[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Regarding both Activities and Timetables...

I've been playing around on the BSR - a dark route - and I'm trying to see there's a way to manage AI traffic without signals... I would assume if the prototype had meets - they would issue a track warrant to proceed no further than such and such siding until such time as the meet would occur...

Single track main with passing sidings - paths set from opposing ends - passing sidings defined in both directions - starting time identical... As it is now - after a few miles of heading towards opposing traffic - one of the two trains just stops on the main - half way through a passing siding switch - blocking any possible solution for the two trains to pass...

I know I could set timed wait points but I'd rather not as that limits the flexibility of using the path in Timetable mode - where I might want to juggle times around... Any other way to define a meet without being time dependent ? Is there a better way to manage traffic on a dark route ? I though of maybe having to signal the route then bury the actual signals so they are invisible...

Second issue - is there any way to use working Turn Tables with AI ?

Any insights appreciated...

Regards,
Scott

[ebnertra000]

I think OR is smart enough to set up meets using track nodes rather than using only signals

[scottb613]

ebnertra000, on 12 February 2020 - 04:42 AM, said:

I think OR is smart enough to set up meets using track nodes rather than using only signals

Hi...

Right - I thought so too - so theoretically - as I described my paths - shouldn't one train be smart enough to realize there is a conflict and take one of the multiple defined passing sidings ? Both opposing trains were AI controlled...

Thanks for the response !

Regards,
Scott

[Csantucci]

It is possible to use turntables with timetable trains, both player and AI; there should be a thread about this. It is not possible to use turntables with AI trains in activity mode. For this mode you should first change player train, drive your train on the turntable, and then return to the original player train.
Re automatically managing traffic in dark routes, yes, in general OR should be able to do this.

[scottb613]

Csantucci, on 12 February 2020 - 04:50 AM, said:

It is possible to use turntables with timetable trains, both player and AI; there should be a thread about this. It is not possible to use turntables with AI trains in activity mode. For this mode you should first change player train, drive your train on the turntable, and then return to the original player train.
Re automatically managing traffic in dark routes, yes, in general OR should be able to do this.

Hi Carlo,

I'll look for the thread for Timetable mode turntables - and - probably resort to using Timetables only - if I can get it to work...

In Timetable mode - is it possible to have a switcher sorting cars in a freight yard - similar to the features you added to "Wait Points" in activities ?

Thanks as well...

Regards,
Scott

[Csantucci]

Hi Scott,
I believe that features like those have been added, but am not so sure. In the "Developing subforum" you should find info and also documentation.

[scottb613]

Csantucci, on 12 February 2020 - 05:26 AM, said:

Hi Scott,
I believe that features like those have been added, but am not so sure. In the "Developing subforum" you should find info and also documentation.

Hi Carlo,

Thanks again - will give this a shot...
:)

Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

RE: Turntables in Timetables

I found the updated manual on timetables and it has a whole section devoted to turntables (a recent addition) - but - it seems as if the turntable can only be used for storage on various storage tracks - I couldn't find any reference to actually "turning" a locomotive... Pull on - reverse direction - then pull off... If anyone has used this feature and can add to this discussion - it would be most appreciated...

Regards,
Scott

[rickloader]

Hi Scott, I think turning locomotives on turntables in timetable mode was next in Rob`s planned developments. However he has recently said he won`t continue. I earnestly hope he will reconsider, as his work is vital to OR, and very much appreciated.
For my timetable, I end the inward path at the turntable, and in #dispose, $triigger a new train with the #consist name field added $reverse. An outward path starts at the same location.
Timetables run in 2 modes, auto signal, and auto node ,and will switch between them automatically. If you run out of a signal controlled area you enter auto node. You need to be in auto node to couple unless you have enabled callon in the signal scripts.
A dark area will be auto node , and you can do most shunting operations . Use $forms with attach/detach/ transfer in the #dispose row, and start a new train column
In your initial post you seem to suggest sharing paths with activity and timetable modes. I suggest you don`t share, as any path mods will be hard to unravel. A good rule is 1 train 1 path, as paths are cheap in resource terms.
Timetable mode is good at manging meets, although I haven`t done much of it, the tools are there.
Hope this is some use, Rick

