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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 09:55 #135861
Ghillie
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Can anybody please direct me towards a simulation which is ideal for beginners. I obviously want to learn and build up my skills gradually. I am Scottish but it doesn't have to be a Scottish simulation. Thanks.
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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 10:26 #135862
9pN1SEAp
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1102 posts
Hi Ghillie,

I'd start with Royston, Lancing and Aston which are quite simple and also free.

Cathcart is a small panel with a bit more challenge (and slightly different method of control)

Cowlairs is more difficult but not bad once you've mastered the basics. Worth trying in demo mode using the 0445 timetable first though.

Thanks
Jamie

Jamie S (JAMS)
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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 10:30 #135863
y10g9
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895 posts
Welcome.

Generally Royston is a good simulation to start with. Double line with a mixture of thru trains and a few terminating trains.
Once you've got the hang of routing trains, I would suggest having a look at Penzance, a 4 platform terminus station at the furthest south west of the UK. This has Absolute Block implemented to the next signal box, and the section of single line along the coast for the station approach. There are several supplied TTs including a loco hauled TT which give you a good introduction to shunting locos around a station throat.

After that you should be able to get into most sims. There is a list here with the released sims split into 3 difficulty levels.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask questions

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 12:44 #135873
bill_gensheet
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1314 posts
Ghillie in post 135861 said:
Can anybody please direct me towards a simulation which is ideal for beginners. I obviously want to learn and build up my skills gradually. I am Scottish but it doesn't have to be a Scottish simulation. Thanks.
Once 'into it' on the sims suggested I would then say to look at an area where you have a basic understanding of will be a bit easier and more satisfying.
A variety of timetables may also help

Bill

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 13:39 #135879
welshdave257
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42 posts
I'll echo Bill's suggestion about getting a simulation where you have some knowledge. It makes it a whole lot easier I think.
Read the manuals for the specific simulations too. Most, if not all, have Signal Number Plans you can download and keep open while you are playing.
Penzance is also unique because you can toggle the Signal Numbers on and off in-game. I believe it is the only sim that has this feature, but it's very handy to have the numbers displayed on the sim.

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 14:06 #135883
TUT
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507 posts
welshdave257 in post 135879 said:
Penzance is also unique because you can toggle the Signal Numbers on and off in-game. I believe it is the only sim that has this feature, but it's very handy to have the numbers displayed on the sim.
Also Salisbury and the old Euston exe had this, but that's obviously not available any more.

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 14:10 #135885
Dionysusnu
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575 posts
I find it interesting that no-one mentions Llangollen. It was a great beginner sim for me to introduce a few friends to the game.
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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 16:04 #135896
elltrain3
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yes Llangollen is a perfect sim to practice single line working and joins/loco swaps
plus it has crossings, clearing points, distants, and OTW sections!
so a perfect one for beginners, plus it's free and has plenty of TT's for loco and Multiple unit workings too!

Resident Mock Maker! / "The Out Of Control Host"
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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 16:37 #135904
tynie123
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234 posts
Ghillie in post 135861 said:
Can anybody please direct me towards a simulation which is ideal for beginners. I obviously want to learn and build up my skills gradually. I am Scottish but it doesn't have to be a Scottish simulation. Thanks.

Welcome from a fellow Scot..The suggestions you have had are good. I also like North Wales coast as a easier Sim. NEScot is the easiest Scot one outwith Cathcart, but you need to scroll. I have graduated to 3 bridges now...

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 19:05 #135909
clive
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2737 posts
y10g9 in post 135863 said:

Generally Royston is a good simulation to start with. Double line with a mixture of thru trains and a few terminating trains.
Once you've got the hang of routing trains, I would suggest having a look at Penzance, a 4 platform terminus station at the furthest south west of the UK. This has Absolute Block implemented to the next signal box, and the section of single line along the coast for the station approach.
I'm not sure I'd pick somewhere like Penzance, with unusual working, early on. Something like Peterborough, Huddersfield, or WembleySub might be a good next step.

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 19:07 #135910
clive
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2737 posts
TUT in post 135883 said:
welshdave257 in post 135879 said:
Penzance is also unique because you can toggle the Signal Numbers on and off in-game. I believe it is the only sim that has this feature, but it's very handy to have the numbers displayed on the sim.
Also Salisbury and the old Euston exe had this, but that's obviously not available any more.
The old Euston had it as a startup option. The new one (in testing) lets you toggle it during the game.

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 19:27 #135911
ajax103
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1104 posts
clive in post 135909 said:
y10g9 in post 135863 said:

Generally Royston is a good simulation to start with. Double line with a mixture of thru trains and a few terminating trains.
Once you've got the hang of routing trains, I would suggest having a look at Penzance, a 4 platform terminus station at the furthest south west of the UK. This has Absolute Block implemented to the next signal box, and the section of single line along the coast for the station approach.
I'm not sure I'd pick somewhere like Penzance, with unusual working, early on. Something like Peterborough, Huddersfield, or WembleySub might be a good next step.
Or even Watford Junction....

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I'm a Newbie 02/01/2021 at 20:04 #135912
Red For Danger
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169 posts
I would suggest Royston first as it has some excellent tutorials available to explain things for the first time user, and then move on to something that is still fairly simple but not too complicated like Lancing or Oxted to get your teeth into the way things work before trying some of the complicated Sims, especially those with block working between areas (which takes a bit of getting used to).

Hope that helps.

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