when transitioned from every combination of notches, including when dynamic brakes are engaged. With the addition of a new output impedance matching circuit and a new Behringer KLARK TEKNIK audio processor, the sound experience is exceptionally realistic!
To utilize this new secondary decoder, the UDT required a major software revision to manage two LocoNet throttle slots command packets.
The UDT software also was updated to now respond to JMRI Panel Pro commands over the LocoNet. The UDT cab radio now provides dispatcher voice commands based on block occupancy, turnout positions and signals (which I know I don’t have correct on my layout) or any custom script. To JMRI, my UDT is seen as another signal/accessory output decoder on the LocoNet.
The UDT software now employs the function of dynamic braking within the locomotive mathematical model.
I’ve started to breadboard the UDT’s Telemetry Locomotive. Following the “Pusher” as a motor-less F7A unit (now the system is ABBA), the Telemetry Locomotive will transmit tilt sensor signals from the front camera locomotive to the UDT to calculate the effects of rail grade. In addition, it will transmit pin-point layout positions such as road crossings, station/loading platforms, fueling positions, children playgrounds, etc., beyond what my current occupancy detection or DCC transponders can do. This will also feed the UDT radio commands as well as triggering exterior environment sound effects played through the primary sound system in stereo.
I’ve received some new ideas on reducing the “Pusher” motor ratio from a major model locomotive manufacture with goal of increasing the low speed resolution. In addition, I’ve placed on order a micro 16 mm planetary gear box I hope I can put in series with the drive shaft to reduce the speed to a ratio of 4:1. With this incredibly slow speed, I expect I will have to add “Super-Capacitors” to the Pusher as well.
I’ve been getting help from a major model railroad backdrop designer on creating a 360 degree realistic backdrop large enough so the camera cannot see over it.
1. Completely resigned the telemetry locomotive electronics to micro size. The computer, accelerometer, gyroscope, stilt sensor and XBee transmitter now integrated into the front camera locomotive. This removed the fourth locomotive.
2.Converted the camera locomotive to now have front wheel Stanton Drive. The third “pusher” locomotive is now gone leave only two locomotives (camera and HDMI transmitter).
3.Was able to fit an ESU LokSound LokPilot DCC decoder and large “keep alive” capacitor. I will be able to add a bunch of locomotive lighting effects.
4.Raised camera to maximum scale height to improve image prospective to be closer to locomotive windshield height.
5.Initial tests indicate I’ll be able to get the Stanton Drive down to half the speed resolution of the older Pusher (one HO railroad tie spacing in 4.5 seconds).
6.Now that I’m down to one powered truck, I had to add some major weight to improve traction. I did this by adding a lead filled fuel tank between the two trucks.
7.Completely redesigned operating front coupler and more sensitive impact sensor. Using micro solenoid instead of micro motor for remote uncoupling.
8.No more room in camera locomotive, completely packed with electronics, pulls about 2.5 amps just sitting still!
9.Should still be able to put a F7A shell over camera and F7B over transmitter. The F7B will need some of the shell hand made of brass and aluminum to manage the enormous heat produced by the transmitter (about 45 watts).
10.Rail grade effects are now operational
How awesome is that!? Lol, a real life Trainz 2015! Awesome job, really awesome...!
Nicely done! That looks like a pretty awesome experience. The only thing that would bother me is seeing the rest of the room from within the model. Why not have a fold up panel with more skyline on the open side of your layout, and possibly some sort of blue/white cloth tent structure over the top that is backlit.
Fantastic Bruce! This model really needs to be somewhere where you can really show it off! It looks great and works brilliantly and sounds amazing. It was well worth the hard work and determination of yourself and the others involved, well done. Cheers, Dan
TheMisterdan01 Thank you very much Dan! I hope to pack it up and take to a large layout where others could enjoy it.
Bruce Kingsley this would be awesome at the Greely Colorado Museum model train layout.
