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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose

You are here: Home > Forum > Wishlist > Features wish list > Shift+L-click on TD to interpose

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 10:30 #57824
northroad
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" said:
postal wrote:
Quote:
Maybe Max could advise from his professional knowledge about best practice in terms of the amount of information the user is expected to handle.

I'm sure that if there were a way to assign smells to driver's calls made from certain locations I'd have a special one just for siding entries.
Max, I don't usually agree with some of your ideas and at the risk of going off the original topic, I do think this idea of smell association is one of your better ones. Travelling around the UK network has learnt me to associate smell with numerous locations. Travelling on the Scot Rail sleeper to Aberdeen the local paint manufacturer in Kirkcaldy always seemed to wake me and gave me a useful time association also. Usually around 4:50 a.m. as we were pulling into Kirkcaldy you would get the distinctive smell wafting through the air conditioning. When travelling on any HST set the smell of brake pads whilst travelling on the Newcastle Executive would also alert me to the fact that we were approaching Kings Cross and time again to wake up. Never experienced the smell of seaweed whilst travelling along the Dawlish sea wall though, but would assume if the windows were still able to open it could be quite pleasant. Now in the old steam days which I remember, a Black 5 seemed to have an odour of it's own especially when shunting around the yards at Manningham in Bradford.
Please keep me up to date with your efforts on this idea as I think it could well be a goer as they say.

Geoff.

Last edited: 26/03/2014 at 10:33 by northroad
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 11:37 #57825
Peter Bennet
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" said:

Travelling on the Scot Rail sleeper to Aberdeen the local paint manufacturer in Kirkcaldy always seemed to wake me and gave me a useful time association also. Usually around 4:50 a.m. as we were pulling into Kirkcaldy you would get the distinctive smell wafting through the air conditioning.
Geoff.
I suspect you were thinking of the Linoleum factory. According to Billy Connolly linoleum use died out because people could not pronounce the word so asked for carpet instead.

Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 12:18 #57827
postal
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Not like the Shift Supervisor at Stratford Steam Shed who was known as "Lino" because every time he was asked how he was doing for traction responded that he was "on the floor".
“In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 12:57 #57829
northroad
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" said:
Not like the Shift Supervisor at Stratford Steam Shed who was known as "Lino" because every time he was asked how he was doing for traction responded that he was "on the floor".
Seriously though even you John must remember the distinctive smell around York on the Scarbrough line which emanated from the Rowntrees sidings, or if on the down main just outside York the acrid smell of sugar beet from the sugar factory, the smell of coal dust when passing Markham Colliery, the toxic smell of petroleum when passing Stanlow........not too sure about Windscale though and even a visual aid like an F key would be of little use for that.

I really do think we could be on the verge of revolutionising the whole aspect of Railway signalling simulations.

Geoff

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 14:05 #57830
Peter Bennet
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Then there was the Fish Train from Aberdeen which left a distinct odour lingering for a few minutes after it passed Broughty Ferry, where we used to spot it.

Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 15:23 #57831
GeoffM
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" said:
I make the Train List window narrower so Power and Description are obscured (how often do you need them, really?) and lament the fact that I cannot toggle it off by pressing F2 again but need to use the mouse to minimize or close it.
Press Escape. I admit you still have to move your finger an inch or so. Before you say it's not in the manual, well, it's a standard Windows feature for closing most types of dialog windows.

SimSig Boss
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 16:19 #57832
Ron_J
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Maxand - I would dearly love to show you round a busy IECC signalbox so you can see exactly what the real thing involves and why Simsig is the way it is. If you ever find yourself in Scotland for some reaon please do let me know and we'll get a visit sorted out.
Last edited: 26/03/2014 at 16:20 by Ron_J
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 17:03 #57834
TimTamToe
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" said:
" said:
Not like the Shift Supervisor at Stratford Steam Shed who was known as "Lino" because every time he was asked how he was doing for traction responded that he was "on the floor".
Seriously though even you John must remember the distinctive smell around York on the Scarbrough line which emanated from the Rowntrees sidings, or if on the down main just outside York the acrid smell of sugar beet from the sugar factory, the smell of coal dust when passing Markham Colliery, the toxic smell of petroleum when passing Stanlow........not too sure about Windscale though and even a visual aid like an F key would be of little use for that.

