Problems with Log Exchange Scenario

[slick204]

I'm having a couple of issues with the included Log Exchange scenario. When swapping the full and empty chip and lumber cars I get an X for both tasks. The loads are on a dead-end track so you have to pull the loaded cars before placing the empties. After pulling out the loaded cars I already have an X in the task before I have a chance to set the empties.

I decided to continue on and while picking up the cars in Ridout I watched the AI train pick up some cars, go back out to the main, back up, slam into the waiting caboose and derail, ending the scenario.

Anybody else have these problems??

[ricksan]

The scenario system in RW/TS is warmed-over MSTS -- in other words, primitive, unrealistic and badly programmed. It only works reliably if you enjoy "driving" high-speed commuter trains on a dedicated track with all AI trains on a different track. I have the sincerest admiration for the community members who have the patience to deal with anything more complicated than that.

That said, it so happens I've run the Log Exchange scenario successfully. That's significant only because more often than not I fail them. Sometimes I run a complete scenario from start to finish, follow all the instructions, and still get a red X. But as long as I had fun running the scenario, shuffling cars around, interacting with AI trains and whatnot, I could care less about how good or bad a job the software thinks I did.

[dcushing]

I'm having a couple of issues with the included Log Exchange scenario. When swapping the full and empty chip and lumber cars I get an X for both tasks. The loads are on a dead-end track so you have to pull the loaded cars before placing the empties. After pulling out the loaded cars I already have an X in the task before I have a chance to set the empties.

I decided to continue on and while picking up the cars in Ridout I watched the AI train pick up some cars, go back out to the main, back up, slam into the waiting caboose and derail, ending the scenario.

Anybody else have these problems??

Hint Number 1 - Use the loads while you are pulling the empties.

Duncan

[slick204]

The scenario system in RW/TS is warmed-over MSTS -- in other words, primitive, unrealistic and badly programmed. It only works reliably if you enjoy "driving" high-speed commuter trains on a dedicated track with all AI trains on a different track. I have the sincerest admiration for the community members who have the patience to deal with anything more complicated than that.

That said, it so happens I've run the Log Exchange scenario successfully. That's significant only because more often than not I fail them. Sometimes I run a complete scenario from start to finish, follow all the instructions, and still get a red X. But as long as I had fun running the scenario, shuffling cars around, interacting with AI trains and whatnot, I could care less about how good or bad a job the software thinks I did.

Hi Rick. I wasn't too worried about the incomplete tasks but the AI crashing and ending the scenario got me!

Hint Number 1 - Use the loads while you are pulling the empties.

Duncan

Thanks. I thought about doing that but it seemed kind of silly drag to them along.

[dcushing]

The scenario system in RW/TS is warmed-over MSTS -- in other words, primitive, unrealistic and badly programmed. It only works reliably if you enjoy "driving" high-speed commuter trains on a dedicated track with all AI trains on a different track. I have the sincerest admiration for the community members who have the patience to deal with anything more complicated than that.

That said, it so happens I've run the Log Exchange scenario successfully. That's significant only because more often than not I fail them. Sometimes I run a complete scenario from start to finish, follow all the instructions, and still get a red X. But as long as I had fun running the scenario, shuffling cars around, interacting with AI trains and whatnot, I could care less about how good or bad a job the software thinks I did.

Hi Rick. I wasn't too worried about the incomplete tasks but the AI crashing and ending the scenario got me!

Hint Number 1 - Use the loads while you are pulling the empties.

Duncan

Thanks. I thought about doing that but it seemed kind of silly drag to them along. [/quote

Hint Number 2 - Plan ahead. You must leave with the consist in the right order with the caboose in the proper spot.

Duncan

[slick204]

I restarted the scenario and got checks for the pickup/setout at Adkins Timber but, again, while picking up the refers in Ridout, the AI train derailed.
I don't have any control over the AI! I know you guys have finished it but I don't know what else I can do.

[Friedy]

I am aware of the problems with this scenario and I am re-writing it. Currently I am in the testing phase. Hopefully you can enjoy the challenge and ignore the "X" response. I am afraid that this scenario was a victim of the challenge to get the route out as soon as possible without adequate scenario testing. Look for a posting of "Log Exchange Challenge" coming soon.

[slick204]

I am aware of the problems with this scenario and I am re-writing it. Currently I am in the testing phase. Hopefully you can enjoy the challenge and ignore the "X" response. I am afraid that this scenario was a victim of the challenge to get the route out as soon as possible without adequate scenario testing. Look for a posting of "Log Exchange Challenge" coming soon.

No worries. I just couldn't get past the Ridout pick up because of the AI crash.
I did find it odd that it worked for some people. The scenario editor is a fickle beast so I shouldn't be surprised!
Thanks for updating it; I'm looking forward to it. There are LOTS of other scenarios to run. Thanks again to all involved.

[Friedy]

Just uploaded the "fix." Log Exchange Challenge should be available soon. In order to be fully successful the driver must stay on schedule:
Complete work at North Adkins by 08:45 ( 1 hour scenario time ), work Ridout by 08:55 and arrive at Riverside by 09:05. And all that without
significant speeding. (Yes you can briefly exceed the limit - but more than a few seconds you'll set the penalty flag. ) You can "finish" the run
without being bounced, so you can ignore the constraints, but you MAY get the dreaded "red X."

Scenario writers : The revised scenario makes extensive use of several .lua script calls worth noting. The full un-compiled ScenarioScripts.lua file can be
opened via any text editor ( such as NotePad ) for reference. Check the ReadMe.txt file in the scenario package for additional details. I think having
a working example will be of some use.

[OldProf]

Just uploaded the "fix." Log Exchange Challenge should be available soon. In order to be fully successful the driver must stay on schedule:
Complete work at North Adkins by 08:45 ( 1 hour scenario time ), work Ridout by 08:55 and arrive at Riverside by 09:05. And all that without
significant speeding. (Yes you can briefly exceed the limit - but more than a few seconds you'll set the penalty flag. ) You can "finish" the run
without being bounced, so you can ignore the constraints, but you MAY get the dreaded "red X."

Scenario writers : The revised scenario makes extensive use of several .lua script calls worth noting. The full un-compiled ScenarioScripts.lua file can be
opened via any text editor ( such as NotePad ) for reference. Check the ReadMe.txt file in the scenario package for additional details. I think having
a working example will be of some use.

Interesting ideas, Jim: a way to bring some of the tension of career scenarios into a standard one. My favorite "trick" for getting to the church on time is driving .7 or .8 above the absolute limit; for example, 25.8 in a 25 zone. Can be difficult, but it often gets the job done.

EDIT: will the revision be available at the RWA Lakeside page or somewhere else? Thanks.

[Chacal]

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread.
For the benefit of people who arrive here after searching about the broken "Log Exchange" scenario included with the RW&A route:
- The original scenario has issues, but you may be able to complete it using tips provided in the present thread. I don't know if the original will be fixed.
- The expanded version titled "Log Exchange Challenge" is available here in the RWA File Library. It is one of the best scenarios I've seen in a long while. Entirely worth it.