Instruction Videos

[PrEZeX]

Hi,

I'm new to train dispatching and I'm wondering if there is some instruction videos with different examples and situations or some tutorials. The wiki and manual are very helpful but it's always easier to learn through video tutorials. I had for example a problem when i chosen a route for a train that had some malfunction and stayed on the platform. I had another train incoming so i wanted to route that train but i could not because the routes were overlapping. I tried to reset the route for the malfunctioning train (because it was still standing and repairing) but i could not. I could not find the solution in the manual and I'm not saying it's not there but the language and explanations in the manual are hard for a newbie like me to understand.

Thank You in advance

[TjoeTjoe]

Hi

1. creating instruction videos quite a lot of work. Initially the Signalsoft team had the idea creating a few of them, but as far as I remember that idea has been left as just an idea.

2. then there is the TeachingTool with which a simulation session could be recorded. Also audio was forseen. But I do not know if that Tool is still in development. At the moment it works only with the Cologne (Köln) signal box simulation

3. some tutorial scenarios could help you. Will think about creating some of them. I think Kleinstadt is a nice simulation to create such tutorials for, as a lot of the features which can be found in all individual German Sp Dr S60 simulations are in basis present in the Kleinstadt simulation

4. getting some hands-on. If you have Skype + audio set I am more then happy to give you some hands-on, preferably with Kleinstadt or a Multiplayer session. Just drop me a PM and I will send you my Skype details

You can also download one the other availble demo-simulations, i.e for Braunschweig or Bonn. With these demo version you will get also some PDF documentation in which some basic operations have been described

Erwin

[PrEZeX]

Erwin,

Thank You so much for your answers, I really appreciate your help. I sadly do not have a microphone yet so the skype session is not possible right now. I have the Kleinstadt route with your wonderful scenarios and I think I begin to understand the simulation better now. The biggest problem for me is that the Wikipedia and manual have a very hard language for a newcomer with many technical words and explanations but I'm trying to google all that technical terminology up. I had an idea to make a video of me playing and post it for you all to look at and make some comments, but I think though that it may be a little bit boring for you to watch me play.

After playing around with the simulation I have some new questions:

- If I use the HaGT button on a signal that has fleeting enabled (SBET) the signal changes to stop but changes to proceed when a train approaches it. The signal changes to proceed even when I lock it (LsSpT).

- After I manually set a route and change a proceed signal to stop on the route with HaGT, how can I make that signal show proceed again? I have tested all possible combinations and the only thing that works is revoking the route with FHT and set it again.

- What does the FRT and DRGT do? Those buttons should revoke the routes but I can't manage to do this (only FHT works).

That's all the questions I can come up with right now.

Thank You in advance and sorry for my poor english

Lukas

[TjoeTjoe]

- If I use the HaGT button on a signal that has fleeting enabled (SBET + Red Signal button) the signal changes to stop but changes to proceed when a train approaches it. The signal changes to proceed even when I lock it (LsSpT + Red Signal button).

Procedure should be:

- disable auto fleeting by pressing SBRT + Signal button

- press HaGT + signal button

The signal changing to Proceed when you have locked the signal (LsSpT + Red Signal button) should not happen, regardless if auto fleeting is on or not. If it does, then you found a bug

- After I manually set a route and change a proceed signal to stop on the route with HaGT, how can I make that signal show proceed again? I have tested all possible combinations and the only thing that works is revoking the route with FHT and set it again.

The square indicator next to the main signal indicated that a train route has been set and been secured. Even when you press HaGT, causing the signal to Stop.

And yes, you have to revoke the route first then, and set it again to get the aspect to Clear

(Note: it used to work without revoking in the past. As this changed to as it works now, I am assuming that this is how it really should work)

- What does the FRT and DRGT do? Those buttons should revoke the routes but I can't manage to do this (only FHT works).

FRT is to revoke shunt routes (so the routes you can set with the grey buttons near the so-called Sperrsignals (shunt signals). Shunt aspects can also be shown at main signals

DRGT is to revoke overlap routes for entry routes, when the system does not revoke these overlap routes automatically once the train has stopped in front of the signal. (switches behind train may not be occupied anymore). The DRGT is always used together with FRT and red signal button of the main signal.