[scottb613]

rickloader, on 13 February 2020 - 06:29 AM, said:

Hi Scott, I think turning locomotives on turntables in timetable mode was next in Rob`s planned developments. However he has recently said he won`t continue. I earnestly hope he will reconsider, as his work is vital to OR, and very much appreciated.
For my timetable, I end the inward path at the turntable, and in #dispose, $triigger a new train with the #consist name field added $reverse. An outward path starts at the same location.
Timetables run in 2 modes, auto signal, and auto node ,and will switch between them automatically. If you run out of a signal controlled area you enter auto node. You need to be in auto node to couple unless you have enabled callon in the signal scripts.
A dark area will be auto node , and you can do most shunting operations . Use $forms with attach/detach/ transfer in the #dispose row, and start a new train column
In your initial post you seem to suggest sharing paths with activity and timetable modes. I suggest you don`t share, as any path mods will be hard to unravel. A good rule is 1 train 1 path, as paths are cheap in resource terms.
Timetable mode is good at manging meets, although I haven`t done much of it, the tools are there.
Hope this is some use, Rick

Hi Rick,

Hah - a brain I can pick - it sounds like you know your way around... Thanks for the response...

I saw Rob's resignation - disappointed as well - hopefully at some point we can drag him back in...
:)

LOL - so close on Turntables - just how cool would it be to see AI trundling on to the table - spinning themselves around to face the proper direction - then heading off on their assigned task - it would add massively to the visual appeal to those of us who live in tea kettles... I see what your're saying as a kludge - obviously - I need to delve deeper into Timetables in general and try some new things...

I'm helping out the "Bridgeton and Saco River" crew (Maine 2 Foot Steam in 1920's) - only about 25 miles long - and I'd like to get a functional timetable to include with release...

Yeah - as for the paths - I guess what I had in mind when I mentioned that - is I just didn't want to get in to locking the path down with specific timed wait points... I think I'm going to focus my efforts solely on Timetables now... I wish I could blow a horn like in activities but I don't think any of Carlo's Advanced AI Shunting features work with Timetables...

Thanks again...

Regards,
Scott

[rickloader]

If you are developing a route, substitute sidings for platforms, because timetable mode only recognises station platforms. No matter that it is really a siding. Having named sidings (= platforms) scattered about the route adds enormously to the flexibility in controlling trains.
I`m not too keen on the contributed timetable editor. Better to start with an excel compatible spreadsheet like Libre Office. I know some folk are scared off by excel, but the basics are easy. Later you will be glad of the more advanced features, especially the search and replace function. Also Excel is capable of expansion, and Chris J is developing some neat features for excel based timetables.
Please do have a go with timetables, they are very rewarding, giving the feeling of a whole train world come to life. Many of the conventions we accept in train sims seem ridiculous when you have run in timetable mode. AI traffic, static decorative consists, trains popping out of "portals", are all superceded.
I`m very pleased to help if I can.
Rick

[scottb613]

rickloader, on 13 February 2020 - 08:52 AM, said:

If you are developing a route, substitute sidings for platforms, because timetable mode only recognises station platforms. No matter that it is really a siding. Having named sidings (= platforms) scattered about the route adds enormously to the flexibility in controlling trains.
I`m not too keen on the contributed timetable editor. Better to start with an excel compatible spreadsheet like Libre Office. I know some folk are scared off by excel, but the basics are easy. Later you will be glad of the more advanced features, especially the search and replace function. Also Excel is capable of expansion, and Chris J is developing some neat features for excel based timetables.
Please do have a go with timetables, they are very rewarding, giving the feeling of a whole train world come to life. Many of the conventions we accept in train sims seem ridiculous when you have run in timetable mode. AI traffic, static decorative consists, trains popping out of "portals", are all superceded.
I`m very pleased to help if I can.
Rick

Hi Rick,

The nice thing about these small narrow gauge routes - is they are manageable and a closed system - no cars coming in - no cars going out - all the rolling stock for the railroad must exist somewhere on the route all the time - this seems like the perfect place to test out the full functionality of Timetables... The route also has a working turntable at each end - actually there's three in total... SR_Tom built every freight and passenger car the railroad ever owned (a surprisingly high number given the small size of the railroad)... From the historic schedule - it seems the bulk of the operation was passenger service (mixed freight) - with some occasional freight trains thrown in...

