US Rail Operation Tutorial

[Shortliner]

I know that RSC has some tutorials, but I'll be honest, they are very basic and barely scratch the surface of rail operations, esp when it comes to US rail operations. So I would like to create a series of scenario using the Castle Rock and Cajon Pass route that'll help people become better train engineers. However, I've never had any kind of behind the throttle experience, so my ability to create realistic training scenarios is rather limited.

So I'm wondering if anyone who has real life railroading experience would like to help me in this endeavor. Below is a list of scenarios I'd like to create.

Scenario 1: Yard Work, The Player takes control of the default SD40-2 and puts together a train in the Monument Yard, the train will head to Castle Rock with a stop over in Larkspur.
Scenario 2: The player then takes his train to Larkspur and learns about the best way to accelerate a train, to maintain speed, and to slow down a train.
Scenario 3: After dropping off a few cars at Larkspur, the players get behind another train and learns how to interact with signals.
Scenario 4: Slack action control. This scenario will take place on Cajon Pass where a player is charged with taking 50 hopper cars (full) across the pass and learn how to manage the slack.
Scenario 5: US Passenger: Back at Castle Rock, players will learn the difference between passenger operation and freight operation.

So what do y'all think? Good idea, bad idea? Any and all input is welcome! :)

[matepava]

I think this is a great idea. I've never had any real world experience either, and would be very interested in learning the proper way to manage a train.

Matt

[Chacal]

Yes, great idea.
Too bad the SW1500 isn't a default asset for scenario 1.

[harryadkins]

Actually, a lot of prototype rail yards switch with whatever is available. I've seen SD40's, Dash9's, and SD70's switching the yard in Florence, SC, many times.

[Chessie8638]

Good ideas. Only problem would be number 4. Since well there is no "real" slack action in Railworks. Sure the cars bunch up and stretch out when you stop and start, but that's nothing slack can do. The moment you can rip out a knuckle from getting underway to fast or stinglining cars on a curve. Then a slack scenario is in order. Also each car has a "set" amount of slack. A train made up of nothing but Autoracks are called "Giant Slinkies" since they have huge amounts of slack, while well cars, especially articulated wells have very little slack.

[Shortliner]

Good ideas. Only problem would be number 4. Since well there is no "real" slack action in Railworks. Sure the cars bunch up and stretch out when you stop and start, but that's nothing slack can do. The moment you can rip out a knuckle from getting underway to fast or stinglining cars on a curve. Then a slack scenario is in order. Also each car has a "set" amount of slack. A train made up of nothing but Autoracks are called "Giant Slinkies" since they have huge amounts of slack, while well cars, especially articulated wells have very little slack.

Well hopefully we'll have realistic slack actions in RW in the near future, but I'd still like to create the scenario, just to make sure the tutorial package is complete. :)

[TrainMaster1]

Hello All:

I have plenty of real world experience in road freights and in yard service. If I can be of any help in creating scenarios with you let me know. I run a group of virtual RR people with multiple sims dedicated to prototype railroading so I am sure I can be of service to you.

Nick

[Shortliner]

Hello All:

I have plenty of real world experience in road freights and in yard service. If I can be of any help in creating scenarios with you let me know. I run a group of virtual RR people with multiple sims dedicated to prototype railroading so I am sure I can be of service to you.

Nick

Nick.

I would love to have your help in creating these scenarios. Hit me up on AIM whenever you want and we can talk about it.