Timetable Scenario & Workshop = Impossible?

[Janine]

Just wanted to know from you experts if it's possible to publish a timetable scenario to the Steam workshop. If not, is it possible to change a timetable scenario afterwards to a standard scenario? I built a 15 minute short passenger transport scenario in German with quite a bunch of nicely timed traffic (and it all works, yay). So ... please tell me there is a chance to publish it.

~ Meowz

[OldProf]

I also attempted to upload a timetabled scenario and had it refused, on the grounds that it is no longer an "officially approved" format or some such nonsense, even though the timetabled scenario marker is still available and the scenario editor is still called the Timetable Editor. I used the timetable format because it allows a scenario to begin with the player outside the cab of any engine; the engine intended to be driven by the player pulls up and the player "enters" its cab by clicking on it. Perhaps this concept is too difficult for many TS users?

Anyway, if your scenario uses timetabling simply to provide specific goals for the player (as do numerous scenarios sold by RSC), you can convert it by simply editing out the time controls. In any instruction properties box that allows insertion of arrival and departure times (passenger pickup, drive too, etc.), simply uncheck the Timetable Toggle (this box is unchecked by default; removing the check-mark cancels any user-inserted arrival or departure times, allowing the mythical dispatcher to set and adjust such limits). For additional details, see section 5, page 20 of the RW Timetable View Manual_Web.

Removing timetabling instructions may well destroy your intentions as a scenario writer, but is publishing your scenario on Steam Workshop is your goal, the sacrifice is necessary. Frankly, I would leave the scenario as written originally and publish it to this or other forums.

[artimrj]

The word I have been given is that the timetable feature will soon be gone and have been advised not to use it for making scenarios. Was told this while we were making the original Workshop scenarios.

[Janine]

Thankies for your answer. :)

[OldProf]

The word I have been given is that the timetable feature will soon be gone and have been advised not to use it for making scenarios. Was told this while we were making the original Workshop scenarios.

If true, and I have no reason to distrust Bob, this is sad news for a handful of scenario writers who have added variety to the RSC experience through clever use of the Timetable feature. Could this be behind RSC's failure to update the Timetable Editor manual to TS 2013 standards? I've only used timetabling at the start of scenarios, to make the player wait for the driven engine to arrive, but others have also employed it to allow players to drive more than one train during a single scenario. Neither of these devices have appeared frequently, but just as in life, variety is a nice spice in scenarios.

However, perhaps there's a silver lining: it seems to me that timetabling seems a primary factor in a large percentage of passenger scenarios and even in some that involve freight. Were the timetabling feature eliminated, all of those scenarios would probably become unplayable. Would RSC thus destroy so many of their own children?

[artimrj]

Tom I think you misunderstand me. There are 4 types of scenarios now. Freeroam, Standard, Timetable and Relay. Timetable is going away. It is basically a freeroam setup with a bit of a twist as in you have to drive the engines the scenario writer sets up for you. You can use timetables in the standard scenarios, just not the Timetable Format of scenario.

[OldProf]

Tom I think you misunderstand me. There are 4 types of scenarios now. Freeroam, Standard, Timetable and Relay. Timetable is going away. It is basically a freeroam setup with a bit of a twist as in you have to drive the engines the scenario writer sets up for you. You can use timetables in the standard scenarios, just not the Timetable Format of scenario.

No, I understand the difference, I just didn't write my message clearly enough. In my opinion, dropping Timetable scenario is a shame. Can you comment on why the Timetable scenario marker is being eliminated? Will its elimination invalidate extant Timetable scenarios?

Thanks, Bob,

[artimrj]

No they really didn't tell us why other than not to use it for the Workshop because it will be gone soon. What soon means I have no clue either. I assume though that once the function is gone, no timetable scenarios will work.