I really do think we could be on the verge of revolutionising the whole aspect of Railway signalling simulations.

Geoff
and the Payne's poppets sweets around Waddon, slightly different smell now from the BMW showroom

Gareth

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 17:13 #57836
Steamer
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" said:
For example, when a driver phones in, if we already knew exactly where his signal is located, we wouldn't have to look up the Train List for the last location, look up the signal map to identify the signal, etc. If all we had to do was click his message and be taken straight to his train on the panel, that would enable us to make an instant decision.
Personally, I never bother finding the signal number- simply search the area for the train description. No train list or signal number map required!

"Don't stress/ relax/ let life roll off your backs./ Except for death and paying taxes/ everything in life.../ is only for now." (Avenue Q)
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 18:23 #57849
Josie
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" said:
Personally, I never bother finding the signal number- simply search the area for the train description. No train list or signal number map required!
Same. I don't understand the fascination with knowing where all signal numbers are unless something's gone very wrong and the TDs are all askew. In most cases I know more or less where everything is from continually scanning through the panel and setting routes while the sim is running. If it's busy or I've lost one, the train reporting code almost always gives a clue (e.g. on King's Cross, a 2V** train will invariably be somewhere on the Down Slow line heading towards Welwyn, on most sims 1A** trains will be on fast lines towards London, etc.)

If I still can't find it, the Train List gives a rough location, and then I can go and look for it.

And if there are ten calls coming in at once, you're not managing them properly. If you keep everything moving and set routes before trains come to a stand, they won't call in. If trains are unavoidable delayed by other trains/TCFs etc., answer the call and tell the driver to call again later.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 26/03/2014 at 18:33 #57852
Lardybiker
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I do the same. If I don't recognize the signal number, I scan for an occupied TC at a red signal and/or the trains TD.

The only oddity is when a train enters from a siding that does not have a berth. Then, either I know where it is through area/sim knowledge or I hit F2 and find it via its location.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 00:20 #57868
Airvan00
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129 posts
" said:
" said:
Personally, I never bother finding the signal number- simply search the area for the train description. No train list or signal number map required!
Same. I don't understand the fascination with knowing where all signal numbers are unless something's gone very wrong and the TDs are all askew. In most cases I know more or less where everything is from continually scanning through the panel and setting routes while the sim is running. If it's busy or I've lost one, the train reporting code almost always gives a clue (e.g. on King's Cross, a 2V** train will invariably be somewhere on the Down Slow line heading towards Welwyn, on most sims 1A** trains will be on fast lines towards London, etc.)

If I still can't find it, the Train List gives a rough location, and then I can go and look for it.

And if there are ten calls coming in at once, you're not managing them properly. If you keep everything moving and set routes before trains come to a stand, they won't call in. If trains are unavoidable delayed by other trains/TCFs etc., answer the call and tell the driver to call again later.
Totally agree.
I don't know what real signalers do but I would expect that they would know the whereabouts of every train under their control.
In my previous life, an ATC would know the position of every aircraft they were responsible. You create a mental image by scanning your area and checking what every one is doing. You would never let more than 30 seconds go by, without looking at each of your charges in turn.
SimSig is similar. The TD is very helpful, in most cases the first two letters will tell you almost everything you need to know. Yes there are exceptions, so when a new train enters the sim, check that it is not an odd ball and is taking the standard route.
I would suggest that if someone rings in and you don't know where he is, then you are playing on the edge or beyond your capabilities.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 01:02 #57869
maxand
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I wrote earlier:
Quote:
I ... lament the fact that I cannot toggle it off by pressing F2 again but need to use the mouse to minimize or close it.
GeoffM replied in post #31:
Quote:
Press Escape. I admit you still have to move your finger an inch or so. Before you say it's not in the manual, well, it's a standard Windows feature for closing most types of dialog windows.

That's a good solution, thanks Geoff! I forgot one could do that. The L hand is on the top row of (function) keys anyway at that point. The advantage of being able to close such a window with the same hand, without moving it (far), is that often I might just want to bring up the Train List briefly, look at a train on it, then shut it straight away without having to drag the mouse over to the Close [X] or Minimize icon.

Josie, thanks for your suggestion in post #35 to learn more about what the second character Letter code in a TD signifies to help one find a train quickly. You also wrote:
Quote:
If you keep everything moving and set routes before trains come to a stand, they won't call in.

