Hey all. I've been getting into SimSig over the last few days by going through the Royston Sim. I've got a couple of questions after having done a lot of it though.

1. What is the best simulation to jump into now that I'm comfortable with the Perfect Royston Scenario? I'm wondering whether I'm better off with another of the scenarios or if there is a simple but more complex Sim I can try out first to get used to slightly busier lines.

2. Do people generally welcome newbies joining network games to watch and get a feel for the more complex sims or is it prefered that you join in? I think that watching how other do things could help me out a little.

Thanks guys.

Hey all. I've been getting into SimSig over the last few days by going through the Royston Sim. I've got a couple of questions after having done a lot of it though.

1. What is the best simulation to jump into now that I'm comfortable with the Perfect Royston Scenario? I'm wondering whether I'm better off with another of the scenarios or if there is a simple but more complex Sim I can try out first to get used to slightly busier lines.

2. Do people generally welcome newbies joining network games to watch and get a feel for the more complex sims or is it prefered that you join in? I think that watching how other do things could help me out a little.

Thanks guys.

1) Welcome to SimSig, glad you're enjoying it.
2) Medium sims include Westbury, Gloucester, Exeter, Swindon A&B, Southampton.
3) Very much so, you'll be welcome on any multiplay, and it's by far the best way to learn by watching and/or working 1 panel at a time.
Hope to see you on a mplay soon.

When I started out I too did Royston and I also download all / almost all of the other simulations too.

What I found good to do next was a mix of both Didcot and Liverpool Street as they're also small-ish simulations and can easily be done with one player and both have ARS too so that can be helpful to you. Each simulation has it's good points and bad points so, with that in mind, Didcot has 125mph running so may need a lot of concentration throughout but has an easily understood layout. Liverpool Street is a low-speed area as it is a terminus station but can get quite busy ("intense") during the rush hour with so many things going on.

Southampton is also not too hard for one player although it may be considered a larger area than Didcot or Liverpool Street and so could be your next step-up from Didcot / Liverpool Street. Westbury may also be one to consider, perhaps a choice between Southampton and Westbury as they're both roughly the same size in my opinion.


With regards to your second question, a lot of hosts are generally happy to welcome 'newbies' and I'm sure other players do too. In-fact if you were to join a multiplayer game then mention to the host that you are a 'newbie' and they should be able to arrange for you to have an easier workstation or, if you prefer, you should be fine to just watch the game to see how things work and then perhaps consider if you feel ready to request a panel from the host then when one becomes available the host can offer you one and you can take it up and see how you get on.


I hope this post helps you and perhaps answers your questions enough. If you have any more questions then please don't hesitate to ask and I'm sure someone will be more than happy to help you out.

Hello Wickedgenius and welcome to the Forum.

Well done in getting to grips with the Royston Sim - and if you have done that comfortably you have managed half the battle! To be honest, its quite a step up from Royston to the next easiest sim, and that itself is a matter of debate so it certainly wouldnt be a bad idea to try one of the alternative scenarios and perhaps rack up the delays etc on the options screen.

Once you feel you are ready to start a harder sim, then there are a few choices. Many people go to Gloucester which is a "scrolly" simulation and equivalent to 3 screens, however it is tricky to monitor the level crossings to ensure no delays. Others would advise something like Southampton, or Peterborough - the latter having ARS available which allows the computer to automatically set routes on your behalf. Whilst this is handy for one person on their own, it can be more hassle than its worth as the computer sometimes sets routes which you wouldnt yourself. Waterloo also has ARS and is often recommended as a next stage. Alternatively, North London Line is quite busy, but reasonably straightforward and Bristol and Exeter are both manageable. Most simulations have a variety of additional timetables, and whilst some have more bugs in them than others, they have a variety of levels of difficulty in terms of the number of trains being operated and you may find one which comes up as an easier timetable for a next step.

In short, there is no absolute recommended 2nd simulation, but I would avoid Trent, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Cambridge, Central Scotland and Kings Cross for the time being unless you are joining in a multiplayer game.

As far as your second point is concerned, joining in a multiplayer game is certainly the best way to learn and hosts will be quite happy for you to watch a game until you feel confident enough to take a panel. But dont be afraid of getting things wrong - I remember when I first joined in a game, I was concerned I may make a mistake on an otherwise perfect game with lots of experienced SimSiggers. I can assure you this is not the case, games are played with people of a variety of experience and knowledge and we all make mistakes, probably many of them. As I say, it is the best place to learn. Explain to the host it is your first time and I am sure they will help to keep an eye on things with you.

Happy simsigging and welcome to the community.

Simon.

Just to add to what I wrote below, Andy and UKTM both make good points, but be advised that some of the sims mentioned by them are temporarily unavailable for download.

Simon

Thank you for the welcome and the tips from all of you. It has been a while since I joined a forum which was so welcoming.

I will try one of each of the sims that you have suggested and see how I get on.

Thanks.