Making a Quickdrive Act Like a Freeroam

[MaineLines]

I like using Quickdrive scenarios because I can create a Quickdrive consists of my choosing and run them on a route dropping off cars in various sidings as I go. The problem for me is that a Quickdrive scenario sets and locks all non-manual switches for the route it creates often preventing me from entering sidings I would like to use. To get around this I take advantage of the fact that if you are able to get off route via a manual switch, all off-route non-manual switches (although not operable via the 9 key track diagram) can be activated on the ground manually by clicking on the switch machine.

What I do is add a new destination to the Quickdrive which is fairly close to the start point and that is accessed only via a manual switch and is a track I never want to use to avoid ending the scenario . Once you bypass this unused destination on your Quickdrive via the manual switch, you are off path and all non-manual switches become ground operable. The main downside of this is, that without the ability to operate non-manual switches from the 9 key view, you need to be careful of these switches thrown against you since you can only operate them as they are approached.

[Overshoe]

I've done essentially the same thing. I find it very useful for low speed switching but less so for anything faster than that, since my reflexes are a thing of the past. I've put the destination a few yards behind a switcher and have to entire yard to play with. When I'm ready to quit I just return the loco to the same track and the destination spot. In addition to that, I have made a number of consists, both with the internal tool and TS Tools and I've resurrected the Free Roam scenario in Chicago Yard, mainly for testing new assets.

[harryadkins]

I've used Freeroam Scenarios to create random switching areas. I haven't tried a QD Scenario for this. Would you be willing to share an example of your work?

Harry

[MaineLines]

Hi Harry,
I also use Freeroams if I am creating a switching scenario and placing my own rolling stock. The only advantage of this technique is when you want to use existing Quickdrive player and static consists and roam around wherever you would like to. In my latest use of this I added a destination to a New York Division eastbound Quickdrive starting the western end of the mainline that is a Port Jervis yard track. This allows me to start the consist of my choice at the west end and work all the yards on the way to the east end.

AI trains are another complication that I forgot to mention as they also lock non-manual switches along their path. Although I have not tested this, I think you can throw AI locked switches only after all the AI trains using those switches have passed. I believe another complication is that although the AI paths are locked at scenario start, the AI trains do not spawn until your player train is close to them. This sets up the possibility that you may need to hold for an AI locked switch that is too far from the AI spawn point for the AI train to ever spawn and pass you.

Larry