When overlap route revokes automatically, you will see the little round indicator near the signal flashing. After about 1 minute, the overlap route will release itself.

If it doesn't start flashing, and switches behind train are not occupied, you can use the DRGT + FRT + signal button combination to revoke the overlap route

Note: I believe this information is not there in the Wiki (english part) and/or incorrect. I still need to update the information there

Thank You in advance and sorry for my poor english

No need to feel sorry. It is was good to understand, and even then, everybody does his best to write/describe his problem. No judgements on that.

Hope this helps you a bit

Erwin

[TjoeTjoe]

Just did a short test with respect to locking a signal and if the auto fleeting system then would set a route

The answer is No, it does not do that.

What you see is that when a train route from i.e. signal A towards Signal N2 (Sig N2 locked with LsSpT) is being set, a route behind signal N2 is set as well.

But it is actually the overlap route you see in this situation. Locking a signal does not prevent overlap routes being set.

As overlap routes belong to the train route being set towards the signal. It isa safety requirement. No overlap route, the entry signal would not go to clear.

Erwin

[PrEZeX]

Thank You Erwin one again for your help. I think I understand everything you wrote and I was wrong, as you stated, about the locking signal and fleeting system, it stops the train and the route after the signal is indeed just a overlap route. I have two more questions though.

-Which settings should i have to make the simulation as real as it can get?

-Is the Sp Dr S60 still in use in Germany or is that system replaced with computer systems or maybe complement with more modern technology?

Thank You in advance

Lukas

[TjoeTjoe]

-Which settings should i have to make the simulation as real as it can get?

As real as it can get does not exist :-) Everyday is an other day, every day other situations if you understand what I mean.

One day you will have lots of delays, another day you will have malfunction of signals etc. So from that point of view you should decide which situation you like to simulate.

But some settings you could make are: (see options under Settings from the Main window - from where you start a new sim or load a saved sim)

Simulation : Coworkers can give hints ... to OFF - no help from the virtual collegue

Route setting : Show route setting feedback to OFF - the only real feedback for a dispatcher is the panel (not the statusbar on your screen ;-) )

Communication : drivers are impatient .... to ON - their job is to keep up with the timetable, and you are responsible to make that possible.

Dispatcher Assistant ; a dispatcher assistent is available ... to OFF - forces you to call a train driver for instruction etc and prevents you from being lazy and letting your virtual collegue do that jobs

Train Descriptors : TNV Train Descriptor operates ... to ON - trains which renumber, require you to renumber its number on the panel (will not happen that much in Kleinstadt though)

Accessibility : Show halos around .... to OFF - does are not there on the real panels ;-)

Level Crossings : all options to ON (second option about "Classic" form is whatever you like though)

-Is the Sp Dr S60 still in use in Germany or is that system replaced with computer systems or maybe complement with more modern technology?

I am not sure, but I believe there are still a couple of Sp Dr S 60 panels in operation.

But yes, modern technology is taking over, which means that more and more systems are replaced by the ESTW systems (operated from computer screens)

Erwin

[PrEZeX]

Thank You, I will try to manage Kleinstadt will all those settings. I'm wondering if the creators are planning to release an ESTW system, it would be nice to try it out.

[TjoeTjoe]

I'm wondering if the creators are planning to release an ESTW system, it would be nice to try it out.

The answer to that question is No

It is not in Signalsoft's scope. Historical systems is what they want to preserve on the modern PC for all those young people (including you and me )

Erwin

[PrEZeX]

Yes, I understand that and really enjoy and appreciate this simulation ( I bought six switch-boxes so far and spend much more money than I should because it's so addictive ) I just though it would be nice to test out the new systems. Maybe there are already ESTW simulators, but I didn't heard of any.

[signalsoftRC]

ESTW is in the making actually... but not the german type ESTW. There are much more interesting systems in Switzerland, France, US/Canada and the Netherlands.

[PrEZeX]

Sounds wonderful!