Simulation Features

Line Operations is the connecting of multiple simulations together via a local area network (LAN) or the Internet so that multiple people can dispatch trains together. This has some interesting implications. For example, if one player makes a mistake and incurs train delays, then when those trains arrive in neighbouring dispatcher’s simulations, they will be late as well. As such, dispatchers need to work together and communicate effectively – just like in real life! Line Operations is supported in a number of our sims and more sims are being added that can be connected this way:

• Project Rheingold is a collection of 11 sims from Hürth-Kalscheuren to Koblenz-Lützel and includes stations like Bonn Hbf, all on the left side of the Rhine River. A high-resolution detailed picture of how these panels connect geographically is available here.
• Wuppertal sims: Wuppertal-Oberbarmen connects with Wuppertal Hbf and Wuppertal-Vohwinkel. These are not small panels and are challenging. A detailed picture of how these sims connect geographically is available here.
• Main-Weser-Bahn: Currently, consists of Marburg and Kirchhain. Smaller layouts and only one connection – great for beginners who want to try easier connections.

Because we are constantly adding improvements and adding support for Line Operations to older sims, a valid license key is required. This allows us – the developers of these simulations – to make sure that everyone is up-to-date with the latest version of each simulation before doing Line Operations.

The  SpDrS60 panels consist of tiles. These panels are, in real life, often large – much larger than most computer monitors.

One way to help with this is a feature called Tile Observers. This feature allows you to pick tiles and build your own custom “mini panel”. This is really useful for making a list of train number descriptor boxes, or for putting key pairs of signal buttons together.

There are two versions of this feature: Fixed and Freeform. The Fixed panel observer tiles appear in a grid, while the Freeform panel observer tiles can be moved around and placed in any arrangement you like.

The ZNP801 is a system used for communicating with neighbouring dispatchers in a minimal but structured way. Trains are offered and accepted or refused on certain tracks using the keypad, and the result of each operation is displayed on the LCD screen.

Telephone and radio communication with other dispatchers, train drivers, repair technicians, police/fire/ambulance personnel is implemented using a structured system of choices – instead of speaking or typing your radio requests and responses, you choose from a pre-determined list of options. This allows for a very wide array of possibilities:

• offering, refusing trains to and from neighbours
• coordinating with engineering works to take tracks out of commission for repair work
• calling signal technicians to reset or repair physical infrastructure devices
• reporting passenger disturbances to local police/emergency services
• cooperating with switch greasers to throw switches for them as they periodically lubricate switches

One of the tools as your disposal as a dispatcher is the use of movement orders. These are structured instructions that are designed to tell train drivers where to go and what to do when it comes to things like renumbering, coupling, uncoupling, turning around, stabling, and more.