Train Simulator 2013 is on sale

The Christmas is around the corner, and the PC game platform Steam is now giving a very special offer of the famous Train Simulator 2013 at only 18.69 USD (66% discount from the original $54.99)



This is a limited time offer which ends on 11 December. In the bundle, you could ride on the Munich to Augsburg route, the 61 kilometer route is highly detailed with urban and suburban scenery. Besides the ICE 3, you could drive the BR 101 and BR 294 with active signaling system (PZB90 and LZB). Besides the Germany, you could ride on the fabulous Sherman Hill, London to Brighton route as well. With the built-in editor, you could create your own railway, just like what we do with our model.

Check the Youtube for a free ride before going to the Steam.

 

Train Simulator 2013 on Steam

http://store.steampowered.com/app/208288/

Marklin Central Station 2 - Software Update (2.2.0)

Marklin just released the software update for the Central Station 2 (60213 - 60215). The build version of the update is 2.2.0 with the following changes:

1. Rotation of the DKW on Track Diagram expanded from two positions to four.
2. Locomotive selection dialog background changed from blue to gray (to make consistent with template, blue for configuration dialog, gray for non-configurable)
3. Enhanced function symbols for new locomotives
4. Network fixes for DHCP, Gateway and CAN gateway
5. Solved the problem of executing route without S88 contact
6. USB thumb drive mounting issue
7. Optimized S88 configuration page for faster display and easy reading
8. Fixed the S88 reporting problem when more than eight S88 module are connected
9. Support of CAN message for display individual S88 contact status.
10. Fixed S88 CAN message doubling on CAN bus
11. Automatic eliminates inaccurate message on CAN bus 
12. Support of 2 S88 contacts for "Memory Route"

The update is available through built-in function of the Central Station. The separate download file would be available later.

Marklin Newest Crocodiles - SBB Ce 6/8 II

Marklin heard that you want more and something rare, so two SBB crocodiles are set to ride on your layout in 2013. The crocodiles are SBB class Ce 6/8 II, based on the first prototype production series.

The dark brown crocodiles is looked around 1922 (Era II). Features open buffers, walk-over plates at the ends, and small steps for brakemen. The wrong track operation light and inductive magnet are absent on this model. The Locomotive road number is 14268.

  
The other crocodile in pine green is looked in the 1950s (Era III). The equipment are different from the brown croco, the open buffer is replaced by solid type, and walk-over plates and steps are removed. The wrong track operation light and inductive magnet are added to the model. The Locomotive road number is 14272.

The model is equipped with mfx decoders and sound functions are available. Flywheels and jackshaft to powered three axles on the power truck. Swiss headlight / marker light switch mode, warm white / red LED for marker lights.

It is hard to choose which one is better, and Marklin knows that too and had made the choice for you: the crocodiles would be available in twin pack, item number 37565 and due in next year.

Marklin Insider Model 2013 - BR 58

During the IMA 2012, Marklin announced the Insider Model of Year 2012 - BR 58 Steam Locomotive, item number 37589. The class is BR 58 10-21, known as Pr G 12, with road number of 58 1836. The model features new tooling of metal construction, sound function and telex coupler. Smoke generator 7226 is installed in the factory and digitally controlled. Overall length 21.2 cm.

ESU SwitchPilot 51800

I will start a series to share the experience of the accessory decoders (k83 and k84) that I had used. First, let's start with the ESU Switch Pilot, item 51800. 

The ESU SwtichPilot is a very outstanding decoder in terms of functions and flexibility. It speaks Marklin Motorola (MM) and DCC format, 256 address for MM and 2044 address for DCC, which is a standard for most European made decoders.

There are four outputs with two transistors each, and the dip switch on the housing flips the four outputs between pulse mode(k83) or continuous mode (k84) in MM format. Besides the two preset modes, the "User Mode" is introduced to set individual output in DCC format, e.g. Output 1 and 2 for pulse, Output 4 for continuous. However, the address are grouped in four consecutive number which individual setting is not allowed, e.g. Group 8 (Address 29-32), Group 9 (Address 33-36).

Programming is very easy in MM mode, just hold the programming button until the Status LED starts blinking, then trigger the digital switching command with the preferred address, e.g. Address 33 Green, then rest of outputs are set automatically (Address 33, 33+1, 33+2, 33+3).

The unit could be feeded by digital track power or separate transformer, which is a overwhelming advantage for large layout to save the expensive juice from the control station. Blinking mode and "Fade in - fade out" effect are available to simulate the changing over effect of daylight signals. And the unit could be extended to control servo output (51802) and relay switching (51801).

All in all, the SwitchPilot is a very good decoder with the flexibility and function it offers. The programming procedure is so simple that fits all levels of model railroader. And the cost is only one-third of listed price of Marklin k84 decoder (60840), which made it the best buy in the market.

Hovermotion's channel posted an excellent video showing how to setup the ESU Lokpilot.

Adding a random event and makes fun long

Computer Control follows routine procedure, sometimes it is a bit boring with all the presets.

lets share Christian's video: barrier lowered down, trucks brakes, train passes, barrier up again...the visitor would soon lose the focus.

How about adding a random event with an overtaking truck and near-miss situation.

Viessmann Ballet

I just come across a very interesting video from Viessmann, showing a ballet from numbers of barriers (5214).

 Want more? Another video of truck ballet

First Post and Warm Welcome

Halo. 

This is the first post of the blog. In this blog, I will share the model railway journey, from layout building to running trains. It is a very large domain, so I will try to focus on my interest, that is HO scale Marklin Trains, Digital Layout and Computer Control. I hope you would enjoy the reading, clips and photos of the layout. 

Below is my carpet layout few years ago, sadly dismantled.