DigiToys Systems creates the Winlok CTC computer program. They recently went out of business, with no explaination. Their business was good (they sold a lot of these great programs), so I was wondering if anyone here knew.

You can still get Winlok here free, but they give you no support:
http://www.complexitymanager.com/digi_master/

They say you'll have to find a "user chat room" for support. I found out about Winlok in an article called "Operating Signals with User-Friendly Software" in one of the recent Model Railroaders.

But, if Winlok is out and up for grabs, and they had great business, why doesn't Digitrax buy them? NCE has a similar system to Winlok, but last time I checked, Digitrax doesn't.

Well, Thanksgiving's passed and the holiday season is here again. Time to get a tree, or get one out, if it's fake.

So, what's evryone putting under the tree this year (train wise ...bad joke)? I'll probably set up 3 tracks, 2 HO, 1 Lionel.

Well, it may be old news to some, but it's new to me! A new DVD special entitled "The Great Discovery" is set to be released in Fall 2008.

*>POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD<* Note: quote contians no big spoilers, just gives away main focus of plot line. a prelude, if you will . Highlight to read (click and drag mouse from top left to bottom right):

QuoteFollowing the enormous success of Calling All Engines, Thomas's forthcoming feature length special sees Thomas puff into new and uncharted territory in his biggest adventure yet. When Thomas discovers a forgotten town high in the mountains, he's placed in charge of restorations in time for Sodor's own annual festival "Sodor Day". This means a lot of work for Thomas and friends, so a new engine comes to the island to help out. Stanley is a tank engine who turns out to be just like Thomas except a bit bigger, a bit stronger and, in Thomas's eyes, a bit more popular! When Thomas feels his position as Sodor's #1 engine is under threat, he decides to play a trick on Stanley to make him look silly. The plan backfires and soon Thomas finds himself alone on a dramatic, action-packed adventure that takes him far away from the Sodor Day preparations. When he realises that Thomas has disappeared, Sir Topham Hatt orders the biggest search ever on the Island of Sodor. When Thomas is eventually found by Stanley, the two engines find they make a great team and become firm friends. Thomas meets Indiana Jones in this all action spectacular!

The movie will be narrated by Pierce Brosnan, who had this to say about his new job with HIT:

Quote"One of my fondest memories as a father was sharing the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and watching the series with my children when they were young. I am thrilled by the opportunity to be the Narrator for this beloved series, following in the shoes of so many famous names, and helping introduce Thomas & Friends to many more generations of children."

See, even 007 liked Thomas!

*All quotes from Hit Entertainment: http://www.hitnewsonline.com/releases/detail/pierce_brosnan_new_narrator_for_thomas_friends/thomas_friends*

I'm sorry if this sounds like an ad, but, well, what else can I say!?
...other than yay!

Just a quick question:

I'm planning my new layout now. It's focused around Chicago and the rest of the US of A. I just recently got the idea to put in the 'L'. I saw Micro's city viaducts. They look good, they have straight pieces, but (here's the question): Do they have curved pieces or are the straights somehow flexible*

Thanks,

*Highly unlikely .

Title says it all .

Sooo.....

If you couldn't tell, this is a picture of a "badly damaged" ATSF F7 unit...



What would you say hit it? If you said "rock slide", you were right!

Now that you got that, explain this:



The answer is right there.

Finally, a bigger basement! My main idea is Chicago Union Terminal. I've narrowed it down to 9 RR's: PRR, NYC, B&O, C&O, UP, GN, (AT&)SF, CB&Q, and N&W. PRR, NYC, B&O, and C&O are on the east side, UP, GN, (AT&)SF, and CB&Q are on the west side, and N&W is both.

I'll have to figure out how/when I can get the layout drawing on here, anyone got a giant scanner!? Drawings are made and copied, but thery're not computer files yet.

I'd like to hear from other modelers, I've already given at least 8 of the drawing copies out .

Any tips on benchwork, track, locos, passenger/freight, operations (ideas for operating sessions are well appericiated), scenery, buildings, ANYTHING!!!

Thanks a lot,