I want to know if fellow N scale modelars feel that there is a need for N scale GPS domes. If they came white, all you would have to do is glue them in the middle of the cab. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks! Here is a link to a pic: http://ARCHIVE.TRAINPIX.COM/BNSF/GEORIG/C44-9W/4444.HTM ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing [This message has been edited by Craig Martyn (edited 06 June 2000).]
Are you going to start making them? ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
Do all of the railroads use them? When did they start putting them on engines? ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX The Southview Lines www.crosswinds.net/~mdrzycimski
I think it is a US thing. Happy Railroading! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. To send a general TRAIN! E-Mail send to BCRailKing@Canada.com
Lots more photos of 'em here http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=892767&a=6498231 ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Yes, I am really considering doing them. But for now, I can't give out much more info than that. When I get all the molds going and everything, I will put one on one of my locomotives and will attempt to load it onto this page. Well, SF had some C44's with em', so did UP (AC44's), BNSF and many more. They are put on C44's and I also have pictures of them on silver and red warbonnet SD70MAC's (I think or maybe it was a 75MAC????) Like I said, they would come white so all you would have to do is paint them. Thanks guys! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
Just remember, not ALL of them have these installed. Get pics of the loco's you want to do. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
I haven't done a lot of research on what locomotives the GPS domes are on, but I do know that they are on the newer BNSF H II C44's, UP AC44CW's, newer SD90's, SD75MAC's (some). I'm gonna have to check on this......... ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
OF COURSE!! We have all of the best toys BTW, isn't GPS a little overkill for trains? Afterall, they go where the tracks go. You would think some kind of Earth based transponder would be more pratical. Oh well, it is still cool. Matt <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BC Rail King: I think it is a US thing. Happy Railroading! Dane N. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
From my take on it, it's not so much a GPS system, but a satellite tracking system. It advises the Despatchers and MP Depts of where the equipment is, and how it is running - fuel consumption, diagnostics, etc. Eventually, it can be used within a satellite based signalling system, something the DM&E is considering if, and when, they get the new line into the Powder River Basin built. This may be an evolution of the BN/Rockwell LARS system fitted to the GP50's. Gary.
Thanks for the info Gats!!! That's interesting. ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 30 July 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gats: From my take on it, it's not so much a GPS system, but a satellite tracking system. It advises the Despatchers and MP Depts of where the equipment is, and how it is running - fuel consumption, diagnostics, etc. Eventually, it can be used within a satellite based signalling system, something the DM&E is considering if, and when, they get the new line into the Powder River Basin built. This may be an evolution of the BN/Rockwell LARS system fitted to the GP50's. Gary.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Now THAT IS COOL!! With this type of technology available you would think we would have higher speed trains here in the US. I wonder how far we are away from computer controlled trains from a central location. Maybe mr. Orwell was right Matt
Craig, the satellite antennae sounds like a nice detail for those who model up-to-date modern equipment. Off Topic Warning! This is straying well off topic, but yes, there are systems that are essentially computer controlled that will allow for higher-speed trains whilst maintaining safe headways between them. A CBI/SSI (Computer-based Interlocking/Solid-state Interlocking) signalling system tied to ATP/ATC (Automatic Train Protection/Control) train control systems is an example of such a system used in Europe, Japan, HK, Singapore, and several other places including small systems within the US. As for faster trains, that requires far more than an effective control system. The track infrastructure requires massive rehabiltation and enhancement in order to handle higher speeds and the attendant stresses involved plus the temperature extremes that are experienced, and higher maintenace intervals and costs to maintain the infrastructure quality. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
Thanks for all of the replys and info everyone! The project will proceed! I will post something when "the domes" are available. ETA is July 1, 2000 Thanks PS. I am not closing this post, so if you have any thing to add (questions or comments) feel free to do so. I would love to hear from you! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
I have a comment Craig! I think they should be purple, LOL!! No, here is a real one! I will take one! Just give it to Joe, stick it in my issue of the Cascade, and I will pay you next time I send mail to him. Back on topic, I think we can all agree they will be a great addition to the N scale detail market! Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. To send a general TRAIN! E-Mail send to BCRailKing@Canada.com AIM me at TAMR2860!
Purple it is! Cool, thanks Dane! *****More info. I know, I know, $1 seems high for a detail part, but that is what they will be. Here is my take on this, I used to think, how much does it cost to make that thing???5 cents!!!!! Well, everything costs money, have to have a computer to make the directions and the label at top, have to buy the little plastic bags, have to buy mold maker, resin, ton of other tools, etc. Anyway, just so you guys know, it's more than just the detail. Thanks! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
