Track Geometry Car Idea...

[ljudice]

Here's a crazy idea...

Imagine a car (maybe or maybe not designed to look like a real geometry car) equippped with sensors to detect:

       - irregularities in track (shock)
       - grade %
       - side to side irregularities
       - bumps (accelerometer)
       - electrical contact quality
       - clearance (acoustic echo, as used on photo focusing devices)
       - speed (acoustic echo or laser)


It has a bluetooth transmitter to send data to a receiver on your PC, and maps out locations where you have technical problems on your layout...

[cv_acr]

Sounds extremely expensive!

 

[up1950s]

The better part of us doesn't check our wheel gauge . Having said that , I think it would be an accomplishment to have a separate car for each of those described parameters .

[diezmon]

don't forget local GPS, so you know WHERE your problems are occurring on the layout

[ljudice]

Separate car? That would be no fun...

GPS would only work if you had your own constellation of satellites in your basement to synch up to...

Seriously, none of this is that complicated and many automatic cameras, etc. have a similar set of sensor and processing abilities...

I wouldn't be surprised to see such a thing for the Lionel folks who don't seem to flinch at high prices!

[up1950s]

       - grade % ............. train slows , amp meter climbs , math will give numbers .
       - side to side irregularities .......... both trucks made loose on a freight will show side to side problems .
       - bumps (accelerometer) ............ metal wheels will sound off loud enough .
       - electrical contact quality ............ use of a 4 wheel critter without a flywheel at low speed will give answer .
       - clearance (acoustic echo, as used on photo focusing devices) ........ friction secure hinged fingers on a flat car will work .
       - speed (acoustic echo or laser ............. speed traps can be bought , eyes work also .

[TrainCat2]

       - clearance (acoustic echo, as used on photo focusing devices) ........ friction secure hinged fingers on a flat car will work .

Clearance ... THUMP! = Slight Adjustment Required

[ljudice]

Someday you will see what a visionary idea this is!!!!!   ;D

[up1950s]

Someday you will see what a visionary idea this is!!!!!   ;D

I will be at the head of the line to buy it , but not to design and build it from scratch , even on a 85 foot car , which would help for clearance detection .

[Ian MacMillan]

Sounds like an idea for a geo train...have one car do one thing.

[tom mann]

Lou, throw in 76 trombones and we'll buy it!