These comments use philskene's Port Zyd route as an example but this post is NOT about that route. It is about a thought that just struck me after a year and a half of Trainz'ing!
I really enjoy the Port Zyd route. But in running more and more these days in cab view, I discovered something. I un-knowingly am cheating! How? By watching Invisible Signals showing their aspect in the track profile at the bottom of the HUD. The PZ&F is "dark" but it is signaled in several places where it crosses a double main line. Because of those signals at the mains, AI trains can run up to the full 40 mph track speed since they are controlled by Invisible Signals.
Two things occurred to me. First, my total lack of thought about invisible signals being used to control AI trains in dark territory and my dependence upon them while supposedly driving in mostly unsignaled territory.
Second, how the AI trains have an advantage over a real Driver (me) due to all the invisible signals (assuming HUD is off). How? A single regular (visible) signal is often hidden around a curve or behind a tree or building. AI knows it's state well before I do. Invisible signals are used to slow the AI trains, but a Driver does not have that advantage.
With the HUD (invisible signals) turned off, how do I drive more prototypically? I know little about warrants, DTC, and how speed is controlled under these methods. Perhaps I'd have in my hands a timetable containing track speeds? (I know of no mile markers on the PZ&F - track speed of entire route is 40mph as best I've experienced and remember.)
Comments? Thank You!
(p.s. Again, general questions, not only about Port Zyd & Fulazturn Railroad.)
I really enjoy the Port Zyd route. But in running more and more these days in cab view, I discovered something. I un-knowingly am cheating! How? By watching Invisible Signals showing their aspect in the track profile at the bottom of the HUD. The PZ&F is "dark" but it is signaled in several places where it crosses a double main line. Because of those signals at the mains, AI trains can run up to the full 40 mph track speed since they are controlled by Invisible Signals.
Two things occurred to me. First, my total lack of thought about invisible signals being used to control AI trains in dark territory and my dependence upon them while supposedly driving in mostly unsignaled territory.
Second, how the AI trains have an advantage over a real Driver (me) due to all the invisible signals (assuming HUD is off). How? A single regular (visible) signal is often hidden around a curve or behind a tree or building. AI knows it's state well before I do. Invisible signals are used to slow the AI trains, but a Driver does not have that advantage.
With the HUD (invisible signals) turned off, how do I drive more prototypically? I know little about warrants, DTC, and how speed is controlled under these methods. Perhaps I'd have in my hands a timetable containing track speeds? (I know of no mile markers on the PZ&F - track speed of entire route is 40mph as best I've experienced and remember.)
Comments? Thank You!
(p.s. Again, general questions, not only about Port Zyd & Fulazturn Railroad.)
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