Hi folks,

Normally I am over in the Collector's Corner but had a thought the other day about computer control of layouts. As a vintage collector I setup some track every once in a while to run my locos. I've always dreamed of a modern digital layout but it hasn't happened yet. Then I thought, wouldn't it be cool if I could control someone else's layout remotely and watch the trains go around through a live video feed. I've seen some wireless cameras that can even be mounted within the loco cab. As a tech person myself, I know all of this would be technically possible and with computer control of layouts it wouldn't take much to allow anyone on the web to control the entire layout.

So my question is: are there current sites or members that have a similar setup in which users can log in and control / view a complete train layout? If not, would this be of interest to other forum members? I'm seriously thinking of building it, and perhaps will even build a crane that can be remotely controlled to load goods onto freight trains!

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best wishes,

Paul

Paul, what happens when an accident occurs and the owner is asleep while you operate the train(s), if you have the capability of running 40 trains does this mean 40 people can log onto your layout ?

While you are having fun who is going to do the maintenance on locos and rolling stock, there are more than technical issues involved, I can't see someone allowing you to run his locos on his layout, he build and he paid for, you could issue a license number with a cost involved, for example an hour or 2 hours of play. but will this be enough to hang around while someone else enjoys it or you may have to have x amount of members logged on (with a license number issued) and running the layout for a specific time but I still see problems how you can control the organization of such events from a logistic point of view.
just say 20 members take part every time such a computer controlled takes place. there are most probably certain locos and rolling stock offered, who gets what and what about disagreements who gets what and what about 1 member or last to join doesn't like anything what's left over and you have to find another member to make up the 20.

I think the idea is plausible but actually getting started and organizing a team together and agreeing will be the difficult part. I personally can't see it will work with 1 person operating the layout remote, with the owner of the layout and all its content be willing to stay up so you can enjoy a couple of hours of pleasure, its like coming into your home with 24/7 free access, open the fridge and indulge you with food at someone else's expense, time and effort

there is always the chance one loco stops working, derails, power goes off or any other foreseen or unforeseen situations occurs, who takes responsibility for what ? I can see a license fee is higher for an ICE train than a little steamer, what happens when the ICE train derails at high speed and causes other trains to stop operating, was it your own fault or had it to do with the tracks itself. who pays for lost time or who gets compensated ? and who can prevent or influence feedbacks with one member being unsatisfied like we have on this forum under dealers and ebay issues.


John

Thanks, John, you bring up some very good points. My current plan would be to build the layout myself and offer it up for others to use. Then if others agreed they could add the same system to allow others to control their own layouts. It could be a good way to make some money on the side while your layout isn't being used -- maybe to finance new purchases?

The logistics is the most difficult part. I was thinking users could sign up for 1-hr blocks and get full control of the layout and all trains. Maybe charge a small fee and of course if the train derails or the locos need maintenance the user could report a problem and other scheduled users would be notified the layout is down for maintenance. It probably wouldn't ever work to have 2 people control the trains at the same time -- too much chance of a disaster. But if one person operated the crane while another person drove the train in there could be some fun!

Best wishes,

Paul

Hi Dale,fascinating but what about hackers who want to cause mischief ?, I am not IT literate but just a thought.

Jay

I remember playing with it in the 90's when it was at the University of Ulm in its original configuration... It was great fun in the early days of Internet...
But the video delays were a bit annoying over a 33.6k modem, got a bit better with 512kbps ADSL...