Any ideas on realistic scenario design?

[Brickrail782]

I'm working on a (hopefully realistic, or at least semi-realistic) scenario for the Granger Heartland route that is supposed to serve as an "introduction" of sorts to the route (explaining what industries the route serves, as well as some of the history of the route).

My current idea is a point-to-point freight (specifically an Oklahoma City-bound autorack train) that just cruises through the route without any interruptions, while the conductor occasionally explains some information about the area the train is passing through.

I would like to hear you guys' thought on what you think needs to be added or changed.

[Terry]

Realism is good. I like the idea of a scenario that points out locations of interest along the route. I have seen that on other routes, and I find it helpful in learning about the route. Maybe point out something about the starting point, including some history of the route and th3 industries it serves. If there are some geographical points of interest along the way, place a "go via" instruction there and add a message.

Most people seem to like scenarios that are 60 to 90 minutes long. To make the scenario more Interesting, give the player something to do besides go from point A to point B, unless the route itself provides some challenges of its own, like steep grades or speed changes.

Provide for train meets if that's practical.

Make the weather conditions interesting too! I did one scenario that was hard enough on its own when I ran it on a sunny summer day, but then I had it set to run in the dark in a winter snowstorm. That made things a whole lot harder!

[Chacal]

If the player consist is a fast freight, it has priority over locals, so the dispatcher should tell you this or that train is waiting in the hole for you at this or that location.

[Brickrail782]

Finally finished --> https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2618923756&searchtext=kansas Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[Chacal]

Does it really need the Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco - San Jose Route Add-On ?
Or just Sherman Hill?

[Brickrail782]

Does it really need the Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco - San Jose Route Add-On ?
Or just Sherman Hill?

I don't think so. I had considered adding some of the UP GP38s from that route, but decided against it. I'm not sure why steam thinks it needs that.

[Chacal]

That's what I thought. Steam's workshop often does that.

[ElphabaWS]

Does it really need the Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco - San Jose Route Add-On ?
Or just Sherman Hill?

I don't think so. I had considered adding some of the UP GP38s from that route, but decided against it. I'm not sure why steam thinks it needs that.

Did you "check mark" the box for the Peninsula route's content in the scenario editor? If so, whether you used the content or not, it will be read as a requisite.

[Brickrail782]

Does it really need the Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco - San Jose Route Add-On ?
Or just Sherman Hill?

I don't think so. I had considered adding some of the UP GP38s from that route, but decided against it. I'm not sure why steam thinks it needs that.

Did you "check mark" the box for the Peninsula route's content in the scenario editor? If so, whether you used the content or not, it will be read as a requisite.

Hmm, I didn't realize that. I'll have to go and check.

[Brickrail782]

Yep, I had the box checked. Thank Elphaba.

[Jurien72]

I have an idea about this, but I'm not sure how feasible it might be. Would it be possible to create scenarios that explain the function of the different tracks? When I play on Horseshoe Curve I have no idea what all those tracks do or how to really use them effectively. I guess one would probably have to have worked there in real life to really understand what's going on, but it would be nice to have a clue!

[Brickrail782]

I have an idea about this, but I'm not sure how feasible it might be. Would it be possible to create scenarios that explain the function of the different tracks? When I play on Horseshoe Curve I have no idea what all those tracks do or how to really use them effectively. I guess one would probably have to have worked there in real life to really understand what's going on, but it would be nice to have a clue!

You mean like what kinds of trains run on the different tracks?

[Jurien72]

I have an idea about this, but I'm not sure how feasible it might be. Would it be possible to create scenarios that explain the function of the different tracks? When I play on Horseshoe Curve I have no idea what all those tracks do or how to really use them effectively. I guess one would probably have to have worked there in real life to really understand what's going on, but it would be nice to have a clue!

You mean like what kinds of trains run on the different tracks?

Something like that, yes. I guess I'm thinking more of yard trackage here - there's lots and lots of yard trackage in Horseshoe Curve. How would the real Pennsy have utilized all those different groups of tracks? For example, I think it's called "Slope Yard" is just outside of Altoona. Why is it there? What's its purpose? Why do they need a separate yard 100 yards from such a huge yard? How would all the various ladder tracks be used? (I have a hell of a time getting from point A to point B in the yard, or even to the main line)

Now I realize there is a limit to the amount of information that can be conveyed in a scenario, but at least a basic clue ("Helpers are stored here") ("This track is used by westbound trains to get to the inbound tracks from the main) would really help!

I hope this makes some kind of sense...