Ron Ron Ron

Are you sure, because the TS blurb and the news surrounding the order for the new sleepers, clearly have no mention of "plain vanilla" seats in the new trains? They say there are 4 levels of service - "Cradle seats", "Pod bed seats", "Berths" and "En-suit Berths". I get the impression that the concept of First Class is being done away with, to be replaced by Business class en-suite accommodation. Cradle seats are recliner seats akin to the old style business class airline seats. There are 5 types of passenger vehicle in the new trains, possibly equating to the 4 levels of service, plus the new Club Car. There is no mention of ordinary, non-sleeping capable, passenger seats anywhere. .

The Transport Scotland document I linked to, contains this design for the Pod flat beds..... Each Pod Flatbed will have the following features: fully 100% flatbed reclining seat; privacy screen; individual reading light; USB power supply for mobile phones, tablets etc; 3 pin power socket; lockable storage facility for small luggage, laptops, purses etc; ability to check-in larger items of luggage to be stored securely throughout the journey; blanket, duvet and pillow; sleep kit; and wi-fi

Travelling down the previous evening is by far the most popular option, with hundreds of people taking flights and others taking the train. The sleeper is a niche, but valid alternative in comparison. My neighbour used to commute by air between the south coast of England and Edinburgh. Going up once or twice a week. He even went up three times in a week on occasion, but more often than not stayed in a hotel overnight instead. He never used the sleeper and he said none of his colleagues doing the same trip at various times ever did. They always used 4 and 5 star hotels, so why would they slum it in a cramped sleeper train? . .

No images have been released AFAIK, but reading about the CAF built sleepers, it says there will be 5 different types of vehicle. The seated vehicles will use reclining (cradle) sleeper chairs and Pod-bed seats, increasing the levels of service to 4 (or 5 if you include single berths). Serco used this image of possible designs for the Pod bed seats..... Here is a pdf about the new franchise and trains. A new Serco Caledonian livery is depicted in this document, although I think it has been modified now, with a new stag logo. .

If you have a preference for knobs (Oooh Errr Missus !), let's hope some enterprising manufacturers will produce suitable clip on peripherals for Smart devices. Examples of the concept.... 1f105dcb03.jpg 41-8BeLl+fL._SY300_.jpg linea-pro-5-pistol-grip.jpg http://wimages.vr-zone.net/2013/10/gamepad_0.png http://infinigeek.com/assets/powershell-controller-battery-mobile-gaming-system.png?84cd58 13633273041.jpg http://media2.popsugar-assets.com/files/2011/08/34/5/192/1922507/aed907b26b3a43cc_e8f5_joystick_it_iphone.jpg iPad - https://9to5mac.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/numark-idj-pro-ipad.jpg?w=655 00128648300250____5__1000x1000.jpg DDJ-WEGO2_WEBset_high.jpg .

