March 10th- We Go Hi-Tech

Post date: Mar 12, 2011 2:21:36 AM

Tonight marked a milestone for the Sue Line Crew. We added Wi-Fi to our computer and ran trains using the WiThrottle and JMRI connected to EasyDcc.

Jason Busey (above) holds his WiThrottle while running a Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #3964 (below) into the I-49 Yard.

The phone is set in airplane mode and WiFi is enabled. The phone connectes to the computer via a wireless router. The computer is loaded with JMRI and the WiThrottle is enabled.  The computer is connected to the EasyDcc command station as shown on page 143 of the ORANGE EasyDCC MANUAL. The Q-D-S Mode is enabled and then all is great fun.

John Arnold (above) made the cables and set up the system for the rest of the crew to enjoy. Many thanks John.

David Colvin (above) oversaw the session as dispatcher and train master.

David now has six (6) computer screens to make is job easier. The first has the message bar and "hopefully" the USB cameras which did not want to "play nice" this evening. The next is the RailOps display and then the four (4) displays for the dispatcher panel.

Meanwhile, Jim Willis (above) again took on the job of the Alex Yard Operator.

While Mose Crews (above) took on the duties of the Shreveport Yard Master.

Danny Garland (above) was the Sue City Operator.

Paul Harwell (above) was the Maryville Operator (MoOp).

The mainline engineers included: 

               Charlie DeVillbiss (above)

Lionel Brangham (above)

Charles Kneipp (above)                    

Jason Busey (above)

                   Ron Brannon (above)

Matt Tessier (above) who also was using a WiThrottle 

and Rodney Dixon (above).      

Matt Tessier (above, left) with EasyDcc T9000E radio throttle in one hand and WiThrottle in the other is about to move to the leading edge of technology while Jason Busey (above, right) has already moved to the WiThrottle and Rodney Dixon (above, center) stays with the traditional T9000E.

Mose Crews (above, left) looks on as Jason Busey (above, right) brings his Union Pacific Steam Locomotive into Ashby Junction.

Ron Brannon (above) learns about the WiThrottle.

Charlie DeVillbiss (above) is busy at Brandon.

Paul Harwell (above) waits for trains to arrive in Maryville.

No matter how Hi-Tech we go, there are still some "gremlins" which get us. A turnout did now throw, shorted the power and vaporized the wires. Charles Kneipp (above) is in the process of changing out the offending turnout motor.