Pop-up F4 & speed-increase.

[seagoon]

I was wondering if there could be a "switch" provided so that the player can choose whether to see the signal aspects or not when the F4 pop-up is displayed?
I'm one of those players who, unless there is an in-cab repeater (such as in the NS units used on the Horseshoe Curve route), prefers not to have prior knowledge of what the next signal is indicating.

In addition to that, now that we have the restriction (in the current X-File release) of not increasing speed until the end of the train has passed the speed-post, is there some way in which an indication can be given outside of F4 or of F5 that the speed can now be increased?
The only alternative is to flick from the cab-view (if operating from that position) to the 3-camera view (end of train) and back again.

Not critical features, by any means, but they would enhance the great job that you are already doing.

Bruce

[rdamurphy]

Bruce, I'm like you, I like the signals to be a surprise, lol!

I once asked a real world engineer how he was supposed to know when his train had passed the speed restrict, cleared the turnout, passed the signal, etc. I liked his answer, so I try to go with it.

Just note the milepost of the speedpost or signal, and then travel the length of the train. Kind of hard to do in MSTS since we don't have a milepost every tenth of a mile, but in reality, what he actually said was:

"You know the length of the train, so just go that far and add a dozen car lengths or so just in case." We tend to think of train lengths by feet. Railroaders use car lenghts. If you know you have 60 cars, it's pretty easy to just go 60 locomotive lenghts.

Hey, it makes it more fun for me anyway!

Robert

[seagoon]

I once asked a real world engineer how he was supposed to know when his train had passed the speed restrict, cleared the turnout, passed the signal, etc. I liked his answer, so I try to go with it.

Just note the milepost of the speedpost or signal, and then travel the length of the train. Kind of hard to do in MSTS since we don't have a milepost every tenth of a mile, but in reality, what he actually said was:

"You know the length of the train, so just go that far and add a dozen car lengths or so just in case." ....Hey, it makes it more fun for me anyway!

Robert

Now that is a neat trick.....I never thought of that, Robert. Thanks for the HU.
I'll have to fire up OR now and test it!

Bruce

[tbundy1982]

The other method in modern times is to use a distance counter on the locomotive. Since not all units have this feature, the good old car count guess is still used.
Tyler

[seagoon]

The other method in modern times is to use a distance counter on the locomotive.

That's what I was alluding to in my original post, Tyler.
A quasi-distance counter that, if not giving us the same ability as used in Run 8, could perhaps show when the speed limit has increased.
In other words, a repeater of what is seen in the top of the F4 display.

Bruce

[cjakeman]

How about a message that pops up with "Speed limit changed to 50 mph" then fades away just like the cab controls?

Chris
OR Dev

[OTTODAD]

How about a message that pops up with "Speed limit changed to 50 mph" then fades away just like the cab controls?

I have the controls band turned off and in case ORTS shows approaching speed limits in it's F4 Track Monitor where I like to see them as well as approaching signals, etc !

O t t o

[seagoon]

.........ORTS shows approaching speed limits in it's F4 Track Monitor where I like to see them as well as approaching signals, etc !

That is my point, Otto.
Some of us would prefer that F4 doesn't automatically show the aspects of the approaching signals.

And you are also missing the point regarding the speed; we know what is coming. We now would like to know when the rear of the train has passed the speed-post.

[seagoon]

How about a message that pops up with "Speed limit changed to 50 mph" then fades away just like the cab controls?

Chris
OR Dev

Great idea, Chris.

[OTTODAD]

How about a message that pops up with "Speed limit changed to 50 mph" then fades away just like the cab controls?

A bit late, the train about to enter a 50 mph speed limit zone doing 250 MpH !

Further on that subject, speed warning signs on real railways are placed in advance to where the actual speed limit starts, depending on the speed of mixed traffic running on them, the train driver / engineer can see and adjust the speed of his train accordingly.

That is not the case in most MSTS routes, being placed at the actual start of the speed limit, also not taking into account of express trains driving at higher speeds through stations, not stopping at platforms.

I use my eyeballs to observe the tracks ahead and drive accordingly, slowing down when I can see tight curves approaching and when approaching stations I have to stop at.

O t t o

[twpol]

I was wondering if there could be a "switch" provided so that the player can choose whether to see the signal aspects or not when the F4 pop-up is displayed?

It is in the plans to support this in a future version.

[seagoon]

It is in the plans to support this in a future version.

That's the OR team being proactive, as usual!

Thanks, James.

Bruce

[seagoon]

A bit late, the train about to enter a 50 mph speed limit zone doing 250 MpH !

There are times when you really need to read the subject post more carefully, Otto.
I am referring to the change of speed where it increases, not about prior warnings for where the speed change decreases.

Bruce

[rdamurphy]

Bruce, since you seem to be interested in actual railroad operations...

Well, let me send you a PM.

Robert

[seagoon]

Bruce, since you seem to be interested in actual railroad operations...

Well, let me send you a PM.

Robert

Received, answered and my thanks, Robert.

Bruce