I hope the dynamic temporary speed restrictions will be implemented better than they were in the one scenario on the ECML TSW4 route. There was not enough distance between the warning board (which should be placed with enough braking distance before the speed restriction comes in to force) and the speed restriction itself. This is to avoid not being able to brake in time for the speed restriction. Thank you.
Yes, I'm really pleased that TSW are introducing some variation in signal checks and TSRs in timetable mode, but TSRs in particular are tricky things to get right. The advance warning board should be 'service braking distance' from the commencement board - that is to say, a full brake application should enable the train to get from line speed down to the speed of the TSR in time for its commencement, using a full service brake application. In real life quite a complex formula is used to calculate the necessary distance from warning board to commencement board, based on the speeds involved. Once that distance is established, there's then the matter of where the warning board is actually permitted to be located. If the formula dictates a location which is on a junction, for example, the warning board needs to be placed before the junction. If that's the case, it needs arrows, indicating which route it refers to. If the commencement board is approached by more than one route, each route needs a warning board. Then there are the AWS magnets. Each warning board needs an associated AWS magnet. This should normally be 183m from the warning board, but again, there are various considerations. What if there's a level crossing at that location? Then it needs to be moved back. What if there's a junction between the magnet and the warning board? More magnets needed - and so on. Then what if there's a station between the warning board and the commencement board? Another warning board should be located at the platform end, to remind Drivers of trains which stop there. And all of the above is just for the UK. Other countries will have their own systems and sets of rules, each one different. In real life setting up boards and magnets for a TSR is a complex task, carried out by thoroughly trained professionals. I wonder how well the software will be able to recreate it. My suspicion is there'll be some simplification. I suspect we'll find there are a limited number of locations which can have a TSR on each route, and that the speeds in each location are always the same, to greatly simplify the task of making the boarding work. While I'd like as much randomisation as possible for variety, I can understand some simplification may be unavoidable. It was also good to hear Matt say that the Driver will be informed of the TSR(s) at the start of the journey. This is normally the case in real life, and it means that, even if there are some teething difficulties with the boarding, we'll know the TSR is coming so will be able to bring speed down appropriately.
Great insight. I know Matt said the TSRs would be in a warning before the run is started but it would be somewhat immersion breaking if the incorrect warning signage and the correct braking distance (or as close an approximation as possible) isn't used. Aswell as the AWS magnets as you mention which I had forgotten about. Cheers.
The good news is that they have said this feature won't be available on older routes yet, only when they are updated. This suggests that the speed limit placements will be manually determined and presumably board placement calculated accordingly - it won't just be "random".
Funnily enough was thinking about this after listening to the reveal. Absolutely has to be correct as per the Rule Book/Operation Group Standards for the UK to be credible. Same in Germany or the USA.
Me too. It says so in the FAQ. So is this going to be another feature that finally works in TSW 7 and older route promise abandoned? I really hate being sceptical or pessimistic but this is the reputation DTG have now gained in many eyes.
Well, let’s see. Personally I hope it’s on all routes and that DTG have come up with a method of doing it which means they can achieve a good degree of randomisation combined with a realistic setup of the signage and magnets. For the reasons I’ve mentioned it will be really impressive if they’ve managed to do that, but they’ve done plenty of really good things in the past, so hopefully this is another example. If it’s not perfect at first, I think it’s important to show patience and support in suggesting tweaks, to help make a great concept a successful part of TSW.