The use of a graphic user interface to adjust loco/decoder settings, rather than dabbling with CV settings, isn't new with this product. It's been done before on other systems, whether DCC systems (e.g. ECoS, Viessmann Commander), other wireless direct communication control systems (RailPro) and on 3rd party Smartphone/Tablet apps used with DCC systems or PC based train control software. The closest thing to BlueRail Trains system, is the Ring Engineering RailPro system, which is very similar to this in presentation, but doesn't use a Smartphone/Tablet interface and uses one of the high speed direct WiFi technologies (no router or network involved) instead of Bluetooth. RailPro uses a proprietary wireless handset, with a colour touch screen and a physical multi-purpose control knob. The problem with RailPro, compared to the BlueRail Trains's system, is that it is very much a one manufacturer closed proprietary system, with all system components (handset, decoders, accessory decoders etc) only available from the one company. The BlueRail Trains system pretty much copies the RailPro idea, but uses low cost BlueTooth (for comms) and an app based control system that can be hosted on a variety of common devices (no proprietary main system hardware). That is the killer application. The key to success will be if it can do the clever stuff that RailPro can do and if it can cover all the DCC functionality (and more). Having trawled the internet this morning, I have gleaned some interesting information, that comes directly from one of the developers. He confirmed that on 16th January 2015, BlueRail Trains and Bachmann formally finalised and commenced their joint agreement. The deal is that BlueRail Trains will be working only with Bachmann Trains, for the inclusion of built-in BlueRail Trains boards (Bluetooth decoders). They will not be working with any other manufacturer. However BlueRail Trains will be free to produce and sell boards and other related products, intended for use independently, or in any other model railway manufacturers products. BlueRail Trains say that neither they nor Bachmann, wish to produce a tied-in proprietary system and that they wish the system to be used in any model railroad application. However, there is no mention of manufacturing rights for the hardware (on-board and accessory decoder boards and other peripherals). Speed matching for consists. He mentioned that there will be some form of automatic speed matching, as the decoder boards will talk to each other and adjust to motor load etc. This sounds similar to the RailPro system, but whether it's active and as clever as that, or just a passive solution, isn't clear? Manual speed matching can also be achieved via the individual loco settings. Turnouts and Accessories. 10 types of board currently in development or being planned. The first are now in production. These include the mobile Bluetooth decoder boards, mobile boards for sound (not specified if these are sound decoders or can interface with sound decoders or modules?), and accessory boards (for turnouts, signals, lights etc). Interface with JMRI. They hadn't thought about it or even considered it (it sounded like it never entered their heads). However, in response to the suggestion, they think that it's worth looking at. They are working on a Bluetooth adapter board to connect to on-board DCC decoders. The DCC decoder will then ignore DCC commands and will respond to BlueRail commands via Bluetooth. No mention if it works the other way, or is switchable? There are plans to offer a Dead Rail version of the standard loco Bluetooth decoder board. The first products to go on sale this year (late Spring/Summer), will be Bachmann (USA) Train sets. A hint at Bachmann's Thomas sets being fitted. Others will be Bachmann diesels (presumably only the US company's range?). BlueRail Trains will then start selling after market decoder boards. I'll add more later.... Ron .

According to their web site and information reportedly given verbally by Bachmann, BlueRail Trains (the system under discussion here), currently has no such plans to transmit sound via Bluetooth to locos. They are offering AirPlay transmission of sound to remote AirPlay equipped speakers, and have "ambitions" to be able to use the system to trigger "on-board" sound modules at some future date. .

I don't think it is helpful to confuse "younger" and "new entrants" to the hobby. If we are talking about the train set market and kid's toys, that is not "new entrants" to the hobby. It has nothing to do with the hobby really. Very few kid's who play with a train set are going to become future modellers. We need to "get real" here. What's left of the toy train market is mostly toys for very young children (4 - 9 year olds). Bachmann Trains (US) are heavily involved in the children's toy train market in N. America. In the UK they have only really dabbled in this market. I can see the EZ-app offering being used to update and spice up the attractiveness of toy train sets, in what is a shrinking market. "New entrants" to the hobby is another thing altogether. Attractive tech and affordable prices would indeed be a very useful tool in trying to attract young and old Adults to the hobby. .

A handset with a rotary speed knob, would cost more money that you think. Note also, there's no longer any need to select loco addresses by keypad. The "system" is the Bluetooth equipped decoder and a cheap (or free) app. End of. A suitable simple power supply being a prerequisite. A dedicated handset with a rotary speed knob, would be something similar to that used the Ring RailPro system, which although similar in concept, is quite different in many ways (n.b. it's also more sophisticated than BlueRail Trains too). .

Here's another thought, for what it's worth. What does the manufacturer/vendor of a system such as the BlueRail Trains/ Bachmann EZ-app have to offer that will generate income for them? Unlike the DCC manufacturers, who offer a wide range of equipment, peripherals and add-ons, what we are being offered here is just a decoder/Bluetooth comms chip and an app. That's all they can sell, apart from add-on software features or more sophisticated versions of the app. If this product was being made available as an open standard, there's nothing to stop any other company, established in this field or not, producing their own chips. Similarly, there will be a plethora of competing apps appearing from all and sundry, many of which might be free. The manufacturer/vendor didn't have a lot to sell in the first place. With an open standard the market will likely and simply run away from them as sales are diluted by competing products. As the manufacturer/vendor, the only way this venture is going to be viable and worth investing in, with be to make it closed and proprietary. That might be fine for the toy market, where the customer/user has a small collection of items, that will only be used for a relatively short time before being discarded, sold, dumped or moved on; but it doesn't bode well for the modeller market IMHO, unless that system, as Mike says, becomes the de facto standard. .

