UK themed iportal group

[itareus]

A joint thread by Klambert and Itareus.

We have both been thinking about the idea of a UK themed iportal group for a while now, sort of a "virtual model railway club layout" where each participant has their own part of a route, receives and dispatches trains and does local work in his/her section - probably according to a timetable. (In this context a section is a stand alone MAP/route/layout connected to other sections via one or more iportals). This is not a multiplayer situation - each participant has total control of a section and does everything in that section.

We are posting this to see what interest there is in the wider Trainz community for a group of this kind. We don't see this as any kind of formal arrangement, we would probably schedule a "meeting" or two a week where people join in if they want. However some organisation would be needed to ensure that all potential participants have the MAP/Routes/Session/Assets/timetable etc. they need to take part. Also, on the day, we need to ensure that consecutive parts of the route are covered by participants i.e. "staffed" (or maybe "switched out").

Some route building work would be needed to put the "club layout(s)" together but you don't have to be a route builder to join in as Klambert and I (and maybe others) could supply suitable sections.

So please post in this thread if you are interested or have any questions. If you are interested, it would useful to know if you have any specific interest in prototype and period - e.g "BR LM region in the 60's" or "GW main line modern image" etc.

**

For those of you who are wondering "why are they using iportals when there is multiplayer" there a few reasons, mainly that multiplayer as it stands is basically unsuitable for the nature of rail operations in the UK, this also applies a large chunk of European rail operations. To work for the UK and Europe multiplayer needs "signal box / controller" function(s). These should allow for multiple signal boxes on larger routes so that, at least, one player can direct and signal operations (if required). Naturally the existing driver focused multiplayer style of working should still be available for those who enjoy it.

 

[klambert]

For our first route we will be have a branch line with a junction station and terminus, its still under construction but please reply to this thread if you are interesested.

 

[danny5]

As you can see i'm in the USA but would like to do some more iportaling.
i don't care about time or where it at.
If you have a route that i can down load i will do it.
What virsion of trainz are you going to use? (i have 06-10 Build 44088-10MP & 12)
As a old player of iportals someone need to make a list of rolling stock that we all will need to use. With pass expence using anything but built in or from the DLS will be nothing but a head ache.
Hope you let me join.

 

[itareus]

Hi Danny5

Thanks for your interest, just to cover some of you points / questions:

.....i don't care about time or where it at.

OK - If I'm right you are 5 hours behind us time wise (I'm writing this at 7pm it should be 2pm where you are). This would make weekend afternoons (for you, evenings for us) seem like a good time but we'll see how it goes.

...If you have a route that i can down load i will do it.....

No problem there - we can sort something out. Probably won't be on the DLS but via CDP for the moment.

....What virsion of trainz are you going to use? (i have 06-10 Build 44088-10MP & 12)....

I would say TS2010 was the best bet - that will cover people who have 2009 and 12 as well (provided it's a route that will run in "Native mode").

....As a old player of iportals someone need to make a list of rolling stock that we all will need to use. With pass expence using anything but built in or from the DLS will be nothing but a head ache

Makes sense, your experience with iportals will be valuable.

....Hope you let me join....

Membership card in the post !

Cheers

Chris

 

[danny5]

Just a point or two,if someone has more then one iportal then they should use the Panal selector rule <kuid2:30671:60010:1>This will show up in left corner of the screen and will display your iportals.You can make changing to your iportals from here.
A nother one is emit train now, this will give you a list of all the rolling stock you have in your game & lets you know what it will haul. <kuid2:117746:990:4>

 

[danny5]

Oh btw you don't need a route any route will work.

 

[itareus]

Just a point or two,if someone has more then one iportal then they should use the Panal selector rule <kuid2:30671:60010:1>This will show up in left corner of the screen and will display your iportals.You can make changing to your iportals from here.
A nother one is emit train now, this will give you a list of all the rolling stock you have in your game & lets you know what it will haul. <kuid2:117746:990:4>

Thanks, I will look into them.

Oh btw you don't need a route any route will work.

Technically I guess that's true, but it would be best if the section* you are using makes a "good match" to the adjacent sections. As an extreme example a modern Electric Multiple Unit emerging from an iportal on a section built for the 1930's period steam running would not fit the picture!

Small Print: * In this context a section is a stand alone MAP/route/layout connected to other sections via one or more iportals.

Cheers

Chris

 

[danny5]

Any more want to ipotyal????

 

[Deano5]

A joint thread by Klambert and Itareus.

For those of you who are wondering "why are they using iportals when there is multiplayer" there a few reasons, mainly that multiplayer as it stands is basically unsuitable for the nature of rail operations in the UK, this also applies a large chunk of European rail operations. To work for the UK and Europe multiplayer needs "signal box / controller" function(s). These should allow for multiple signal boxes on larger routes so that, at least, one player can direct and signal operations (if required). Naturally the existing driver focused multiplayer style of working should still be available for those who enjoy it.

Not quite sure I see your points :hehe: here, what is it that you think cannot be done in modern MP sessions?
At the start of the beta testing, I had a session running for many hours that gathered many people into it, so many that I had to appoint three controllers at one stage, each covered a section of the map and controlled the points, signals and trains on their sections of track. It's quite simple to be a controller, you just use "map View". :wave:
I do like your idea to get the British up and running at something and would be more than willing to join in the fun.

