Chrono Loco is a cross-platform mobile app for model railroaders that simulates a fast clock and keeps it synchronized across multiple devices in real time. Perfect for multi-operator layouts or solo sessions where accurate, accelerated timekeeping is essential.
- Simulates accelerated "fast time" for train operations
- Syncs across multiple devices instantly using Firebase
- One device acts as the host, others follow the clock in real time
- Adjustable time rate (e.g. 4x faster than real time)
- Built with Flutter for both Android and iOS support
- A user starts a session as the host, which sets the clock and speed.
- The app writes the current time and speed to Firebase Realtime Database.
- Other users connect as clients and their clocks auto-sync with the host.
- Any changes made by the host (pause, resume, speed) update instantly on all clients.
Model railroaders often use fast clocks to simulate time passing more quickly during operations. Coordinating multiple clocks manually (or using legacy hardware) is error-prone and limiting. Chrono Loco makes synchronized fast time easy, portable, and hardware-free.
- Flutter: Cross-platform mobile development
- Dart: Main programming language
- Firebase Realtime Database: Syncing time and settings across devices
- Google Cloud: Infrastructure for hosting and authentication
- User login and invite system
- Custom clock faces and display options
- Session logs and operation reports
- Offline fallback with delayed syncing