>> Update! PRR is now available in Windows and has a web site. Check them out at http://www.decapodsystems.com/index.html <<
In reply to the request for a
computer program for switchlists, here is what I use.
PLANNED RAILROAD ROUTING is the computer generated switchlist program I
use on my Texas Central RR. I purchased and studied this program before I even built my
layout to make sure I would be able to do what I wanted to do--operate in as prototypical
manner as I knew how to do. Four files are used to supply the information for generating
the switchlists:
1) TOWNS--a list of the towns on (or offline) in the order that they
appear (I have 11 towns)
2) ROLLING STOCK--a list of all the rolling stock you plan to use by
roadname, number and type (I have entered about 250 cars)
3) INDUSTRIES--this is the important file, and the one which takes
considerable thought. Information for each industry is entered--what town it is in, how
many cars the siding will hold, what type of cars it requires, whether it needs full or
empty cars, how often it requests cars, how long they stay there, and what industries it
will ship to. Balancing the shipments is important. (ie-if a grain elevator fills up
hoppers, another industry must request full hoppers, or they have no place to go.) You can
also include offline shipping points, which is very helpful. Also, you enter a yard
differently so that cars go empty in, empty out, vice versa.(I have about 37 industries)
4) TRAINS-a list of each train you want-- what direction it goes, what
towns it will stop at to deliver and pick up, what kind of cars it carries, and what it's
maximum length will be. There's no need to enter through freights, and you can enter
passenger trains if any switching is done with them. ( I run about 12 trains + unit trains
not on the list and passenger trains)
The computer uses these four files to make up the train switchlists. Each session begins where the last one left off. For each session, you first get a printout of every industry and what cars should be there, in case some have been moved, or didn't get moved to the right place. Printed one-page switchlists will be generated for each train you list.
PRR will also generate local switchlists for a town, which is very useful for a major yard or for a local switcher in a town. IMHO the key to this program is its flexibility. The industry and train files allow you to personalize the program to your individual layout and tastes. It takes some time to enter all the data, and to tune it up, but once you have it going, you just push the buttons, print up the switchlists, and run the trains.
I have been using this program
for five years now, with no problems. I have added and taken off some industries, and
added rolling stock with no problems. I have also made major revisions to the train
schedule with no problems. Version 7.0 is the most recent release. Cost is
$39.50, and it is available from:
Decapod Systems
3850 Woodman
Troy, MI 48084
810-643-7040
I am just a very satisfied user who wants to see this program continue! I think. It has
been around for over 15 years now. I will be glad to answer any questions via email.