Introduction to Writing Timetables
Introduction
A timetable consists of two files, identically named, but of types .wtt and .wtr. E.g. Peterborough2005.wtt and Peterborough2005.wtr. The .wtt (Working TimeTable) file contains the timetable and the .wtr contains the rules.
Both files must be placed in the correct folder location for the simulation to find them.
Timetable Explanation attempts to show how timetables are used, edited and saved in SimSig.
The timetable can be accessed via the MNU/Timetable/Edit (or by F4).
Timetable List
On opening the Timetable List you will see a number of tabs.
| General | This gives the name of the timetable and may contain details of interest in the text box below. Specific instruction on dealing with certain trains or situation may also be noted. The start and end time of the timetable is also shown and may be adjusted if you wish |
| Train Types | This may list the generic train types used in the timetable. Train characteristics can be found by selecting a type and pressing edit. |
| Timetables | This shows a list of the trains that are in the timetable. The list can be displayed in TD order, Entry time order or Entry location order by use of the buttons to the right. The full timetable of each train can be seen by selecting the entry and clicking the edit button; for details see Timetable Editor |
| Rules | This lists the rules that govern how certain trains behave in relation to each other and sometimes themselves. Rules are listed by TD order of the train being governed by the action. The full rule can be seen by clicking on the edit button; for details see Rules |
| Tools 1 & 2 | These perform analytic, debugging and import/export functions, and are described in Timetable List |
Timetable Writing
Original timetables are issued at the same time as a new simulation is released. Members may write additional timetables which can be offered for use by others by uploading them to the Downloads/Uploads section. Any uploads must be in .zip format and will be scrutinised by Moderators prior to publication.
Timetables can be from any era, taking into account the simulation layout, and may be in the form of 'true to life' i.e. taken from a published Working Timetable (WTT), taken from a public timetable (normally only showing passengers services), or fictional.
WTT - Working Timetables were issued by the individual railway companies prior to nationalisation, by British Railways, British Rail and then Network Rail following privatisation. From the British Railways era they have been identified by a single or two-letter code denoting the area covered e.g. YC - Lincolnshire and Humberside and some sections are split further into Passenger and Parcel Services, Freight Services, Mandatory or Conditional (i.e. runs when required etc.) Services. It may therefore be necessary to obtain more than one publication to gain a complete overview of the services that run during that particular era. WTT's are always printed 'Private and Not For Publication' and were issued only to railway staff however they are available from a number of outlets e.g. booksellers, auction sites etc.
Each simulation will have in its timetable section a list of entry/exit points, passing places and station stops. Some places must have a time showing against it which is required in regulating the trains times. Train routes at junctions must also follow a logical progression in order to follow the signalling paths that are allowed. The timetable editor will not allow a 'false' routing and may suggest the proper path to take.
Simsig does not permit trains to be in their original position at the start of the timetable, normally 00:00hrs. To get trains to their originating position e.g. at a station or passing place after 00:00 a 'seed' service must be introduced from an entry point suitably close to the starting position.
[Changes to Seeding have been made- not yet in a released Sim]
Making a New Timetable
- Open up the simulation you want to write a timetable for
- Choose New
- Choose the lowest rating scenario, usually 'Beginner'
- Click on the 'Timetable' tab and choose 'None'
- Choose any appropriate scenarios that apply to your timetable
- Click 'OK'
The simulation will now open. Click on the timetable tab which will show this screen.
You can now enter your timetable name, description and time period. Note timings from midnight carry on from 24:00 to 24:01 etc. and do not revert to 00:00.
Next click on the Train Types tab
- Choose New
- Enter the category details required
When all the types of trains have been inputted, click on the Timetables tab.
Click on New to enable input of the details required
Enter Train Details, the Entry Point (from the drop down menu), Entry Time and a brief description of the train service e.g. 13:50 Euston to Holyhead. Note trains that form a new service from a train that is already on the simulation will not require an entry time.
Click on the Train Characteristics tab and by using the drop down menu, choose the appropriate train from the list which you have inputted previously in the Train Types window.
Next click on the Location List and then Add Below to enable inputting of the trip details.
Add the information required. Note a train that has 'entered' the timetable with an Entry Point does not normally have to be repeated as the first location (some sims may requirein specific circumstances), use the next timing point under the 'Location' tab.
| Timing codes | |
| Merging two timetables | |
| Saving a timetable | |
| Importing or exporting a timetable | |
| Timetable rules | |
| Seeding | |
| Background |
See also (from Clive Feather's site)
Making a timetable (SimSig tutorial)
SimSig WTT and WTR file format
ConvData - SimSig timetable data converter
