Just noticed a new feature in RailWorks...

[alexnick]

I had always imagined that drivers over here did a simple calculation of how long it took a train of a certain length to pass a single point (theory no.4 on transadelaide's list). It's very simple maths (I think I learned distance-speed-time calculations at school before I was 10).

It may be worth pointing out that in the steam-era, (some???) brake vans on the end of freight trains had not only red lamps facing backwards, but white lamps facing forwards. Whilst the primary function of this feature was so the driver could see if a coupling had broken and wagons had been left behind, I'm sure it would also have been useful to drivers as an indicator for where the rear of the train was if visibility was poor.

AN

[RyanT001]

Its the same setup for the Class 60 and 66 too Zane.

and I believe on at least some of the class 58s. I think it relates to "FRED" functionality that was developed in the US for long train handling. It is possible to model it with RailWorks scripting.

Only one way to find out if its possible (ask RS.Com)

It would be a handy feature to have, wonder what other classes use this type of system.

[AndiS]

I have no idea about Australia, but wherever they place telegraph poles, they do so in a standardized manner and the drivers get informed about this standard distance. Then, it is just a matter of counting the poles before you start speeding up.

In early steam era they had to determine the speed by counting the rail joints they passed during a minute or half of it. Then, you could look it up in a table if you would not want to do the maths. Or you would remember which number of track joints related to which of a few important speed limits. They were not too exact about them anyway.

I guess it would be similar for a long freight train today (regarding being exact). Most speed limits are on the conservative side and more motivated by reducing maintenance cost than keeping the train on the tracks. Now, such an extra long freight train will accelerate very slowly. So, if you accelerate 300 m early, it will not make a big difference for the speed of the last wagon as it leaves the restricted area. The engine generally puts the biggest strain on tracks.

In Germany, they have hectometre boards every 200m but I don't think they have such a thing for Australian or US long distance lines.

[AndyUK]

and I believe on at least some of the class 58s. I think it relates to "FRED" functionality that was developed in the US for long train handling. It is possible to model it with RailWorks scripting.

Only one way to find out if its possible (ask RS.Com)...

It is possible, read what you quoted from Dave's post again!

Andy L

[RyanT001]

and I believe on at least some of the class 58s. I think it relates to "FRED" functionality that was developed in the US for long train handling. It is possible to model it with RailWorks scripting.

Only one way to find out if its possible (ask RS.Com)...

It is possible, read what you quoted from Dave's post again!

Andy L

My mistake, I misread it.... and on another note, since the latest update we have got quite a few new options on the flyouts in editor mode, and no explanation of what they do.....

[AndyUK]

....and on another note, since the latest update we have got quite a few new options on the flyouts in editor mode, and no explanation of what they do.....

The documentation often seems to lag behind the updates. I don't think that the additions like the visual indications for wheelslip, and perhaps more fundamentally, the improved German signalling are explained anywhere yet. It should be easy for someone to take the specification for the new features, condense it into something meaningful for the end user and add it to the wiki but it doesn't seem to have any priority.

On the positive side the documentation for the Localisation and the Timetable View addition to the scenario editor was available on time though.

Andy L