Trainz

There are not that many good railroad apps for the iPad. I've seen some "reference" apps and dictionary apps. The only one that grabs my interest is Trainz, which is an excellent railroad simulation program for PCs.

If the Trainz app is anything close to the Trainz program for PCs, it would definitely be worth trying the app, which is $3.99 for the iPad.

-Al

Just the basics

I find just the basic apps the most useful  - specifically the web browser and PDF viewer.

I find it a very convenient tool to have near me during construction (modeling) to refer to forum posts, online instructions, etc - and while you can do that with a laptop, the tablet is smaller and more convenient in my opinion.

I also use SwitchList for Mac, and export the lists to the iPad to be paper free. Combined with the Wii Throttle (which  I know you're not interested in), it's become a very useful tool in the train room.

I do have Trainz as well, some bugs, but well worth $4.

ModelTrainDB App

I have the Trainz app as well, and have found it to be fun to play and well worth the money.  The only downside is that I wished the controls were slightly larger, they are a bit small for my fingers on the iPad.

I have also just published my own iPhone/iPad App for model railroad collectors to help track their inventory.  I was tired of using Excel spreadsheets, and most of the other available options out there were older, outdated PC based programs.  I really liked the fact that I can have my inventory and purchase history with me as well when I am out at a train show or the local hobby shop.

Feel free to check it out on iTunes, or have a look at our website.  We are also signed up as a new upcoming MRH sponsor/advertiser.

MRH app store?

Would there be any interest in an MRH railroading app store? My thought is to make the apps a little cheaper than Apple or the Android Marketplace, and to give modelers a one-stop-shop for all apps train-related.

Not only would it include the obvious train-related apps, but some of the less obvious ones like the grade / level calculators - apps that could be useful to model railroaders but may not be specifically for model railroaders.

What do you think?

Scarpia: Switchlist Exports

Hi Sacrpia

I am assuming that you have WiFi, what with an iPad. Have you tried running the webserver from within Switchlist then connecting to all the lists from your iPad Browser? It saves the hassle of transferring to your iPad, which you hint at doing. It is much cleaner viewing as well as you are not looking at a PDF of the printout. As the lists are all HTML generations, you can easily create custom lists to display what you need. Robert's tutorial on templates is very informative.

John H

Collingwood, ON

SwitchList on a PC?

I understand this software was developed for the Mac, but I've yet to find a better work order management and switchlist generation tool out there as a COTS product. Problem is, I have PCs at home - nary an Apple product to be found.

I may just have to run the Mac OS on a VM session on my PC to get it all to work. Being a modern (post-1980s) modeler the PICL format is right up my alley, and the tool perfect for a small switching layout operator as myself.

RE: MRH App Store

Hi Joe,

Sure, that sounds like an interesting idea, as it would be nice to have one place to review, purchase and download railroad related apps.

Unfortunately, there current is no way to distribute an iOS application without going through the iTunes App Store.  I can do ad hoc distribution for testing, but that is limited to 100 devices max and would expire after a period of time.

MRH app store

Joe,

Yes, please.

Thanks,

Al

SwitchList PICL Format

Dan,

I'm glad it's working for you.  I was grateful that Robert allowed me to develop the format, with A LOT of questions from me to him, for SwitchList.  The original PICL format was based on forms used on the Iowa Interstate and it has served wonderfully as the traffic generator for my IAIS Grimes Line layout.

This is off topic, but I highly recommend any smaller, switching style layout owners who are interested check out the application at  http://www.vasonabranch.com/railroad/switchlist.html

James

Modelscaler

MRH App store as list only

Joe

The MRH store could only be a listing of apps that are useful to model railroaders. As Chris mentioned, it is only possible to purchase (even free apps) and install from the iTunes App store. However, as a listing and possible iTunes link for useful apps, it would be of assistance to find what other modelers are using.

John H

iPad Scope

Anyone needs a iPad based Scope, there is a module with test clip leads that plugs into the iPad and an app turns it into a 5 mhz Scope for the adventurous. Cost si $275 for the one I saw.

• iMSO-104 Mixed Signal Oscilloscope Hardware
• 1x/10 Analog Probe
• Logic Harness (4 Digital + 1 Ground) 
• SMD Grabbers (5 pieces)
• Bandwidth 5MHz
• Max sample rate 12MSPS
• Screwdriver for Analog Compensation Adjustment
• Analog tip covers (2 pieces)

Rich

MRH app store

Well, for iOS apps, Apple wants to keep the take ... so we would need to be happy with just pointing you to select iOS apps. For other apps, we could get some of the take to help fund the store. Not perfect, but workable given Apple's stranglehold on the iOS app market. You would think at some point Anti-trust issues could be raised with Apple's approach - talk about eliminating competition!

Switchlist Exports

Model railway layout app for iPad

Hi there,

Hope you don't mind us reviving this topic but we are considering porting our Mac app to the iPad and would like to get an idea what potential users are expecting from an iPad model railroading app!

We have created a small survey and would love to get as much feedback as possible:

http://tinyurl.com/iPadRRApp

Thanks and have a great day,

Jan from MacRailSoft

MRH APPS

YES, PLEASE

train Sim Free 3d game

I like this game. Pretty cool and the price is Right! Free

http://apkmaniapro.com/2013/11/16/train-sim-pro-v2-8-7-apk-4/

Train Layouts for iPad

Hi Folks!

I would just like to let you know that we also have a model trail app for iPad for browsing and downloading model train layouts created by model railroad hobbyists.

It offers a constantly growing collection of model railway layouts and can be a neat source of inspiration for building your own track plans.

Standard functionality includes

+ Browsing the layouts by model scale, popularity, author, upload date or other criteria,
+ The ability to 'Like' great layouts to help other hobbyists discovering great layouts as they show up in the category of popular layouts (per community vote),
+ We make it easy to get in touch with fellow model railroaders to ask questions, comment on layouts or just talk about this great hobby by enabling you to provide contact details - while at the same time protecting your privacy

The app is constantly being improved and can be found on the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/train-layouts/id1388339618?ls=1

All the best,
Jan from Isle of the Kakapo

iPad layout design apps

I would be particularly interested in being able to import XTrkCAD layouts and files to an iPad app both for design work and as finished layouts for T-Trak layouts.