Discussion: Dispatch/Radio Communication Implementation in Trainz

[NeonTheGriffon]

I did not put this in the Suggestions Boxcar subforum because I only want a discussion of how it can become a reality, not just a "Here's an idea, make it happen" sort of deal.

So you're practically drooling over your shoe over that newly purchased locomotive you added into trainz, the cab is beautiful and very dynamic, until you hit that stock Motorola Astro Clean-Cab radio.
You all know what I'm talking about, the texture on the radio's face that stares at you in the face wishing it was useful, well here's our chance to give it a run for it's money.
Here are my current ideas:

• Right click the radio to use it, click on numbers to dial up dispatcher
• Messages may be selected from a menu system
• Dispatcher responding via either text or voice
• You must repeat orders back to dispatcher for verification (per prototypical operations, at least in my area)
• You "hear" other train communications through either text or voice methods
• You can announce clearing blocks

I'm also thinking about something related to emergency stops, and if you have to run your train by, where your partner in crime would report back to you the status of the situation.
Please by all means post your thoughts, but I'd rather hear possibilities instead of "It's not possible" or "It's too hard", because it certainly is possible, and all nice things come with hard work.

 

[simulatortrain]

While you're at it, how about filling out paperwork for an hour before you can move a train?

 

[Vern]

Is this intended for multiplayer use, or some cleverly crafted/scripted single player?

If the former it sounds like the Run 8 simulation product by 3D Train Stuff caters for much of that. If the latter, then T:ANE has promised better AI signalling/dispatching albeit this element appears to be dropped from the initial release.

 

[Falcus]

Counter Suggestion:
If you want to see that in the game, why not learn the scripting necessary to accomplish it, and write the script yourself. It sounds like an idea many *could* like if the option was offered, but personally Id rather see T:ANE out with as few bugs/glitches without the implementation of too many, or less desirable then whats already coming, new fangled doohickeys.

Its not like we haven't seen more functional cab utility before, so I'm sure on that end you could easily make that work. Then all you gotta do is package a Script with some working Sound files of what you're describing. I think the menu options are a bit grandiose to start with. Just get an AI script that will respond to input from messing with the radio first. I mean, we have talking elevators and back ground CB radio files that are attached to Locomotive/Cab files, seems like making a working a simple working radio UI would be a good next step.....

That said, I play with a 2 way radio almost daily. I don't personally feel a need to have one in my hobby.

Good Luck,
Falcus

 

[Hot_Box_Detector]

Comms...

Heck, why not just tie Trainz users in the US to ATCS?

FTWDN: ATCS Monitor allows you to graphically monitor train traffic on railroads that use the Association of American Railroad's Advanced Train Control System (ATCS) Specification 200 protocol, Wabtec (ex-Rockwell Collins) Advanced Railroad Electronics System (ARES) protocol, Union Switch and Signal Genisys protocol, and Safetran Supervisory Control System (SCS-128) protocol. To use this program to receive traffic over-the-air, you'll need a scanner with discriminator output, and a Windows PC (running 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP or Vista) with a sound card.