NGrain - 3D Computer Models

[ammocat]

I have had a very limited chance to try out some of the NGrain 3D Computer Models and initially they are quite impressive. The ammo school is having some training aids developed that will hopefully improve some aspects of training. I know some training aids have been developed for other trades. I am hoping to get some feedback from personnel who have actually used these models in training, especially anyone who was had training on the developers package. Anyone have pros or cons on this subject?

 

[Nfld Sapper]

I have had a very limited chance to try out some of the NGrain 3D Computer Models and initially they are quite impressive. The ammo school is having some training aids developed that will hopefully improve some aspects of training. I know some training aids have been developed for other trades. I am hoping to get some feedback from personnel who have actually used these models in training, especially anyone who was had training on the developers package. Anyone have pros or cons on this subject?

From the Engineer side, we use it to build the MGB (Medium Girder Bridge). There was plans to use it also to model the ROWPU, just don't know how far they got with it... was supposed to get the draft copy in January but haven't seen anything yet.....

 

[Pat in Halifax]

On the "Navy" engineer side (Mechanical and to some degree on the Combat Systems side though I can't speak for them), both Fleet Schools will soon be utilizing this for LM2500 gas turbine, Pielstick propulsion diesel and MWM diesel generator engines for the Halifax class frigates. This 'project' has been on going for about 18 months and there will soon be an add on at the CFNES DIN website. The goal here is eventually for the technician to have a laptop in an engine enclosure with him to run through a maintenance procedure first. We are now going so far as to 'tag' all components with respective NSNs.
Our problems are with MARLANT's IT security (the worse in the CF I am being told). Any IT assets that have been baselined no longer accept the software and in actual fact for a demo tomorrow afternoon for Cmdr Lloyd's visit to CFNES, one of my instructors is having to bring in his laptop from home!!
Admittedly, I am becoming one of those 'dinosaurs' we all used to refer to. I am a true believer in good old fashioned hands on and though time consuming, I do not believe that the lessons learned could ever be replaced by a simulation.  It is our mandate however and I (we) will persevere.

 

[ammocat]

I agree that hands on is better, although their statistics dispute that. Our problem in the ammo world is that in many circumstances we have no training aids to provide hands on training and obviously cannot bring live items into the classroom. We often are forced to use poor quality drawings from the CFTOs, so I think there will be some benefits to NGrain products.

With regard to IT problems, we have had problems with the NGrain not working and it requires an administrator (IT guy) to sort it out. However our IT guys have told us that once NGrain is re-installed you have to open NGrain before opening any Office products, including Outlook. This seems to keep NGrain running.