Nile, as far as I can see, the BlueRail Trains system is not offering Bluetooth sound. Sound files will be contained within the app on your control device and playable on that device. They also say that sound can be transmitted via AirPlay to remote speakers. The sounds are generic sound files, but they have plans to support loco specific sound files (i.e. not being delivered at the launch of the product). The BlueRail Trains decoder/Bluetooth module will not store or play sounds. They "have ambitions" to use their system to trigger on-board sound modules within locos sometime in the future (i.e. they haven't got that yet and it's currently just on a wish list). I understand what you're saying regarding the technical possibilities of using wireless technologies as part of a steerable sound effect system, but as far as I can see, that has very little to do with the system being discussed here. Best Regards Ron .

It's interesting reading the reactions to new developments like this, on American forums. It was the same when the Ring RailPro system was introduced. Clearly a lot of American DCC users have only been exposed to, or are only aware of domestically manufactured DCC systems (e.g. Digitraxx, NCE, CVP & MRC) and possibly Lenz; with their basic and dated/legacy handsets and user interfaces. The reaction to RailPro and now EZ-App/BlueRail Trains suggests most are not aware of more recent DCC systems that already have modern GUI based user interfaces such as the ESU ECoS, Viessmann Commander, Roco Z21 or the Zimo (MX10/MX32). It does kind of cloud the issues being discussed. .

In Pages, there is the option to export or save a Pages document in a Word readable format. .

Removing command and control signals from the rails has many advantages. Apart from reliability, it opens up the availability of more modern 2-way communication technology and protocols. The killer advantage depends on what you're looking for. e.g. Much reduced cost, or the ability to exploit the technology available. Then again, the use of Bluetooth could equally be applied to DCC use in some form. As has been said before, it might not be helpful to confuse wireless technologies and control interfaces, with the control systems themselves. The BlueTrains/ Bachmann EZ-App system is a different type of control system, that just happens to use Bluetooth as its communication vehicle. It might just as well have used WiFi instead. I totally agree there, but this isn't a subject about Dead Rail or battery power. Bachmann EZ-App isn't about power sources AFAICS. The Dead Rail, battery power thing is a different subject. .

I don't think anyone suggested it was, Martyn? Replacing DCC? Yes and No. The sales pitch is that you no longer have to buy an expensive array of DCC equipment, or keep having to add on extra bits for increased functionality. Most existing DCC users would probably stick with what they have though. Your second paragraph nails it. Assuming the EZ App can do most if not all things DCC can do. We don't know that yet and there are many questions left unanswered. .

Hi Keith, everything inside the "walled garden" is just fine and hunky dory. As far as desktop OS's are concerned, you can exchange almost any data between users of Windows and OSX. OS X users can run any Windows specific software on their Mac too. It's an entirely different scenario to that with mobile OS's. The "fear" of being "tied hand and foot" is illusory and nothing to get the slightest bit concerned about. The preference for using iOS based apps by certain DCC companies or third part app developers, is not unique to model train control. For many developing for iOS, either exclusively or at first (with Android versions done later), is a reflection of the market. Despite the late rise of Android based usage, to be the most common/popular worldwide, it still hasn't translated into a commercially successful opportunity for app developers on the scale of developing for iOS. Then there is the market demographic. For example, the very high percentage of iOS users in N. America, its predominance in certain sectors of society, or in the case of apps aimed at specialist or professional use, most of the target audience are iOS based. Developers are just targeting the appropriate markets for their wares. I also thought Bluetooth was a blind Alley. In fact as an industry standard it was certainly on its way out and due to be culled (by default) until a couple of years ago. Since then, new developments in the world of Bluetooth have revived its fortunes and it's had a new lease of life, so I'm not so sure it's such a dead end now. In the case of model train control, I agree with Nigel that we shouldn't confuse the wireless technology and protocols being employed, with the issue of Smartphones/Tablets being used as control interfaces and throttles. They are different, but related subjects. The same confusion persists in discussions about these control interfaces and direct wireless communication with locos, being mixed up with the subject of Dead Rail and battery power. As an aside, I've read that at last weekend's Amherst RailRoad Hobby Show (one of, if not the world's biggest show), there were problems with so many thousands of Bluetooth and WiFi users in close proximity. Some demos of various systems using BlueTooth and WiFi, were said to have encountered problems with interference; Bachmann demo'ing their EZ app included !! .

