I’ve been doing some route creation and modifications recently in 2006. I’ve noticed this pertaining to miles. I can measure a straight track using the Surveyor ruler function and mark mile points precisely along the track. I can then run a loco using the custom HUD from mile point to mile point. The custom HUD calculates the mileage at between .91 and .92 miles between mile points. The custom HUDs I’ve used are the one from Auran and a cloned/modified version called MC Custom HUD V2. I like using these because they show miles traveled (well, more or less), current grade, and the speed limit at the next speed sign. The V2 also shows distance/name to the next junction and next signal. Both show ODO readings of between .91 and .92 miles between mileposts. I am assuming the ruler in Surveyor to be more accurate at 5280ft = 1 mile. Does anyone know for sure and/or is there a custom HUD that measures 1 mile per 5280ft?
I’ve also noticed on many routes (including payware routes) that the distance between mile markers varies considerably, sometimes by over 1000ft. I’m not that much of a purist so I can live with this. I’ve also noticed in timetables they often list long and short miles. For example, a BNSF timetable dated Dec, 2007 for the Kootenai River Sub lists the distance between MP 1307 and 1308 as 13077 ft, between MP1337 and 1338 at 9684 ft, and between MP1359 and 1360 as 4625 ft. They also list test mile locations where I assume a mile is actually 5280 ft. I guess these are for testing the accuracy of speedometers and similar purposes. So, it seems long and short miles are prototypical for North American railroading. Which makes me wonder about those mile markers along our interstate highways.
I’ve also noticed on many routes (including payware routes) that the distance between mile markers varies considerably, sometimes by over 1000ft. I’m not that much of a purist so I can live with this. I’ve also noticed in timetables they often list long and short miles. For example, a BNSF timetable dated Dec, 2007 for the Kootenai River Sub lists the distance between MP 1307 and 1308 as 13077 ft, between MP1337 and 1338 at 9684 ft, and between MP1359 and 1360 as 4625 ft. They also list test mile locations where I assume a mile is actually 5280 ft. I guess these are for testing the accuracy of speedometers and similar purposes. So, it seems long and short miles are prototypical for North American railroading. Which makes me wonder about those mile markers along our interstate highways.
