Peter - I drew one of the box plans for you but as you didn't comment I assumed you weren't interested in the rest (on 15 September 2009 on the old forum)
Hi Pete,
let me know how you envisage it working and I will see what I can do - you will need to consider how you enter data and then how the data is used, do you want real time ? accelerated time ? click for next move ? etc.
For example - a simple text file could drive it thus
14:00 - 40106 arrives platform 1 on a Skegness - Llanbourne
14:06 - 45112 departs platform 2 on a LLanbourne - Chester
14:14 - 08123 departs from shed to platform 1 to release 40106
14:25 - 40106 shunts to shed.
etc (these is a simple example with mythical numbers before anyone says 08123 was scrapped at xyz in 1898)
This would result in a display such as
(this tooks me seconds to knock up so is a bit rough and ready)
The MILF* wouldn't really work for a terminus and it's designed to handle a fiddle yard where trains depart, run through the station and return to the same place.
The other thought that's occurred to me (I do have an odd one) is if the software was discussed in a thread then others could add to it if they are also interested in some freeware - if you think this is a good idea then rather than posting to me, start a new thread and we can invite discussion - however I will have final decision on functionality (as I will be writing it !)
MILF - Mikes Intelligent Line Finder - basically an intelligent random train generator for a fiddle yard - through station - fiddle yard scenario.
We have MILF software (written by me) which has an add on for a separate computer to show information regarding the train (we don't use this) (it also has an add on for random faults on the trains !)
The easy bit would be showing the timetable, getting it to look like an old display would not be so easy - if all you want is a timetable display then I know a man who could do probably do it (depends how complicated it is !) for you - me (I'm free!)
Pete - Send me a PM with your thoughts about how you would see this working in practice and we can start a chat off line (if you want me to assist!). (I assume you have Windows ? - my development tools are for the Windows platform)
For a variety of reasons this has not progressed however after some successful baseboard construction yesterday which makes this part (the bit I hate most) a lot easier (see here) my interest has been rekindled but possibly in a smaller scale (literally ! - N gauge) - don't hold any breath just yet though
Convert your locos when you can, one at a time, and then when you have enough done, switch to DCC, you won't go back, trust me, I'm a docker
And change that signal box
I was at Knottingley a couple of weeks back and it still looks to be a suitable basis for a prototype - might be time to resurrect this idea when the dark nights return.
Chris Hewitt of the Liverpool MRS made an EM model of Calne many years ago - Michael Delamar should be able to put you in touch.
I assume you have "Tbe Calne Branch" book ?
Golborne was were the line towards the Liverpool/Manchester "Chat Moss" left the WCML, routes to both Liverpool/Manchester available, so it could be heading towards Warrington (on the main) or it could be taking the Chat Moss towards Manchester and the Peaks (district!) I don't have the pic so I can't add any more info I'm afraid.
(There is a slim chance it could also take Golborne -> Lowton -> Earlestown -> Winwick and back onto the WCML)