A masterpiece! Thank you so much for sharing. This is incredible. I hope to one day have your level of skill (and I expect patience too!).
This is stunningly cool.
Thanks for the command JH!
This is amazing!!!
Nice work Bruce!
one word - WOW!!!!!!!!
Very very nice
Absolutely stunning.
Ok, just one comment from a nit-picker. This is truly awesome and with the great attention to detail I'm surprised you missed this. We are looking out the right front window of the cab. The track is centered on the right side of the loco. If the camera were placed on the right side of the moving train where the window would be, the visual perspective would be correct.
Hi Mr. Zip. Thanks for the comment! You are not the first to make that observation, and yes, it is nit-picking :)In my video Part-15 I demonstrate the system with a custom camera, with my number one priority the quality of picture and focus range of 1080p @ 30 fps on my 48" monitor. I looked at off-setting the monitor to the window, though that cuts out some of the horizontal image and gives you a disturbing feeling. The new camera is mounted to the right .10" off centerline, which all I could do without the width exceeding HO clearance standards and risk hitting stuff.What people can't see on the UA-cam videos is the very high quality view out the window, and the powerful synchronized sounds and vibrations, even going a little too fast have made people feel sick and had to stop the system.Bruce K.
OMG!! NOT perfect (and I'm thinking/hoping you don't want it to be....yet), but.......FANTASTIC! Your video just happened to be listed under my "Recomended", so I clicked it, and WOW! Now I'll HAVE TO click Part 15. WOW!
DUDE! This is the coolest thing in the history of mankind! How did you build this? Do you work for studios or an amusement park or something?
Thanks 5dmc1. Videos 1-7 capture how it was made. The system does much more now, I just haven't made a video of it yet.
Finally model railroading from the real world perspective! This cab should be in the Smithsonian. Models look much better from this view. Also, time slows down to real world operative speeds instead of model speeds. Much more enjoyment can come from operating smaller layouts instead of having full basement empires. Those that detail the inside of model buildings should really be excited. Great job Bruce in setting a new standard in model railroading. I'd like try do what you have done, but from the perspective of an SW9 cab instead.
Thanks for your comments and observations. It is very true the scale slows down time and how you see it. This was a major challenge because it put a big demand on the "Pusher" to operate slow and smooth because the 48 inch monitor amplifies every little movement. I wish there was a way to "gear it down".
A masterpiece, no question....
Thanks for the comment. It will be on public display this summer at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
This is AMAZING!
This is my dream control. Would you ever sell something like this or do a custom install? Amazing!!!!! RT
+retrainrun - Thanks. Way too much work to do another...
Reply to questions:
Yes, my UDT does have the sander valve. If the software detects wheel slippage, turning on the sander valve changes the coefficient of wheel to rail friction in the mathematically model. Regardless if you need it, the software calculates the discharge of sand until you empty the storage box.
Brake fade is calculated based on cast iron brakes. I do accelerate the cool down time by factor of 10.
Everything driven by pneumatics is based on the reservoir math model. Use up the air, no brakes, bell, horn, reverser cylinder, etc.
I thought I captured coupler slack in the video. It shakes the cab and creates a distant sound based on how cars there are. The introduction of each box car mass and bearing friction is based on 12 inches of prototype travel. You can see the effect when I'm pulling a heavy load and I initially move when first started, but as the slack is taken out I stall. Reversing the loco introduces the slack in the reverse order.
The mathematically model does account for rail grade, but I have to set it with a dial. I hope to put a tilt sensor in a box car and transmit it to the cab using an XBee.
Bruce Kingsley I'll admit that many won't 'get it' and that I, personally, don't understand 99% of it but the sheer level of joy is there and I foresee that in a short while there will be a module that incorporates all of your hard work into dcc engines. Send those patent applications in, my friend! You are ahead of the curve and the next generation of dcc will have your work incorporated into it.
