Would it be possible or how hard would it be to replace a train within a timetable with another train through the menu when a timetable is selected, as in you can access all your trains. So, you can go into GWE western timetable, but decide to use a steam train to complete a timetable service. We have the ability to spawn a train in, but we can't connect it to a scheduled timetable. At the moment we have to select a route or destination on the map, but this doesn't give us access to passengers getting on or off a train or use it to complete a service. Play a service with one train and midway change to another train to complete the same service if desired. I am sure there can still be restrictions, an electric train can't run without electricfication etc.
This post makes me think of the LIRR. Hempstead Branch Line Trains on that route are mostly run by the M9 throughout the day. The M7 only runs on that Branch during rush hours. Long Beach Branch Trains are mostly run by the M7 with the M9 running on that line during rush hours. In reality the MTA would just use whatever train they have avaliable and assign it to a line/schedule. It would be nice to run the M9 on the Long Beach Branch during off peak hours and the M7 on the Hempstead Branch during off peak hours.
Thanks, I think it gives more flexability in terms of doing a timetable the way you want to do it. Use a class 47 to haul cargo instead of the class 66 or use a HST to do a Brighton passenger run. Free roam is great if you got great imagination, but it is limited in terms of passenger interaction, stops and it doesn't let you complete a timetable unless DTG can link it?
I agree that substitution of a scheduled train would be perfect, but maybe it would be easier as an intermediate improvement to make it possible with Free Roam to have any added go-via station platforms included as station stops - at the moment, they become invisible once you have added them and only the end of the path is shown.
I think the problem with substitution is the trains need to match the length of the train its substituting for. I've tried a couple of substitution mods where the train isn't of equal length, as soon as you join the service it derails! Personally I would like it to be like quick drive on ts, where you can select any formation and drive on any route, with the exception of electric trains not working on non electrified track. But in tsw it doesn't seem possible. Unless you create a timetable for each formation, which would become very confusing.
I asked this question in a thread when Free Roam was introduced. Matt responded and said he’d look into it. It’s never happened though, so I assume it proved to be difficult, or isn’t considered a priority. Personally I think it would be a huge step forward. Even if we were restricted to trains of the same length, it would still be great. When loco substitutions occur the length of the train doesn’t usually change, so that wouldn’t be a huge issue in my mind. On Simudrive back in the 90s you could choose any train to run on any schedule. I had endless fun trying to keep to HST timings with a Deltic, or to Class 91 timings with an HST. The other thing you could do was select an HST with 1 power car shut down and try to keep to time - that was interesting. I suppose you can sort of re-create the same thing in Free Roam. Enter timetable mode on foot. Find and take over your chosen train, open up the timetable, and take a snapshot of it. Then get out of the train and delete it. Create your chosen train in its place, set up the route, and run it to the timetable in the snapshot. Unfortunately passengers wont get on or off and you wont get a countdown timer at stations or anything like that. It’s also a lot of hassle to set up. It might be better than nothing though, and there’s no restriction on train length.
I think being allowed to use any train you want within reason on a timetable is far better for an operations stand point than free roam where passengers won't get on and stop points don't work.
I'm not sure that would be an issue on a route like the LIRR since the trains are the same length however. All that would have to be done would be to swap a 8 car M9 for example for an 8 car M7 since the Hempstead Branch in game is run mostly by 8 car M9 trains throughout the day. It would be a similar situation on the Long Beach Branch and any of the other lines on the LIRR I do get that this may be an issue on other routes though
Think one of the issues is the passenger setup per route. Entering a modern unit through double doors to then be substituted with an single slam door unit would probably cause all sorts of issues and be an absolute immersion killer. Probably the reason that free roam does not support it.
The substitution mods which various kind people have put on 'Train Sim Community' are fantastic, and I use them lots - but I would have no idea how to create one!
I would ask someone like trainsimcz who has lots of experience in that regard. I can create timetables, not sub mods.
