Running multiple trains in the future?

[BLR-IIC]

I love the potential of Open Rails. It is already better than MSTS in many ways.

But I've always wanted to be able to run separate trains, somewhat model train layout-style, but with the simulation physics working. For an example, I run my road diesels into the yard, then I control a road switcher so that I can build my train.

Is this an eventual goal for OR? I think it would be pretty awesome

[OTTODAD]

MSTSBin, Railworks and Trainz allow multiple player trains to be used in a session but only one can be controlled at any time and don't think that any train simulator will ever be able to do otherwise unless it has a separate controller for each train.

With my past Maerklin Digital H0 layout I could drive multiple trains at the same time.

Got to be on the ball, being the dispatcher as well as 4 locos engineers, having 4 trains running like shown below.

O t t o

[longiron]

Hi, I'm not clear what you are asking for ... is it the ability to "jump" from train to train? Or, is it the ability for Artificial Intelligence Engines to do tasks, like assemble a train in a yard?
Thanks

[BLR-IIC]

Hi, I'm not clear what you are asking for ... is it the ability to "jump" from train to train? Or, is it the ability for Artificial Intelligence Engines to do tasks, like assemble a train in a yard?
Thanks

I was thinking more like the ability to jump between different engines, either with a kind of a "hotseat" cycling key, or being able to pick operable units from some sort of menu or a dialog.

For an example, I'm running mainline freight in exploration mode (or free mode, like what you can do with TrainStore) and I want to switch out some cars from my train. So I position the train around a yard, then jump to a switching unit that's already there, and start switching cars in and out.

I guess you could get AI to do it, but I would rather do it myself, like I'm running my HO-scale model RR. I suppose it can be an option, but anything can be coded

If I remember correctly, I think Trainz allows this to an extent.


@ Otto

If I wanted to do that, I would probably benefit from a set-up that has some continuous loops

[stresstool]

Me too.

The idea being one can temporarily take over controls from an AI then let it resume its schedule when finished. Although Otto is correct in that only one engine can be controlled from the keyboard (or RD) at once in any of the sims, with Trainz one can get a train moving to a destination from the cab of one loco (set a series of things for the train to do), then jump to another loco and give it a bunch of instructions (or just drive it), etc. This allows one to clear log jams, unstick a train sitting at a signal (i.e. back it up into a siding), change the instructions or paths on an AI train, etc.

[longiron]

Interesting. Open Rails already can have AI trains do drop offs on their own and throw switches aligned against them.

From the v360 Docs:
· AI trains will stop near any switch that is not lined properly, throw the switch and then
proceed. (This function will probably get improved and enhanced with community
feedback)
· AI trains can uncouple and leave cars.
· At the moment uncoupling only works from the front of the train and coupling doesn’t
work yet. To uncouple put a waiting point in the path with a waiting time greater than
40000 seconds.
· A value of 4NNSS where NN and SS are two digit numbers will cause the first NN cars
to be uncoupled and the train will move again after waiting SS seconds.

The near future holds a lot of enhancements and improvements along the lines you're looking for.

[BLR-IIC]

I'm looking forward to the upcoming release. I know you developers (I see in your avatar anyway, LongIron) are busy between this project and bug hunting, along RL stuff (I'm a SourceForge contributor myself). So I wouldn't be surprised if this is put on the back burner until more pressing issues are fixed. However I hope to see a feature like this in the future

[BLR-IIC]

In the newest version of OR, has the feature described here been implemented in some way, or is it a backburner feature?

Thanks.