I work with many engineers (not the train kind...) who have absolutely no joy in their work and only wish they could solve problems with this kind of enthusiasm. You sir, regardless of your career, are a top-notch engineer (again - not the train kind) who brings both enthusiasm for problem solving AND joy for the result in something that is a precursor for products that will one day (SOON, I hope!) have little kids just as wide-eyed about model railroads as we were way back when it was a 'miracle' just to have a small model moving round on a 4 x 8 with smoke! Bruce - keep it up!
TOP WORK..! Congratulation...! From Argentina...! Bye bye!
Thanks Miguel. Make sure to watch part 15 when the project complete.
good..! Bye bye!
That's crazy impressive to find out that's a homemade cab. I figured you had a real hotdog control stand. (And i have a real one so I'm even more impressed i was dooped lol)
HOW DID U DO DAT??????
Amazing work. Must have taken ages.
i bet the hard part was finding the parts for an older EMD. the air brake, throttle, dynamic, etc are hard to find. who did you go to for parts? i know you said you machined some with help of a friend. i go through LTEX, NREX, SILX and S&S LOCOMOTIVE. i am an emd guy, actually restoring a emd control stand atm.
Hi Michael, thanks for the complement! Absolutely nothing in this cab is real. I modeled, painted and weathered everything. 90% is wood and plastic. Only handles and a part in the throttle is metal. See some of the videos before part 9.
.............and a lot of late nights, no doubt! Brilliant stuff. Enjoying the programme. Forgot to say; are we (you) in Canada?
If anyone has any ideas how I could mechanically "gear-down" the pusher locomotive so I have greater low speed resolution, I would greatly like your input.
Well...Can the train be lowered...? could you use smaller Wheels...? They will travel shoter. Electrically, I would put a resistor in series with the motor...Thus lowering the pulses...and the power. If the resistance is equal to the motor, it will halve the output. A simple solution is two motors in series. Excuse a "real" amateur for chirping along...! I don't have motors, but will find some and make a test.
Fantastic work. Takes model railways to a new high. Probably a bit better than my old H & M controller. But " ULTIMATE "???? Hmmmm..... show me a steamer version and we'll talk ultimate :) Thoroughly enjoyed.
Looks Great Don't Change A Thing
David Stahl Thanks David! I'm please to say I changed a lot since this video was made, for the better. It's like a drug, I can't stop!
After watching the video in which you said your wife didn't like a certain noisey device you use (I've forgotten which one it was), I came up with a two-fold recommendation, with the first part opposing the second:
1) keep the sound system, but make it louder, thereby losing the annoyed, complaining wife; OR...
2) buy a really good set of headphones.
It seems to me that keeping it moving realistically is actually more enjoyable that sitting in the engineer's seat,
although your case is probably the only exception to that in model RR history. Your attention to detail puts most other model railroders to shame, but at the same time, it may put a dent in your poor wife's sanity.
The electronics of today is fascinating compared to the stuff of 20-30 years ago. I haven't had a layout in that amout of time since my wife bought a pre-built one from a guy who was leaving. It was a 4 x 8 layout, and my youngest son and his best friend enjoyed it immensely on a daily basis after school. I keep finding more and more digitrax layouts almost every day on youtube, and I'm considering building one either for myself or for my grandson. It obviously wouldn't be on the same scale as yours, but I could probably build one that I'd enjoy, grandson or no grandson. Seeing these videos has been inspiring . Thank you and keep 'em comin'.
Thanks Mr. Kellogg for the comment!
wow.....i want one lol. incredible. can only imagine how much that cost to build. $15,000 is my guess
+Kyle Wells - Thanks Kyle!. Your estimate is what it was when I did a MRH Podcast on this project back in June 2015. It's over that now...
Bravo !!!
Thanks Boss for the comment!
Wow!
WAOOOUU💟🇺🇸👍🏽JEALOUX🤣🤪
No wonder why I think model railroaders are such dorks.
This is AMAZING!
Thanks Conny for the comment!