I just knew that someone would complain at some point in this thread. I understand the consternation. How can anyone overcomplicate something so simple?
Carl, you're a gem, but there are very, very few people on this forum and in our hobby that would go through so much effort with signaling and control, and even fewer who would appreciate the results.
Having said this, effort is the name of the game. Consider our talented colleagues who make their visual detail so real to the eye that you'd swear that they actual are. These folks also overcomplicate. However look at the beauty of the outcome.
In my mind your quest is no different.
Ignore those who are dismissive, and keep going, and let us know every once in a while how things are turning out.
Rod, I'm embarrassed, yet pleased, that I recognize and understand all the stuff that Carl's bringing together. I asked myself today how that came to be.
It started with my Lionel 1513s freight set, which showed up under the Christmas Tree one year. Next Santa brought me a Radio Shack 100-in-1 electronics breadboarding set. There were a few other related technical things over those early years, technical things that teach what we now call S.T.E.M., culminating in a TRS-80 Model III which I've kept to this day, and which still boots up.
Putting my head down and and going to work building on these I've had a long and wonderful career in electronics and software. Now nearing retirement, as I finally look up, I can fully appreciate Carl's effort and the significant importance of our hobby in inspiring and teaching the young.
Although it might not seem like it now, there are those in today's generation who will appreciate the effort of Carl and those like him and build on it going forward, just like I did with my 1513s freight set, the 100-in-1, and the TRS-80.
Thank you Carl. Thank you Rod.
Mike
