In thinking about how OR simulator code could add some realism to model railroading use:
1. creation of engine specific behaviors - i.e. throttle lag, traction motor loading, and triggering of other decoder SFX, etc.
2. better simulation of train load - train would behave as if the train cars had realistic mass and resistance relative to the engine power. Slower acceleration and tougher grade climbing
3. better simulation of braking - since model cars have no brakes, this could be simulated by slowing the train more realistically via the engine
Here's the drawback:
A model railway route only represents a tiny fraction of the size of a simulator route. For example David Park's famous Cumberland route ( http://dpcw.borail.net/ ) has about 1200 feet of HO track, and only 243 feet of mainline run - which translates into 2,117 feet in the 1:1 world or less than 1/2 mile. It is supposed to represent the B&O from Cumberland to Terra Alta, a distance of about 70 miles in 1:1 scale. In my B&O West End simulator route, it's the same as in 1:1 - 70 miles of track!
So having a heavy train take almost 1 mile to reach 30 mph from a stop is no big deal, but would require more than the entire length of Dave Park's model railway.
Compromises will be required between realistic and model behaviors
Chris
"True rail fans have two favorite railroads. The B&O and one other."