(a Santa Fe Fairmont MT-14 speeder on a small Flatbed Trailer. Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/429812358164648996/) What are speeders? A Speeder, or also often called a Draisine (although that can be unpowered) are small motor cars which can averagely hold 2-4 people, used by work crews and track inspectors, to move swiftly from work site to work site. (A Fairmont MT-19 Speeder's interior. Image source: http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=37246&whichpage=3) Can I have more info/facts about Speeders, please? Sure you can! Speeders aren't used anymore, as they were replaced by flange wheeled pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These were however used throughout the world, including the US, Australia and England (as seen below). (Image source: https://www.jeff-z.com/wks/mow/speeders/speeders.html) And what is this? Also used with speeders are what's called a 'speeder cart', which are flatbed wagons as long and usually with the same wheelbase as a speeder, only unpowered and used for carrying tools for the potential repair they needed to perform when the inspection revealed something broken. (a Standard gauge Wickham trolley, at the NRM. Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickh...it,_Locomotion_Shildon,_28_April_2010_(3).JPG) Can I see a video of them? Yes. Here's one: (A speeder with its cart. Image source: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=29085.15) Are they still with us? Not all. Most of them ended up as a scrap heap, but some were preserved by people who use them for adventures on abandoned and/or closed lines. (A Fairmont MT-19 MPL speeder. Image source: http://www.flighttech.com/speeder_intercom.htm) Why for Train Simulator? I think everyone would enjoy speeding along a line, and stopping for some inspection. Why not? These could then include scenarios for various routes, as they were used on lots of lines. Also, there's NOTHING like it in TS. (except for the Permaquip in the IoW DLC) (A Western Maryland and an Amtrak speeder, facing away from each other. Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/429812358164649003/) Can I have some links to maybe more pics? Yes, here are a few: http://www.railridersupply.com/fairmontspeederdetails.htm http://www.sps700.org/gallery/0707OaksParkOPR.shtml https://www.psrm.org/trains/equipment/up-2644/ (Danbury Railway Museum 270302 speeder. Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/429812358164648872/) Proposer's note: I think this will be a great addition to Train Simulator, and I think everyone will enjoy driving these cute little motor cars. I certainly would. ■ Disclaimer: I do not own any of the media shown here, nor do I claim to. All media belongs to their rightful owners. I just put them in here for illustration purposes.
Well, the Permaquip Personell Carrier from the Isle of Wight addon seems to fit the bill, and even has the little unpowered trailers, but I would love to see some more scenarios for it, and maybe add a new trailer with tools and other clutter on it, or at least a lumpy tarpaulin.
In addition to the suggestion above, you could add all sorts of works vehicles which are rail mounted, such as trucks, excavators, cranes etc They don't have to be drivable off the rails but could be used for scenarios or just as clutter in yards or next to the track. As per NotAgain, the only in game example I can think of is the Permaquip from Isle of Wight, which does have one scenario specifically for it.
I was at Locomotion when four chaps took that Wickham up and down the track for a test spin (it was essential that four people ride- not fun obviously). It made as much noise than almost anything else I've seen there and that includes five Deltics starting simultaneously. Mmm... Deltics.
You're right, about the IoW Permaquip. I forgot about that one when I made the proposal! I've edited it appropriately. Thanks for all your feedback, I appreciate it! And JJTimothy, I hope you had fun at Locomotion!
I usually do and I got started in TS because Dovetail were giving copies away at an event there. I'm Dad-sitting tomorrow but, if he seems up to it after a fall last week, I hope to drag him round there for an hour or so.
Bumping this to the top again as I believe it is a very interesting and worthy idea that could be implemented to enhance the game in many ways. It has all kinds of potential for use as Scenarios, Route Tasks, and even "spawned on foot" interactions. And with pretty much standard choices (most railways in North America used the same types) it would be a very versatile addition to game play and equipment addition. I know I would like to explore some of the lines riding in one of these able to take one's time and experience the whole in game atmosphere on a more personal level. I support this idea 1000%. Please if you haven't already voted -- do so. Maybe DTG will take note of interest and consider this as an Add-on feature some day.