Christmas Eve, one of my presents to myself arrived via USPS priority mail: GML Enterprises (Model Railroad Electronic Controls) Fast Clock System.
http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/id19.html
From the website: "This system design is for one (1) clock controller unit (Model #FC-6) and up to eight (8) remote analog clock units (Model #CLK-x). This CONTROLLER/REMOTE approach allows the installation of the controller in your dispatch panel and placement of a minimum of 2 and up to 8 remote units anywhere on your layout."
My friend Ted Pamperin Has used this system for awhile on his C&O layout so I know it works well.
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| I chose the 2:1 through 6:1 time ratios when I had this unit built. The slow pace of operations on my layout will mean I'll probably be operating between 2:1 and 4:1. |
All in all the whole system cost me $176 (controller, 2 clocks, optional time ratios). I think that's a good price for a well built system. Hopefully I'll get it installed this week while I'm off for Christmas break.
Prologue:
After publishing this post I went down to the basement and decided on trying to install the fast clock. 1 1/2 hours later it was done!
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| One clock installed in the layout area. |
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| Control unit installed and working. |
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| I decided to install the control unit in the main layout area. |
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| The second clock is installed inside the helix where it's everybody's favorite place to be a dispatcher. OK, maybe it's not, but the clock can be easily moved if I move the dispatcher to another location. |
The installation couldn't have been any easier and the system works great! I'm very pleased. :)
That's a good looking clock. Much more to your era than a digital readout.
ReplyDeleteEarlier you worried about battery powered locomotives. Have you looked at the CVP CONVRTR ?
Dick Bradley
Hi Dick,
ReplyDeleteI like the older feel of a dial clock to convey. It feels funny when I operate at a layout that has an era that was before the digital age but has a digital fast clock.
I haven't had a chance to check out the CVP system yet.
Ted.....
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on this fast clock system for a while now but after reading your comments I think my choice has been finalized. Modeling the 1950s, I too can't bring myself to place digital clocks all over the layout. This GML system is for me! Jerry
Yeah, digital distracts to a point me when I'm operating on layouts set in the age before digital. I guess if I didn't dwell on it, it wouldn't matter, but I do, so it does. :)
ReplyDeleteTed