Speeding play in German scenarios (especially shunting)

[OldProf]

I like shunting scenarios for the German routes, but they tend to play v-e-r-y slowly. How do I evaluate playing speed? Rather than depend of fps rates, I've learned to simply count while watching the play clock: if a "play" second matches a "real" second, play speed is normal, but if "play" seconds start creeping, play is too slow.

What's causing the delay? Simple: yard sidings overstuffed with full-poly freight wagons. Sometimes hundreds of them! Since no low-poly German wagons are available (as far as I know, anyway), the solution is to edit the scenario, removing 2/3 or more of those excess wagons. For the most part, you'll never notice a visual difference, since most of those excess wagons aren't visible while shunting except in the 2D view, but you'll certainly notice the difference in playing speed.

This leads me to a question: is it kosher to upload an edited DLC scenario to the Workshop?

[drivertime61]

....Since no low-poly German wagons are available....

I am only familiar with Hamburg-Hanover. In that route are "faux" wagons, if that's what you're looking for (?). They are static scenery object pre-made consists found in the Miscellaneous bag. They begin with the "2D........" designation. They are of course not driveable, but they look quite real from a distance. Useful in large yards on the more distant tracks away from the action.

Perhaps they exist on other German routes as well.

Hope this is of value to you.

[OldProf]

....Since no low-poly German wagons are available....

I am only familiar with Hamburg-Hanover. In that route are "faux" wagons, if that's what you're looking for (?). They are static scenery object pre-made consists found in the Miscellaneous bag. They begin with the "2D........" designation. They are of course not driveable, but they look quite real from a distance. Useful in large yards on the more distant tracks away from the action.

Perhaps they exist on other German routes as well.

Hope this is of value to you.

Might be -- thanks, I'll take a look at those. Do they snap to tracks like regular wagons? [Just thinking aloud, hoping to remember this question later.]

[drivertime61]

From the Hamburg-Hanover Route Manual:

8.1 Low Impact Trains and Wagons Low Impact Trains and Wagons
Due to the complexity and large scale of the
yards on this route we have created “Low Impact”
static models of the BR101 locomotive and
SGGRSS Intermodal wagons. These can be placed
on the route as scenario specific scenery. This
allows large areas of yards to be visually
populated without negatively impacting on game
performance compared to placing standard
rolling stock.
These assets are named with the prefix “2D” and
can be found under the “Misc” collection in the
scenario editor.
When placing these assets hold down the TAB
key on the keyboard to automatically snap them
to the track. If the snap function does not
immediately grab the asset then move the
camera slightly with the right mouse button
while performing the operation.

As the manual hints, occasionally it was a little tricky placing them on the tracks, but you'll eventually succeed. A few different lengths and for straight track only of course, plus the BR101. Hope they help to make things go more smoothly in those giant yards.

[OldProf]

Well, you caught me . . . I hadn't looked at that manual for a long time. I'd completely forgotten about how to place these strings (200, 400 and 600 meters!) of 2D wagons.

I've taken a look at them and just have to say that they're no match for the quality of the low-poly cars made by Michael Stephan. To demonstrate what I mean, here are a couple of shots I took between the wheels: first of a fully functional freight wagon:



. . . and now of one of these 2D wagons:



Another drawback to the German 2Ds is that they only come in one variety: SGGRSS [basically, container flats].

Nevertheless, I think I'll try working with them a bit.

to Drivertime51!

[drivertime61]

Ye gods! Did I actually - FINALLY - help someone on here! I've been draining other patient, talented folks' brains for a year and a half, trying to learn this sim, yours included. Paybacks are a beach > in Maui.

Yes, the appearance of the trucks and lack of variety are drawbacks, but they are of some value, especially when kept at a distance.

Thanks for the tip on Michael Stephan's low poly cars. They will be very useful.