"Explore" mode in TRS2004?

johnan · Post by **johnan** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 10:31 am

Is it possible to choose an engine from the screen that shows all the rolling stock,and "drop" it into a driver/scenario session to experiment with driving it? MSTS has the "explore" mode and I think Trainz UC also allowed this,but even after diligent searching I cant find a way to "drive any train" in TRS2004 (yet!).
Does anyone know if it is possible?

bigvern · Post by **bigvern** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 11:32 am

You need to set up the Consist in Surveyor, load the route then the bottom icon brings up a list of locos and a selection of pre-defined rakes.
While Auran don't seem to think it's a problem, this is an aspect I felt was a retrograde step over previous versions, where you could place your consist at the Driver menu. Not helped by several of the new routes not having any saved sessions or scenarios set up for easy use out the box. Something both I and Matt mentioned in our respective reviews.

johnan · Post by **johnan** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 1:33 pm

Thanks for your speedy reply.Yes, this is a backward step in my opinion.
I will see if I can get it to work!

simuk · Post by **simuk** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 12:00 am

I think it's a forward step (simply because it removes the "consist too long" problem), but agree that because they didn't put sessions in for each new route, it's "hidden" quite a few of the included routes from people that don't look at surveyor. Simply including a session or two with each route would have helped a bit.

streeter · Post by **streeter** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:44 pm

It's also the Way Forward for the following reason:

You can drop different consists of coach rakes / wagons all over your layout. You can drop various light locos at your Motive Power Depot. You can then choose to "drive" a differnt loco whenever you wish and couple/uncouple and shunt or drive as your fancy takes you!

Far better than just an "Explore" function!!!

Post by **NeutronIC** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:10 pm

When people refer to it being a step backwards, I think they're referring to it in the sense that the original way Trainz did it might have been their preference.

I think it would have been good with both personally, they each have their merits.

Matt.

bigvern · Post by **bigvern** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:21 pm

Yes it's kind of forcing people into Surveyor when there shouldn't be a need. The Ctrl-F2 is a powerful function though.

streeter · Post by **streeter** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 10:46 pm

Yes it's kind of forcing people into Surveyor when there shouldn't be a need

Yes.......but that could also be a good thing! Once people who, hitherto were content to just tootle around with the bog standard kit and a few downloaded items, start experimenting with Surveyor, they'll probably end up with a Trainz they'll never get tired of!

Just like a model railway, the true fascination is in the fact it's never really finished - there's always an addition or alteration to make somewhere!