time tables

L

lester perry

I am having op sessions now and every one says my system works well. but I would like to add some twists and passenger service which would require a fast clock or something like that but I do not want fast clock.someone started to tell me of a way to do it but we got interupted before he could tell me, does anyone out there know a system of schedualing trains without a fast clock?
Les
 

60103

Pooh Bah
Les: the fast clock runs into a problem when you do switching, which takes longer than expected.
An alternate method is sequential operation, where trains run after another train has done something -- This could be the start of a timetable, after the crew gets used to it.
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
I have only operated with a fast clock a few times. It seems like the advantage is to not only compress time for the things we "skip" (like pumping up the air in the train line), it also compresses distances (you've be travelling for 20 minutes, so of course you've covered 10 miles - or whatever).

The only thing I can suggest it perhaps to regard an operating session as a day's or shift's work. If a passenger train is supposed to depart or arrive "half-way" through the shift, then make it so...

The other thing you could do is to run operations kinda like the puzzles that MR used to publish - assume each switching move takes 2 minutes or whatever, and that the passenger train will be through the area in 1 hour, giving the switch crew 30 moves to complete their work (or at least get out of the way).

Hope that helps.

Andrew
 

acsoosub

New Member
You can always use real time instead of a fast clock. Your switching and your passenger train will take the same amount of time to run whether using a fast clock or "slow" clock. Fast clocks are handy for larger layouts because they allow you to simulate an actually 12-24 hour schedule with realistic times. Using a 4:1 fast clock, you can copy a real railroad's actual daily schedule in 6 hours. But practically it doesn't matter if you just run a 6-hour session in reall time for your schedulling. Fast clocks are just for "feel" but are not absolutely required.
 

Dave1905

New Member
If you don't want a fast clock then use a "sequence" type of operation. Train 500 operates from A to C and meets No 1 at C. Then train 500 runs from C to Z. The switch works Industries 1 through 5, then should clear up to let No. 1 by. Then it can switch the rest of the industries.

Dave H.
 

MCL_RDG

Member
The schedule is dictated by...

...the job. You already have the job assigments worked out as you stated for frieght trains and moving commodities from the yard-to the yard, etc. Now you want to add "variables" but said variables actually have to maintain a schedule because they have a job that is governered by timeliness- Service, passengers that need a train or five, as an example.

Well, most railroads that I read of and road way up here in the northeast had operating rules that governed the types of trains that could hold the high iron, namely passenger trains, and most frieght worked around the passneger train schedules because of the timeleness of the service required. And since freight didn't need to be at an office by 9:00AM in the big city- the freight often travelled at night.

To make a long story short- make the guys let the passnger trains thru no matter what whenever a passenger train is coming thru. That should add the "twist" you're looking for. Just go ahead and announce there is "scheduled" passenger traffic- one east bound, and one west. Advise the crews they are to be clear of mainline track at the announced approach of the train. You should really just tell the fellows- "I'm running out the passenger train- giddeyup and start your jobs, but get the *(&^48 outta the way when that train comes thru or you'll be having a meeting with the district boss after he's had his meeting with the super(intendent) and there ain't enough boiler plate to tuck in your coveralls"!

Now that's railroadin'.

Mark:mrgreen:
 

Dave1905

New Member
MCL_RDG;839494 Now you want to add "variables" but said variables actually have to maintain a schedule because they have a job that is governered by timeliness- Service said:
Actually the unscheduled freight trains are the variables, the regular, scheduled passenger trains are the fixed portion.

Well, most railroads that I read of and road way up here in the northeast had operating rules that governed the types of trains that could hold the high iron, namely passenger trains, and most frieght worked around the passneger train schedules because of the timeleness of the service required. And since freight didn't need to be at an office by 9:00AM in the big city- the freight often travelled at night.
Just remember that a trains run day and night, so that train that is at one city at night was in another city during the day. Only in the major cities do they have "commuter curfews" where freight trains do not operate. Other than those few locations, the vast majority of places the freight trains vastly outnumber passenger trains so the freight trains run any time of day or night and they have to avoid the passenger trains. Actually a lot of freight does have to be someplace at a specific time (intermodal traffic, interchange traffic, auto parts, etc).

Dave H.
 
L

lester perry

I now know what to do. I will run 2 passenger trains one east and one west during the session from hidden yard to hidden yard with REA swap at one station. I think I will run it at a predetermined time and see what happens.
Les
 
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