New [F9] Train Operations Window

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Anyone who's done any switching with ORTS knows the tools we presently have available - leave much to be desired.

Given: Switching now comprises having to utilize three different screens to get all the information necessary for said operation.

• Train Operations - to move through the train - select car for [Car Operations] - and uncouple cars.
• Car Operations - to [Toggle Handbrake] [Toggle Brake Hose] [Toggle Front Angle Cock] [Toggle Rear Angle Cock] [Toggle Bleed Off Valve]
• [Ctrl F5] Hud - to get status of handbrakes and connections.

In my humble opinions [Ctrl F5] is strictly for debugging and should not be used in "normal" operation.

I broached this subject on Elvas - about this time last year - what I didn't know was that Mauricio and Siebren took on this proposal - ran with it - and made it far better than I could have hoped for - in my absence.





If you haven't seen it - let me introduce you to the NEW: F9 Train Operations.

I believe it's only in the Unstable Version of ORTS and you access it via [Ctrl][Alt][F9].

On pressing these keys - you are greeted with a visual representation of your entire train - with indicators for - air valves - bleed valves - couplers, air hoses, hand brakes. No need to troll three different screens to get all the information presented here - no need for spam messages that are easily missed or forgotten - it's a real time indicator.

Click on an individual car number and it will popup the car operations window - shown above your train - for a larger presentation. All the indicators are clickable to change their state. It will also switch you to your outside camera view - on press - focused on the actual car in question - so no more guessing - was it five back or six - it's actually staring you in the face.

If a car is "Not Ready" for normal operations - running - the car will be presented in cyan - to focus your attention.

Finally - all this is available via the WEB Interface - if you want to use your iPad or second monitor - to control everything.

All I can say is WOW - what a vast improvement.

Please thank Mauricio and Siebren if you see them around - it's an incredible effort and just makes ORTS better.

Give it a run - I'm sure they would appreciate feedback.

It makes actual switching - fun again.

Regards,
Scott

[R. Steele]

Thanks for posting that Scott. I followed the discussion, but did not realize they had finalized the window...definitely a fine addition. I hope it gets folded into MG.

No need to troll three different screens to get all the information presented here

If a car is "Not Ready" for normal operations - running - the car will be presented in cyan - to focus your attention.

These two features are especially welcome. "Not Ready" is what I've needed, always seems like I forget something.

[scottb613]

Hi Gerry,

Been in that boat as well - why isn't my train moving - oh - the cyan car.


Regards,
Scott

[SD40-2]

In addition, this will make DPU operations so much easier, as it'd easily allow one to cut units in and out as need be without having to go two windows deep to cut units out.