What would you like to see in a Rail Simulator upgrade?

[pgmetcalf]

Having read through this thread it seems that we all want different things or similar things in different contexts. However, I reckon the crux of a train sim and one the reasons MSTS was so popular, is that a train sim should have extensive control over AI trains. I'd like to see a top-down scenario editor with proper pathing and service/consist adding facilities much in the same way the MSTS Activity Editor has.

Secondly, a solution to the track gradient problem, because if I use the the drag gradient option instead of the predefined gradient option, it changes the track gradients further down the line and if you're laying double track it ruins all your hard work even if you have dropped gradient points further down the track to try and remedy the problem. Therefore the option to enter a precise gradient marker height value would be desireable.

[rabid]

It is my opinion that before any new (and reading the suggestions sometimes widly fantastic) features are developed, the existing core of RS should be made to work correctly. This is the stuff I've personally noticed (there may be many more I haven't), and I've classified them as either bugs and existing incomplete features. I either drive or create scenarios so this list is based around that.

Bugs
Sound on multiple-engined trains such as 165 and HST.
Checkrails on junctions.
Train lights *

Existing Incomplete Features
Level crossings.
Dynamic brakes.
Timetables.
Signalling (an extremely large and complex subject but the basics should work).

* This may not be a bug as such, but the train lights have a life of their own since the first patch ("upgrade" mk1). They seem to follow the direction of travel which is to me a retrograde step as before they could be switched manually. When stationary they often extinguish altogether. It would be really nice if RSDL let us have manual control back (please), especially since the Raildriver now works.

[yesguitar]

I'd like to be able to select track when using the offset tool.
Also, although it's probably not the sort of thing you would find in an upgrade, I'd very much like Trainz-style instantly editable station/signal box signs. In that game you place the sign in your route, right click on it, type in the station name, press enter and it appears on the sign. Genius! Messing around with ACEs and BMPs is a little bit beyond me.
Apart from the above RS is slowly developing into an excellent package.

[dfisher1]

What I'd really like to see is an official solution to the Free Roaming issue where by you can't set the time, weather, location and stock that you want to start with.

Sure there are "ways around" this problem, but how about a long term official solution - by means of a new dedicated menu within the sim.

[phat2003uk]

Having read through this thread it seems that we all want different things or similar things in different contexts. However, I reckon the crux of a train sim and one the reasons MSTS was so popular, is that a train sim should have extensive control over AI trains. I'd like to see a top-down scenario editor with proper pathing and service/consist adding facilities much in the same way the MSTS Activity Editor has.

What do you mean by proper pathing? I don't have any problem with the way Rail Sim does consists, you click it and it's there on the track, what would you like that's different?

[rabid]

Having read through this thread it seems that we all want different things or similar things in different contexts. However, I reckon the crux of a train sim and one the reasons MSTS was so popular, is that a train sim should have extensive control over AI trains. I'd like to see a top-down scenario editor with proper pathing and service/consist adding facilities much in the same way the MSTS Activity Editor has.

What do you mean by proper pathing? I don't have any problem with the way Rail Sim does consists, you click it and it's there on the track, what would you like that's different?

I think he means where the path is predetermined or semi-predetermined (alternate paths) like MSTS, rather than an AI dispatcher deciding which way the train goes like in RS and Trainz (with sometimes very frustrating results). Most who have had dealings setting up AI trains would probably agree that an evolved version of the former was the way to go for RS. It is most akin to the real world where train paths are decided in advance and not on the fly. The AI dispatcher system IMO is more akin to a taxi driver trying to find the shortest route. I guess it may not be too late for RS to move in this direction if enough people wanted it for a future version.

[AndyM77]

I think he means where the path is predetermined or semi-predetermined (alternate paths) like MSTS, rather than an AI dispatcher deciding which way the train goes like in RS and Trainz (with sometimes very frustrating results). Most who have had dealings setting up AI trains would probably agree that an evolved version of the former was the way to go for RS. It is most akin to the real world where train paths are decided in advance and not on the fly. The AI dispatcher system IMO is more akin to a taxi driver trying to find the shortest route. I guess it may not be too late for RS to move in this direction if enough people wanted it for a future version.

Semi-predetermined or fully predetermined AI routing would in my mind be a good thing for both scenario creators wanting a complex scenario and also would remove a bit of processing time for the CPU as routes are run.

Why would there be less CPU processing with a determined route? Well, as it currently stands the AI is doing everything "On the fly" which will be using processor time that could be better used elsewhere. With a preset route the CPU would only need to occasionally check where train "x" and make sure that it's following it's set path.

However, depending on how the game engine is setup it might not be possible without a major rewrite and then it could break other things...

[bigvern]

Pre-determined pathing was actually what MSTS had (has), the AI was not set up to evaluate alternative paths, thus leading to stand offs with AI trains and always running the same track through the route, regardless.

What 2009 train sims need is a fully dynamic AI despatcher similar to that in Zusi which can intelligently plot a path to destination assuming directionality of the tracks has been set correctly and take action to re-route should the need arise.

Pre-determined paths are never going to give you the possibility of randomisation - i.e. depending on the difficulty level you might get diverted on to the slow lines etc.

[JasonM]

Pre-determined pathing was actually what MSTS had (has), the AI was not set up to evaluate alternative paths, thus leading to stand offs with AI trains and always running the same track through the route, regardless.

What 2009 train sims need is a fully dynamic AI despatcher similar to that in Zusi which can intelligently plot a path to destination assuming directionality of the tracks has been set correctly and take action to re-route should the need arise.

Pre-determined paths are never going to give you the possibility of randomisation - i.e. depending on the difficulty level you might get diverted on to the slow lines etc.

My views exactly Vern, Simudrive(dos), Train Driver 3(amiga) and Zusi(windows) have it(and so will Zusi3) and so should all new simulations if they want to simulate the real railway.

[tomtoon]

Be able to open doors by yourself and close them when you want.

Exactly its annoying that you can only open them

[GavNormandale]

better transition between gradients, smoother rather than the angled butt joint we have now, sorry if already mentioned

cheers

Gav

[overmarze]

Friday today will we be seeing MK2?

[shebarose]

No

[phat2003uk]

Pre-determined pathing was actually what MSTS had (has), the AI was not set up to evaluate alternative paths, thus leading to stand offs with AI trains and always running the same track through the route, regardless.

What 2009 train sims need is a fully dynamic AI despatcher similar to that in Zusi which can intelligently plot a path to destination assuming directionality of the tracks has been set correctly and take action to re-route should the need arise.

Pre-determined paths are never going to give you the possibility of randomisation - i.e. depending on the difficulty level you might get diverted on to the slow lines etc.

Spot on Vern.

[philmoberg]

And now for something completely different ... how about working trolley poles that actually track the wire? Thanks kindly... -Phil