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Train Chasing Techniques

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      3801_95 Junior Train Controller

    Hello all

    I've been having a holiday with my grandfather in port kembla and we've been chasing trains all over the place. Some may say that the best tool to have when doing this is a map but the best tool that I've been using down here is my iPad. It shows all your normal maps with the black and white line showing the railway line but it can also give a satellite picture of lines you never knew existed. You always know where you are whith the GPS helping you out. With this in hand, we've had a great time chasing trains around the port and also the southern highlander around robertson. Any other techniques people have out there?

    Mike
    Posted: 10 Jul 2011 09:53

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      LowndesJ515 #TeamRog

    Location: Not in Victoria
    Best tool is either a Still camera or a Video camera!
    Posted: 10 Jul 2011 10:22
      wongm GEEWONG

    Location: Geelong, Victoria
    I still use paper maps - you can see everything at a glance, none of this scrolling around crap on a 7 inch GPS screen.

    GPS navigation is useless as well, if you are actually chasing a train. The only way to find the best route is experience: knowing where the train has to close down for curves and safeworking, and where you need to slow down for traffic lights and towns.

    Down in Victoria the VicRoads directory is essential for finding all of the little country roads. It's still a directory book, but the scale is much better than the touring maps you find at the back of the Melway. There are some examples of map style here:
    http://maptoground.org.au/test.htm

    In particular:
    http://maptoground.org.au/test/vicmap_44.jpg
    Posted: 10 Jul 2011 11:54
      3801_95 Junior Train Controller

    I forgot to add the camera. My film SLR does me well and I can get the photos put on a DVD.

    I don't like to use the acutal navigation system as it is pretty crap but using the map on the iPad and having it show my position and navigating by that has been my preference.
    Posted: 10 Jul 2011 12:11
      Valvegear Oliver Bullied, CME

    Location: Norda Fittazroy
    I agree entirely with the good wongm . . . give me a map any day, you get a far wider view.
    Posted: 13 Jul 2011 09:11
      Railnthusiast Chief Commissioner

    Location: At the computer
    Don't you lose the train when scrolling around on your i phone?
    Posted: 13 Jul 2011 10:04
      3801_95 Junior Train Controller

    Maybe on your iPhone but on your iPad, i find it really easy. I guess it's something in the genes on the gen y's.
    Posted: 13 Jul 2011 17:13
      Barrington Womble Photo Nazi

    Location: Banned
    Do some homework before you leave home. Google maps with the satellite feature is useful; but nothing beats a decent state/territory road atlas!
    Posted: 08 Aug 2011 02:57
      VRrailfan Locomotive Driver

    Location: Frankston Line
    I still use paper maps - you can see everything at a glance, none of this scrolling around crap on a 7 inch GPS screen.

    GPS navigation is useless as well, if you are actually chasing a train. The only way to find the best route is experience: knowing where the train has to close down for curves and safeworking, and where you need to slow down for traffic lights and towns.

    Down in Victoria the VicRoads directory is essential for finding all of the little country roads. It's still a directory book, but the scale is much better than the touring maps you find at the back of the Melway. There are some examples of map style here:
    http://maptoground.org.au/test.htm
    Wonder if could tell us how much it is for one of these. Maybe intrested in getting one. Thanks.
    In particular:
    http://maptoground.org.au/test/vicmap_44.jpg
    "wongm"
    Posted: 08 Aug 2011 06:50
      Beaver Locomotive Driver

    Obey the road rules.
    Posted: 12 Aug 2011 15:59
      michaelgreenhill Administrator That's Numberwang!

    Location: Melbourne
    VicRoads country directory, without a doubt.
    Posted: 12 Aug 2011 16:28
      wongm GEEWONG

    Location: Geelong, Victoria

    In particular:
    http://maptoground.org.au/test/vicmap_44.jpg
    "wongm"

    Wonder if could tell us how much it is for one of these. Maybe intrested in getting one. Thanks.
    "VRrailfan"

    [I had to reformat the quote a bit]

    The RACV stores sell them:
    http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/primary/travel/maps+_+guides/guides+_+books/racv+vicroads+country+street+directory+7th+edition

    Members: $29.95 / Non-Member: $49.95

    I should buy a new copy, the current one is rather tattered from flicking through it at quick photo stops!
    Posted: 12 Aug 2011 21:58

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