 

[uracco]

This sounds awesome! Would I,with ts2009 sp4, be able to join. I would like to see a '90s 2000's BR mainline route

 

[itareus]

....each covered a section of the map and controlled the points, signals and trains on their sections of track. It's quite simple to be a controller, you just use "map View". ...

Hi D5,

You are correct that, technically speaking, this will work. But (at least in my opinion) using the map view is impractical and unrealistic, especially for complex track situations - e.g. Kings Cross or York 1950s trackwork, I think it's practically impossible to use the map in these situations. I would be interested to know what route(s) you were using for beta testing.

In my view what MP needs is the ability to set up a (IECC like) panel display(s). Building the panel - deciding which points are panel or manually controlled etc. and designing the panel layout (diagram) would be up to the route/session creator. This has been done in model railway control software and it works - I have it running on a laptop in my garage controlling my "Garden" railway.

....do like your idea to get the British up and running at something and would be more than willing to join in the fun.

You would be more than welcome to join the iportalling group. Keep an eye on this thread and your PM's - we have some interest from people on the British Trainz forums as well.

Cheers

Chris

 

[itareus]

This sounds awesome! Would I,with ts2009 sp4, be able to join. I would like to see a '90s 2000's BR mainline route

No problem, anybody with TS2009, TS2010 or TS12 will be OK. Just one caveat, any routes and stock used must be capable of running in TS09/10 Native mode.

To start with we will be using something more modest (see post from klambert), but there is no practical limit to what we can use. A couple of the guys on the British Trainz forums will be interested in the same period as you.

Chris

 

[colourlight]

I am interested in joining your group. It sounds like an interesting idea. Which version of Trainz do you intend you use or does,t that matter too much. And I guess all locos and rolling stock must be installed on each computer. I,m pretty poor at route building but I am a professional signaller if that helps. I agree that you should aim for something fairly simple in terms of route and operations to start with and maybe with scope to expand it at a later date.

 

[itareus]

I am interested in joining your group. It sounds like an interesting idea.

Welcome, there is no commitment, we just need to be a bit organised to make it work - like a virtual model railway club (but no subscriptions to pay ).

Which version of Trainz do you intend you use or does,t that matter too much.

Any of TS2009, TS2010 or TS12 will be OK. I'm saying TS2010 Native mode as the baseline which should suit all of these. Will have to watch out for Speedtreez and Layesr for 2009 users I guess.

And I guess all locos and rolling stock must be installed on each computer.

You are correct. As a general rule we will be using DLS assets only, but there is no reason why non DLS items that are readily (and legally) available can't be used, as long as everybody has the same assets loaded.

I,m pretty poor at route building

Not a problem, you do not need to be.

I am a professional signaller if that helps

Well that make at least two of us who work / have worked on the "real train set". I'm a third generation railwayman (100 + years grandfather / father / son). Fired my first steam loco at about age 10, a Prairie tank in Acton yard - the fireman's shovel was taller than me! Early retired now, but in the past, I was a controller at York and Liverpool St. Did lots of other planning/operating jobs before moving into the computing side in the late 80's.

I agree that you should aim for something fairly simple in terms of route and operations to start with and maybe with scope to expand it at a later date.

Klambert is working on a "trial" route we can use to to iron out any teething troubles. The great thing about this kind of "virtual club" is that we are not restricted by space or finance so we can have as many routes/layouts as we want !

Keep an eye on this thread and your PM's. Should get some trial runs going soon.

Cheers

Chris

 

[uracco]

So how would I access this, and if we go ahead with a modern BR route I reccommend nexusdj's Virgin Pendolino

 

[itareus]

So how would I access this...

This is not multiplayer, if you like sitting in the cab driving this is not for you. Imagine it like turning up for an operating session at a model railway club and you are working, say, "London Station". Each participant will take full control of his (or her) section and trains will transfer between the sections/participants using iportals. Access will be a matter of having the appropriate sections(s) and assets on your PC and joining in an arranged operating session when you can. We still have to work out the "organisational" details.

...and if we go ahead with a modern BR route I reccommend nexusdj's Virgin Pendolino

I think you mean nexusdj's Midshire Mainline V3. A good route, but a lot of non DLS assets could be a problem...

Chris

 

[uracco]

Sorry, I made that a bit un-clear, i mean't for rolling stock.

 

[itareus]

Sorry, I made that a bit un-clear, i mean't for rolling stock.

No problem !

But I hate the Voyagers and their Pendolino offspring, probably due to bad experiences when they were first introduced !!

And by the way, the basis of the tilting technology - allegedly developed by the Swiss company SIG and later FIAT-SIG and now ALSTOM, was that of the APT developed by British Rail. I saw the prototype APT at the BREL works in Derby in the very early 1970's and was sworn to secrecy !

Chris

 

[Deano5]

The 80's BR Blue is the most common scenario these days and not without reason. Just think back to those days of loud smelly diesels and say "Ahh yes". :wave:

 

[ct_krogen]

every one does not have to have teh same route only rolling stock...