I'll be back for more I'm sure...
:)

Regards,
Scott

[rickloader]

Is this the one Scott? It is charming, and a lovely story!
https://www.youtube....h?v=dHd5c5nc_UI
Quote " all the rolling stock forf the railroad must exist somewhere on the route all the time"
YES! Yes! that is exactly the crux of time tables. Picture this : midnight, the locos slumber in light steam at the loco yard. All around the sidings are scattered freight cars waiting for the new shift. Dawn and the locos leave shed to start their duties. Coupling to waiting stock as the first trains pull out. Others shunt and make up trains, exchanging stock between them. On arrival engines detach their trains and retire to the loco yard. No mere activities or scenarios, but a whole network in action. If you can get a historical time table to follow you have an extra dimension.
Only OR can do this, and it ought to have taken the train sim world by storm...........
To return to earth, here is an example basic timetable to get you started. Its actually for the zz route, but you can substitute your own values. note the .ods format. This is because the more common .xls won`t accept more than about 256 columns = trains.
Rick

Attached File(s)

•  zz1.zip (11.91K)
  Number of downloads: 330

[scottb613]

rickloader, on 13 February 2020 - 10:15 AM, said:

Is this the one Scott? It is charming, and a lovely story!
https://www.youtube....h?v=dHd5c5nc_UI
Quote " all the rolling stock forf the railroad must exist somewhere on the route all the time"
YES! Yes! that is exactly the crux of time tables. Picture this : midnight, the locos slumber in light steam at the loco yard. All around the sidings are scattered freight cars waiting for the new shift. Dawn and the locos leave shed to start their duties. Coupling to waiting stock as the first trains pull out. Others shunt and make up trains, exchanging stock between them. On arrival engines detach their trains and retire to the loco yard. No mere activities or scenarios, but a whole network in action. If you can get a historical time table to follow you have an extra dimension.
Only OR can do this, and it ought to have taken the train sim world by storm...........
To return to earth, here is an example basic timetable to get you started. Its actually for the zz route, but you can substitute your own values. note the .ods format. This is because the more common .xls won`t accept more than about 256 columns = trains.
Rick

Hi Rick,

Hah - yes - looks like they have a hodgepodge of roads in the film but that sure captures the essence... I've been enthralled since the 70's/80's when some guy made a fictional route in HO 2-1/2 that was often showcased in Model Railroader...

As for TT - you sell it well...
:)

Here's the best working example left today - I've been occasionally stopping in for years - the WW&F - it's a few miles from where my parents live in Maine... They're up to around 5 miles of track now (volunteers from all over the world come to lay track every summer) and still growing - they have ambitious plans to somehow get it back into its namesake town - Wiscasset - which is heavily trafficked by tourists - if they do their non-profit will be taking in some serious cash to expand... As it stands now - they're a bit of a hidden gem...

https://youtu.be/3HSqYt8ybqM

https://youtu.be/qisn5BaOy3Y

If you have any interest in participating in the B&SR - I could ask Tom if he would send you the route and stock - it's quite complete - highly detailed - a little jewel really - with multiple high quality steam locomotives... My involvement has been predominantly in the terrtex/textures dept... This really deserves a quality timetable to showcase it - all the pieces exists - they just need the brains to move them around intelligently... Up to you - just let me know...

Regards,
Scott

[Genma Saotome]

I thought the answer to dark routes was to add signals but to place them all underground. You'll still see the aspects in the f4 display but conceptually speaking they could be thought of as train orders or track warrants.

Thoughts?