Dispatching

[eohatdan]

Excuse me if this is already a feature of some of the Trainz packages, but I would really like a simulation of the train dispatching process. On a recent cross-county train trip, I had a long discussion with one of the train attendants, who described what happens during dispatching. It sounded equally comparable to what flight controllers do.

If this feature already exists, please let me know which product has it.

 

[dh2k3]

with TRS2010 multiplayer beta you can be a dispatcher if you choose too however most of the sessions are free for all but on some occasions a dispatcher can make things a lot easier.

 

[eohatdan]

I would think a simulation that focuses on the dispatching function would be very interesting. The dispatching could take place in a switching yard or on longhaul freight lines, or perhaps a combination of the two.

Just think, if a person likes driving a train, how much more fun it would be to control a whole network of trains.

 

[Hot_Box_Detector]

dispatcher screen

I agree and the screen would look something like the photo in my sig... with different colors for signal blocks & trains.

 

[larsmars223]

I'm sorry for bumping such an old thread, but this seems like a fantastic idea, and would be awesome if somehow implemented.

 

[HSSRAIL]

There is a software package called "Train Dispatcher" this software can control switches and signals in Trainz though some programing work would be needed.

Howard

 

[Hot_Box_Detector]

There is a software package called "Train Dispatcher" this software can control switches and signals in Trainz though some programing work would be needed.

Howard

Howard:
Are you referring to this... www.softrail.com ?

You state that this software can control switches & Signals in Trainz.
have you seen this done?

 

[HSSRAIL]

I am referring to train dispatcher 3.5.

I know for a fact that this software can control routes in other train simulators because I corresponded with a software developer that works there.

The process involves scripting switches and signals and triggers to read and send data to string variables. My contact assured me this could be done though I don't know how to do it. I would love to work on a project to make this happen though.

Howard

 

[backyard]

One Step Closer...

I am referring to train dispatcher 3.5.

I know for a fact that this software can control routes in other train simulators because I corresponded with a software developer that works there.

The process involves scripting switches and signals and triggers to read and send data to string variables. My contact assured me this could be done though I don't know how to do it. I would love to work on a project to make this happen though.

Howard

We have been talking about this for a long time & no one has even mentioned this method.

W do need Train Dispatcher 3.5 integrated into Trainz!

You would need Track Builder 3.5 to make the dispatch model board.

 

[HSSRAIL]

Backyard

Do you have someone on the team who knows trainz scripting?

I can e-mail you the material I have on how to have train dispatcher control routes in trainz. The program is being used to control operations on model railroads the software company does sell a package that allows technical support for this.

Howard

 

[backyard]

train3...

Touch my avatar for a link to e-mail me...

 

[Jamesfaa]

Please keep us posted on this I like the sound of this. I find the consept interesting.

 

[backyard]

Next Generation Trainz Accessories

This is in reply to your e-mail HSSRail,

The information you gave is from the Train Dispatcher 3.5 (TD3) manual, freely available...

Download the Train Dispatcher 3.5 Demo, install as Administrator. Open the Help File, the .pdf manual information about CTC Control starts at Page 58.

The first drawback, likely the 'ghost in the machine,' would be that in order to make this completely work you will need both TD3 at $45, and Track Builder at $55. That is the $100-dollar elephant in the big room.

You also understand that you also need all the pricey books in order to properly configure logistics that would make things much smoother. That is $277 + shipping...

Trainz & Train Dispatcher both use handlers to communicate between the different modules, both with error checking capabilities.

Of course, a second monitor is essential; Trainz can be configured to think it is running a single monitor through your friendly NVidia Control Panel.

This is already done, if you are familiar with ATCS Monitor; the code values are called "mnemonics." ATCS Monitor is a proprietary code, but you get the idea from using it of how it works, and Train Dispatcher is already fully equipped to do the work needed.

Each route would need to be mapped, all trackside equipment labeled, hopefully to be fitted to a 17" (1280x1024) screen.

Train Dispatcher has a recorder that stores session data, that can be used for times & speeds between control points, to make a simulation of your own route...upload to SignalCC and they will pay you $7 per download as pay ware....

Intermediate signals need not be lighted, as they are redundant to the signal ahead at a control point.

You would have full control over the signaled territory, using a mouse to activate signals and turnouts for Trainz that would in turn return real time data that shows block occupancy, signal indications and turnout positions...

You would still be needed to monitor both the territory...and the TD3 display...:hehe:

 

[warrenup]

Might want to have a look at this as well - they just posted a Chicago Union Station sim. It's also free.
I did a very crude New York-Trenton sim, easy to use and great support from the author.

http://sites.google.com/site/railwayoperationsimulator/

 

[HSSRAIL]

I had excerpts from the manual but I inserted my comments on this.

The track builder program would only be needed by people who are going to set up a trainz route to work with Train Dispatcher. I would be more than happy to be the team member that sets up the route for train dispatcher.

More later I must go

Howard

 

[backyard]

True...

...a person would be needed that can set up TD3 for routes.

That's what we have been waiting for...

 

[HSSRAIL]

Continuing:

The pricey books. As long as their is someone on the team who knows how to write Trainz Scripting and someone else that can make rules we don't need pricey books.

You mention that you would need two screens to run trainz and train dispatcher simultaneously. I disagree this is in fact not the case. The player running the train dispatcher program is merely throwing the controlled switches and lining the signals they do not need to be running trainz at all. They will need an instant messaging program or web phone to communicate with the trainz players. As long as the trainz assets are receiving and processing the string codes and responding to querries from the Train Dispatcher program why would the Train Dispatcher need to run trainz when acting as a train dispatcher?

I certainly don't have this capability of observing what happens in the field when I am doing this for real I just have the CTC computer, and communications console. A case in point a foreman on another railroad got a track and time authority to operate on his railroad between two points on that line and put his hi-rail truck on our railroad. We had know idea they had done this until A passenger train came along and demolished the hi-rail truck. The Offending employees may have been fired. It must have been classic when we called the other railroad and asked them say you'll never guess where Foreman so and so is? Insofar as controlling train speeds forget about it let the trainz players do that it will save a lot of complexity simmulating Positive Train Control is not in my opinon a function that needs to be supported insofar as a multi-play trainz session it is not done on model railroads using Train Dispatcher.

Incidently as long as some instant messaging system is in effect TWC operations can be simulated without a direct interface with trainz just the trainz route would have to be set up in train dispatcher and than you would have the players copy the authorities and hopefully do a better job of staying within their limits than the above example.

A couple of other odds and ends. Signals and Switches that are set up to communicate with train dispatcher may not be able to be easily switched to play without that component. IE a route designed to work with train dispatcher CTC mode may have to always be played that way.

A support package from Signal Computer Consultants for the CTC Control Mode would be a must. One person would purchase that package.

Not every trainz player will need to purchase train dispatcher under this scenerio only ones who want to play the train dispatcher function.

Insofar as the route builder only route builders would purchase that package.

Howard