Reality check

HiJust recently I was lucky enough to pick up a couple of Operating Rules books, and very interesting reading they make too. But it set me to wondering, just how many of us actually do their best to follow real practice. I mean, do you follow speed limits in junctions (not those set by the Route Monitor), sound the horn at the right times and places, and do you try to emulate the dozens of actions and procedures a crew has to follow during the journey?As for me, I realised that I'm really only a "virtual" joy-rider! God alone knows how many laws and rules I break when I take to the rails. I guess it's down to what lights your candle I guess . Cheers
Ken
SCL/CSX A-Line Project

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Reality check [View All], SCL, 01:53 PM, Sep-10-03, (0) RE: Reality check, Richard, Sep-10-03, 06:32 PM, (1) RE: Reality check, ThatXrayGuy, Sep-11-03, 02:18 AM, (3) RE: Reality check, ndbprr, Sep-11-03, 10:07 AM, (4) RE: Reality check, alex_farlie, Sep-13-03, 06:36 PM, (11) RE: Reality check, heffed, Sep-11-03, 01:17 AM, (2) RE: Reality check, mquist, Sep-11-03, 02:17 PM, (5) RE: Reality check, SCL, Sep-11-03, 04:29 PM, (6) RE: Reality check, silvermeteor, Sep-11-03, 07:53 PM, (7) RE: Reality check, robertreedy, Sep-11-03, 08:33 PM, (8) RE: Reality check, rdamurphy, Sep-13-03, 12:50 PM, (10)

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Ken,
You are correct; each railroad has their own set of rules and regulations for each and every division. The crew has to be tested and approved to operate over a division. Even little things like reducing the throttle position to run 5 when crossing a railroad crossing (I was told by an engineer that was to reduce the arcing in the traction motors) are things that crews need to know. I also agree, it should be up to the TS Engineer how realistic they want the sim to be. I hope in MSTS 2 they add more advanced config settings. A perfect example was on Sandpatch by Maple Leaf Tracks, you had to sound the horn for all bridges; this is a Chessie System Rule. If you wanted to run by the operating rules book, you should be able to set an option in the sim to turn this on, otherwise leave it turned off; then each player can set the sim to their own preference. The bottom line is it's a hobby and hobbies are meant to be fun, so we can only wait to see what version 2 will bring Take Care,
Rich S.

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Richard,
Why sound the horn at bridges ? I'm still planning to buy Sandpatch if I can ever find the time to go get it...lol.
Steve

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As a warning to trespassers. Do you know how many times a year kids and people low in the gene pool are killed on bridges because there is no place to run? Guess who gets blamed when it happens even though there are no trespassing signs on every bridge.

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>"Do you know how many times a year kids and people low in
>the gene pool are killed on bridges because there is no
>place to run? Guess who gets blamed when it happens even
>though there are no trespassing signs on every bridge."
>
>Check out these videos by Direction 2006 and Operation
>Lifesaver...
>
>http://www.direction2006.com/sample/video&audio.htm
>
>Thank godness it's only acting, but unfortunately many of
>these situations happen every year. It's shame that it also sadly not just a problem in the US and Canada.As someone who helped get the 'Trainsimmers Against Tresspass' page
(http://www.trainsimcentral.co.uk/railsafety) started I can only
echo your sentiments.By the way if you want to link to Trainsimmers Against Tresspass
from your own sites feel free.After all as the page says...'There is nothing virtual about serious injury-
Real Trains KILL!'Alex

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I like to run as close to reality as I'm able.-Jeff

Union Pacific is my drug.

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I think WC also wistles at bridges for the same reason. Anyway if there's a "W" post you'd better toot just in case the Road Forman of Engines is hiding in the bushes.The MP3.1 package has a timetable in thier documentation package (pdf I think) which has speed restrictions for switches and XO's - of course the sim does not enforce such requirements but I try to follow them. Even if there are no restrictions I will slow to 45mph through an XO or other complex switching plant.Be Seeing you.
Michael

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I noticed in my Operating Rules when and how to display headlights, e.g.DISPLAY BRIGHT
On the leading end of every train by day and night, except where required to be displayed dim, and on the leading end of all engines approaching and moving over a public crossing at grade.DISPLAY DIM
1) When standing on main track in yards or moving on yard tracks where other engines are employed;
2) Approaching stations where train orders or messages are to be delivered;
3) Approaching and passing head and rear of trains standing or moving on adjacent track;
4) When standing on main track at sidings waiting to meet a train and switch has been lined for such trainEXTINGUISH
1) When stopped on siding clear of main track or standing at the end of 2 or more tracks or a junction to meet a train and switch is seen to be lined for such train;
2) When stopped on an auxiliary track other than a siding; and,
3) On the end of engine coupled to cars that obscure view of the headlight.
Well, this sounds a reasonably easy level of realism to apply in MSTS! Might make my start with Headlight settings It's just a pity that the horn implication is so crude in the sim. That's something else that could have been interesting to apply realistically.Cheers
Ken
SCL/CSX A-Line Project

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Hi Ken,Take a look at one of the virtual railroads. I was looking at NERR and they have a complete operations manual with all of the information that you are discussing and to become an engineer you are expected to learn the proper procedure and to operate accordingly when running MSTS.Rick, President/CEO
Blue Ridge & Allegheny RR

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Rick, Ken and all .. NERR, for example has all of the above along with 300 plus tested activities of varying types over a large variety of routes. Adds a new dimension to Train-Simulator. Just a little un-solicited testimony RobertR .. ADF-M&RM at http://www.adfrr.com

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In Echo Canyon in Utah, tracks run parallel to the interstate, engineers on the UP often dim their lights for oncoming traffic on the highway as a courtesy. Thanks to any of you who are reading this!Rob

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