Other than using a Smartphone or Tablet device as a throttle, there is no similarity between these systems at all AFAICS. The Z21 is regular DCC, operated through a software App based control interface and connected by wireless to the DCC system. EZ App / BlueRail Trains isn't a DCC system. It's an App based control system that communicates directly with proprietary decoders, situated in the train/loco. There are still a lot of questions that haven't been answered about this system. Information that has come out, is that everything is stored in the App. Loco ID's, decoder settings etc. Sound files are stored and played in the App. Sound will be played out of the Smartphone or Tablet speakers, or attached earbuds/headphones. At the moment, there will be no speaker in the train/loco. They have mentioned plans to have the ability to send sound by AirPlay to remote devices (vapourware?) If you use a different Smartphone or Tablet to control the loco/train, none of you current settings are available. If your Smartphone or Tablet dies or needs recharging, then using another device will mean you have lost all your loco settings, unless there's a means of duplicating it, or synchronising it with another device. If the loco is taken to another layout and used with another Smartphone/Tablet device with the EZ App (e.g. a mates phone), no settings or sound will be available. Consisting is included, but there has been no mention of speed matching ????? Note the Ring RailPro system uses automatic speed matching. In DCC it's programmed manually. Bachmann have avoided the question of using multiple throttles/operators. No mention of track detection or layout control yet. .

I wonder if there's a tax break for the NDA for providing this service, as part of some sort of Green transport to work initiative? It might even be an environmental offset. (Alleged) green public transport to offset the amount of 3 headed fish in the Irish Sea. .

Those figures are simply quoted as for XC. There's no indication of traffic picked up from SWT, but it's worth considering that there is now an hourly clock face XC service, compared with much fewer randomly spaced XC services in the BR era. Overall passenger numbers on this route have doubled since the early 1990's, as have those between Southampton - Waterloo. (Incidentally, Southampton Central station (all routes) usage went up from 3.2 million to 6.3 million, between 1995 and 2013.)

While we're flagging up model railway related bargains from these discount supermarkets, how about this one from this week's offerings at Aldi. Perfect for those model railway shows and an essential for all exhibitors...... Aldi Bargain of the week. .

. Percy: "Hello Thomas. We haven't seen you around here for a long while. Where've you been?" Thomas: "Hello Percy. I've been away having a career break." Percy: " A career break? .....I had a career break once. My brakes failed and I careered of the rails." "Anyway, you can't just come back and waltz into your old job" He puffed haughtily. "We've all had to reapply for our ours. The Fat Controller will want to see your CV" Thomas: "Well, if he wants to see my CV, he'll need DecoderPro." Percy; " DecoderPro? Smoke and ashes, what are you talking about Thomas?" Thomas: "If he wants to see my CV he'll need DecoderPro ......to read my Chip" Percy: "Chip? ....What's Chips got to do with anything? .....You must have had too much Sun on your Dome" Thomas: "The Chip inside me. I've had it put in; I'm all digital now and an even more useful little Engine" Percy: "By the look of your Boiler, you look like you've had more than a few Chips. You need to get back to work and get fit again." .....Percy skulled off, looking more than a bit befuddled by what Thomas had been saying. " If the Fat Controller hears him talking like that, he'll get his Chips alright", he mumbled, as he spluttered and jerked over the points......... . .

To keep it in perspective, surely Hornby's involvement is only a relatively small part of the Thomas franchise and at the very expensive end of the range of Thomas toys and merchandise? Reading the blurb, it looks like the internet and social media are destined to play a part in "engaging" children in Thomas experience. I also suspect the bulk of Thomas themed toy trains and train sets will be of the cheaper plastic variety and not Hornby or Bachmann products. .

They might have changed it to Mecca Bookreaders ?

Most of their findings were flawed or even nonsense. That's just another example. That select committee report was largely a labour inspired political swipe at the government. .