Anyone use "Switchlist" generator software?

[hminky]

Anyone use one of the "model" train switchlist generator programs: Shipit, JMRI operations or Railops.

I am planning on using "Shipit". I have the software from my "solid" model train days to develop prototype oriented operations. It should really work well in a virtual expanded world duplicating a prototype environment.

Any advice would be helpful on handling portals and the like.

I have used CMTM and didn't like it.

Harold

 

[Fitz505]

I use ShipIt. Steep learning curve and takes a long time to setup and get running. Took almost a month of experimenting to get my schedules and traffic worked out. Because all your traffic is based on individual serial numbered cars, you cannot use the ARN numbering system or duplicate numbered cars. That means, you must create a fleet of cars (I have about 300+ cars). Once you start, you must remember to operate within the Trainz Session mode, otherwise Trainz will reset the location of all your cars and throw ShipIt all out of whack. Not cheap ($100+ depending if you want a printed manual). Having said all that, I love it. I had one session that lasted almost 5 months. They have a Demo version, give it a try. It's strictly a love/hate type program. Not for the casual operator.

John

 

[hminky]

I have used Shipit on my old 4x8 On30 Pacific Coast Air Line Railway and really liked Shipit.

Trainz already has the cars numbered. Just Ctrl-right click and there is an individual number of the car.

Thanks
Harold

 

[lorenw]

I use one called Minirail. Like you I am trying to figure out how to incorporate the use of portals.

 

[hminky]

The portals have a whole bunch of rules that could be applicable. Finding the right ones will take some experimenting.

Harold

 

[Dap]

The portals have a whole bunch of rules that could be applicable. Finding the right ones will take some experimenting.

Harold

Harold,

Take a look at pguy's QuickPortalManager series. I like V3. It allows me to schedule a train at the same time every day, but each day it is a different consist. And the train does not have to be run every day of the week.

One instance of the Rule will manage all your portals, with each portal having as many arrival times for trains as you are able to schedule.

And even though you don't like CMTM, it works with Portals, doesn't require any external paperwork, supports up to 7 days of non-repeat operations, gives every freight car a series of destinations(up to 24 have been tested), shows those destinations on screen when you need it and allows you to specify the load for each car without having to configure each car to carry the load specified. It was designed to incorporate the best of Ship-It, ProTrak and other car destination systems into a system that is fully integrated into Trainz.

David

 

[hminky]

Thanks David

Finally got the QuickPortalManager V3 working, the dependencies in the config file weren't up to date.

Looks like it has great possibilities. The portal can be set in the Shipit as a staging yard.

Trainz appears to have the most powerful tools for operation of all the sims. Someone over on Trainsims said the engine physics are better than the "legendary" MSTS.

Just needs a new coat of paint. There seems to be a lack of "good" steam era rolling stock.

Harold