VNHRR multiple scenarios or one big one

[billy]

This is more of tell me what you think rather than a I need help thread. ( But will probably have ask for some anyway. )
I'm going to try and make either a 3 part or large single VNHRR Steam scenario.

You'll use the NERR Challenger repainted over to NH that I did a while back and everything else will be route default.

Empty coal hoppers north from the power plant in Hartford to West Springfield Yard. ( Ya got do the BaHo maneuver , at least that's what I call it, to get set up to cross over the bridge. )

Water and coal up at the service area and flip on the turntable.

Hook up a loaded coal train and re-execute the BaHo maneuver in reverse ( or is that inverse ? ) and make two drops at the power plant back in Hartford.

Then pick up a loaded tank train ( 3 consists ) and return to West Springfield yard.

I've already made a scenario template with the yards and sidings full of default stock and engines.
And the second leg is ( SB Loaded Coal ) also finished and working well, but no AI trains added as of yet.

Tell me what ya think or tag along if ya want.
I'm sure there will be a lot of testing needed as well.

BaHo, Hehehe, I like that name, hope it catches on.

[OldProf]

Funny you should ask this question, since I am currently working on the first part of what will probably be a two- or three-parter. The first part involves switching: specifically, making up a freight train in the Hartford Yard; the second part will involve taking that train to Springfield, possibly with some pick-ups and drop-offs along the way' and the third part will cover breaking up the train at Springfield. I've also made other multi-part scenarios.

Here's how I decide when to divide a scenario: as I begin, I keep track of the running time. When that time begins to approach 55-60 minutes, I start thinking of a two-parter, especially if early instructions include switching or loading, both of which can become tedious. Real-world engineers have to do the work that's to be done regardless of its interest level, but we are simulating, so repetitive actions should be kept to a minimum. According to your description, you're contemplating three longish hauls (for this route, anyway) between Springfield and Hartford, which suggests to me a three-parter: one going each way, plus transitional activities, such as refueling, that get added to the end or beginning of a part.

You mention using the turntable at Springfield. Do you know how to do that in TS?

[billy]

Yea, kinda. I put a stop point in front of the turntable with a pop-up just saying flip the loco.
Then you just proceed to the next marker.
But if ya got something better, I'm all ears !!!

As far as doing three parts goes, I'm going to do that.
Putting in at lot of AIs ,as everyone seems to like that.

But I'm also open to any suggestions or ideas.
As far as unloading the coal cars, its just too slow & boring for a lot of people, so just dropping them on the spurs is all thats required.
You can unload if ya want, but they stay there after dumping.

Oh yea, since Rick got us all the new TOFCs, I'm thinkin that a NB TOFC rather than tanks now.
I'll have the train pre-assembled near that old factory west of the power plant, just back up and hook up, grab caboose and go North.
When the route up dates, I'll make some kinda change as needed, as far as that pickup location goes.

[OldProf]

Yea, kinda. I put a stop point in front of the turntable with a pop-up just saying flip the loco.
Then you just proceed to the next marker.
But if ya got something better, I'm all ears !!!

Yeah, that's pretty much it until RSC decides to make tracks on turntable bridges more practical, except that "flip the loco", while catchy, isn't exactly good rail-speak. I usually include a warning that the engine (and tender) should be centered on the bridge too avoid embarrassing mishaps, though.

Good luck with your series!

[billy]

Well, I'm getting there. Doing AI timing now, what a pain.

But got full yards, hehehe

[OldProf]

Well, I'm getting there. Doing AI timing now, what a pain.

Especially when your latest stroke of AI genius knocks all the others and the player for a loop.

[GreatNortherner]

Hi,

That scenario outline is intriguing. Running Big Steam on the VNH, what a brilliant idea! Good thing Ozinoz talked us into adding the basic steam facillities.

Regarding the split vs. single scenario issue, I'm generally also in favor of splitting complex and/or long scenarios into several parts. My preferred cutoff time for simple runs (without much AI interaction) is about 60-90 minutes, depending on the route. If there is a lot of AI, like the Springfield Line invites us do set up, I usually aim at 45 mins maximum length. Besides general stability of the game (more AI trains need more computing power), there's also the potential issue with unreliable game saves several Workshop scenario authors talk about. Apparently an AI-heavy scenario can fail to play as planned when being quit and reloaded from a save.

By the way, your scenario storyline reminds me a bit of what I read about the typical train moves that the Connecticut Southern (CSOR) does in modern-day Springfield: they assemble their trains in the West Springfield Yard, push it caboose first over the river crossing into Springfield Union (Amtrak) Station, and then pull forward around the curve onto the Springfield Line towards Hartford and New Haven.

Cheers
Michael

[billy]

Thanks for posting Michael !!!
That's 2 moves as opposed to my 3.

I'll have to say the VNHRR has become my favorite route.
Please continue to expand the Route !! Part 4,5 and more !!!!
I can't wait for part 3 ( beta tester hint,hint )

I was going to send you the scenario template with all the yards & spurs full of cars, if you wanted it of course.

Also , is there a way to rename portals so they are individually different ??
For example, the two portals Northwest of the West Springfield Yard could be WB and EB (West Bound & East Bound ).
The AIs take the shortest path to the nearest portal when the names are the same.
So I'm using waypoints to direct them the proper portal.

And check out Wayne's excellent TOFC dock !!!

[billy]

I got the SB coal nearly finished. May add one last AI, don't know for sure yet.
Anyway, you'll need the Clinchfield Challenger, Rick's BM Cabooses, BM TOFCs & BM 70T Hoppers.
Michael's East Coast TOFCs
( Edit ) And the Empire Builder Pack 1 caboose, because of the coffee pot on the stove and office desk.
I think thats everything.
I 'll include the NH tender texture if ya want to change it.
I'd like to have a couple of you guys test / check it before I upload it to Bob.
Don't wanta give him no junk.

[OldProf]

10-yard track penalty for rolling stock stuffing!

[billy]

Hehe, I had to get Rick's BM stuff in, it fits perfectly.
dern, I just remembered, I forgot the caboose (Cabeese ) on the Hartford Caboose Track.
The 70T BM coal car at center is the break point as you have two drops at the coal plant.

[ozinoz]

Hi,

That scenario outline is intriguing. Running Big Steam on the VNH, what a brilliant idea! Good thing Ozinoz talked us into adding the basic steam facillities.


Cheers
Michael

Did I hear my name being mentioned I keep trying to get some scenerios done for this, but life is getting in the way unfortunately. Now with Dick's B&A tank for some Springfield AI and Santa Fe's (although a little out time wise) the NH roster is filling nicely. Can never have too much steam

[billy]

I'm in the same boat. No time to work on scenarios.
But I'm trying. Maybe I can pay XD to put some gold NH letters on the FEF-3 tender.

[RickKfoury]

Gotta say, i'm always pumped to see some of my repaints being used in a scenario Looks like a good one!

[billy]

Oh My !!