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Recently when trying to establish new connections for the Hamlet map, I ran into problems finding out where I could tie into another CSX connection, and finding whether or not a yard was NS or CSX (without looking at the .his file). Particularly Simpson Yard, the exits are not marked as to what RR it is. So I started thinking...I would find it very helpful if the connections between yards were color coded indicated what RR the line belongs to. This would be particularly helpful in routing trains...if I know it is a CSX train, it can be kept on CSX trackage easier if the connections are color coded as CSX tracks. This would also foster the concept of interchange between separate RR systems as well. What do you guys think?On another note, I was laying some track across a creek and it got me thinking again...quite dangerous. I think it would be neat to have another type of track in the track design mode...bridge track. I think this would help operators visualize the route they are running on, and add one more step of accuracy. I think that this bridge track should have a thinner ballast section (if possible), and have a different color of 'ballast', like brown, to represent the tie decks used on most bridges. Corey Vernier "LongHoodForward
I totaly agree with Corey on this. It would really help to have exits somehow marked as to what line they belong to. Some yards already have this, but many do not. This would be especially helpful to newbies and others who may not be as familiar with what yards belong to what road and how they are connected.As far as bridge track goes, would trains be required to slow down when crossing? Or would this just be a visual thing so that operators would realize they are on a bridge? Steve gnfan
I have to disagree with the idea of the color-coded track. All new maps will be required to have proper "To..." labels, and old maps are slowly being retrofitted. Consider that there are currently only 130 maps; in time, the vast majority of maps will be properly labeled.Anyone who would like to submit a revised existing map with proper "To..." labels is welcome to do so. I do ask that modifications wait until Jim posts the revised parent/satellite maps, to ensure that you're working off the most recent version.I'm in favor of the bridge track proposal, with no speed restriction. Most bridges are small structures that can handle the forces of a train moving at track speed.-Dave Conrail Albany Division ...striving for "Continuous Quality Improvement" http://gcdranet.homelinux.com/davehonan/Yard Duty Superintendent of Maps http://members.trainorders.com/dwhonan/yd/projects.html
As the Superintendent of Map Connections, be assured that I am working on labeling the exits on all current maps, acoording to the 1994 time frame. I am currently waiting for Dave Honan's changes to be posted so that I do not duplicate his work. Once that is up, I will continue submitting labeling updates to Jim. I will try to work faster, but please be patient. Paul Metzger Track Foreman/Trainmaster CP Rail System (D&H) "Courtesy keeps customers"
1) Color coded railroad labels will not happen, because a) most colors are not very readable against the background, b) requires more work on the part of mapmakers, and c) would require modifying the .yrd file format. However, it is standard policy to label the exits by railroad (as in 1994). Older maps may not have the labels, but the Superintendent of Connections is charged with comprehensively re-examining exit labels of all maps. You should submit exit labels modifications and suggestions directly to him.2) Bridge track is not a bad idea, and may happen... someday.Jim
Yard Duty, The National Freight Yard Simulation - www.YardDuty.com
Maybe I didn't explain myself quite clearly, but I wasn't referring to color coded railroad labels on the individual maps, I'm talking about color coded connections on the North America map. This helps in the absence of exit labels on older maps, and the development of separate railroad systems that interchange. Also...I don't think a speed restriction on the bridges would be a very good idea...it'll just manage to drag operations out.Corey "LongHoodForward"
Just to play devil's advocate: What happens when you have parallel routes belonging to two different railroads that connect adjacent maps?Quickest example that pops to mind would be a map of Conrail's Collinwood Yard in Cleveland, which is close enough to NS' Lake Shore Division that the latter would likely be included. Say that the next map to the east is the Buffalo Creek Junction (aka CP-DRAW) map that Paul and I plan... which also has NS and Conrail on it.-Dave Conrail Albany Division ...striving for "Continuous Quality Improvement" http://gcdranet.homelinux.com/davehonan/Yard Duty Superintendent of Maps http://members.trainorders.com/dwhonan/yd/projects.html
