Some New Ideas- If It Isn't Too Late

[TrainMan_112]

Hi guys! I've thought of some ideas that would help make Rail Simulator more realistic.

1.) More realistic rolling stock sounds. Most payware rolling stock have great sound files. But the occasional squeak and clickety-clack won't do it for default.

2.) Manual switches cannot be thrown from 200 miles away. To make the simulation more realistic, the player train should have to be within, let's say 500 feet of the switch, and doing a speed of 5 mph or lower. The conductor cannot jump out while doing 60, beat the train to the switch, throw it, and hop back on. Electric switches can be thrown from anywhere at any speed.


3.) More traffic control options besides CTC (signals). I'm sure not every single line in Europe uses electronic signals. I'm guessing that they have a system similar to TWC in the US. Maybe create a system similar to MSFS's ATC system.


4.) Sounds corresponding with slack forces. I've been trackside many times when a train begins to move, and the couplers pull together. The sound is deafening. Same when a train applies the brakes, and the knuckles bang into each other. Even European couplers would do this, no? I'm not very knowledgeable on rail operations other than in North America, so feel free to correct me.


5.) Smoke. We need realistic smoke produced by the steamers and the diesels. And, sounds to go with it. There's nothing sweeter then a GE AC4400 throttling up with 12000 tonnes behind it. Realistic locomotive sounds would be nice.

That's all for now! I tried to make them very general so they're not specific to one area.

[oakpalms]

You can throw your manual switch whereever you want to now at whatever speed--most 200 miles away. There must not be any other switch. Thus manual is only done just before it. I am sure they will fix it if it needs fixed.

I am sure improved sounds will be there also.

Smoke...improved smoke is out here now.

Bob

[TrainMan_112]

I was talking about real life, you cannot throw a manual while doing 60 and 130 miles away from it. In MSTS that was true, but in real life, it's not.

[oakpalms]

Which MSTS route had a switch 130 miles down track without another switch in between? In MSTS you can only throw the immediate switch in front of you and behind you. I doubt that it would be 130 miles down the track. Yes, I know it is unrealistic to be able to throw a manual switch from the engine while doing any speed. I know that it takes a crew member to get off the train, walk in front of it, and throw a switch. I also realize that when leaving a siding a crew member has to reset the switch to the mainline and then walk to the engine or get on a caboose. Some real railroads still add caboose to their locals apparently to provide a safe place for the trainman and save a lot of time not having to wait for him to walk to the engine.

One can add all the realism in running their own activities. I prefer that it stay that way and I think many more would do the same. Heck, I don't even like having to wait for a red signal, let alone a trainman hoofing it in and out of the cab!

Bob Edwards

[TrainMan_112]

You're still not really understanding me. I know you can only throw the switch that's directly in front, but, the first switch may be many miles away. And no, you do not always have to reset the switch after entering a siding. The next train will stop and reset it.