That's the Holy Grail, of course, but it could easily do more harm than good, e.g.:

1) I set a route for Train A far enough ahead to give me time to work on other trains elsewhere, and when I return to Train A it has not progressed as far as I expected (probably because I forgot to take station delay into account), and Train B (usually a Class !!) has arrived and its route conflicts with Train A. If I cancel A's route to let the more important train through, I suffer an ACOA. Or,
2) Same as (1), except Train B's driver is waiting impatiently at a platform and SimSig has just given it a TRTS ahead of time.

I realize there's no quick fix for this except experience.

Last edited: 27/03/2014 at 01:04 by maxand
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 04:21 #57875
dmaze
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" said:
I set a route for Train A far enough ahead to give me time to work on other trains elsewhere, and when I return to Train A it has not progressed as far as I expected (probably because I forgot to take station delay into account), and Train B (usually a Class !!) has arrived and its route conflicts with Train A. If I cancel A's route to let the more important train through, I suffer an ACOA.
The basic rule ARS uses seems to be to try to keep two green signals in front of every train, but not more. Even in non-ARS sims, following that rule tends to be a pretty good balance between "keep things moving" and "don't set things too far ahead".

One thing that helped me (eventually, it did take a while) learn the common headcode patterns was playing adjacent sims. Since you've played Westbury a fair bit, you might try Exeter, specifically observing that the westbound 1Cxx trains that pass Castle Cary in Westbury enter Exeter at Cogload Junction, and return as 1Axx trains. (And to be fair, those same headcodes are used for GWML trains via Bristol; when an eastbound 1Axx train leaves Taunton you will need to look to see which way it goes.) At some point I said "oh wait, this 1V20 train in Saltley is the exact same 1V20 that goes through Bristol and Exeter", and then routing the long-distance trains became a lot easier.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 06:42 #57877
Late Turn
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" said:
1) I set a route for Train A far enough ahead to give me time to work on other trains elsewhere, and when I return to Train A it has not progressed as far as I expected (probably because I forgot to take station delay into account), and Train B (usually a Class !!) has arrived and its route conflicts with Train A. If I cancel A's route to let the more important train through, I suffer an ACOA. Or,

Forward planning is the key! I try to keep on top of what's happening at each junction, and any loops or siding connections that might come into play, so I'll have a good idea as to the order that I'll need to run things in - which makes it easier to know how far ahead you can confidently set the route for a train. That's where experience, and use of simplifiers, really does come into its own.


" said:
2) Same as (1), except Train B's driver is waiting impatiently at a platform and SimSig has just given it a TRTS ahead of time.

It comes down to regulating again - if it's early, you'd be quite entitled to hold it to time. Equally, experience might tell you that you've actually got a margin to get it away, at least as far as somewhere that you can hide it away if need be. Definitely one of the joys of Simsig (and, occasionally, real life).

Last edited: 27/03/2014 at 06:42 by Late Turn
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 07:48 #57879
KymriskaDraken
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Out of interest, what does the Signalman see at at IECC when a driver calls in from an SPT? Does he just get the number of the signal being called from, or an indication of the area as well?

Kev

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 09:17 #57880
JamesN
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Kev,

Again I can only speak for 1 IECC, but at TVSC the telephone and concentrator for each WKS has a reasonably large touch screen. The concentrator has lots of little boxes on the screen (often over a number of pages) and when there's an incoming call the relevant box will flash.

GSMR/CSR are also both in use at TV, they both have their own separate systems, and will usually display the TD of the train calling in. You can either make a standard response via a pseudo text message, or pick up the handset and talk directly.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 09:27 #57881
John
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Kev, this site has a series of GSMR training videos. The Normal Calls video might answer your question.
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 11:29 #57889
maxand
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Site looks interesting but instead of video I see the message "A plugin is necessary to display this content." Any suggestions as to what the plugin should be or is this site restricted to members?
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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 12:18 #57891
lazzer
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" said:
Kev,

Again I can only speak for 1 IECC, but at TVSC the telephone and concentrator for each WKS has a reasonably large touch screen. The concentrator has lots of little boxes on the screen (often over a number of pages) and when there's an incoming call the relevant box will flash.

And that is why a red signal goes straight to green as soon as I push the "Call signaller" button on the GSM-R. It really IS a magic button!

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 13:23 #57895
y10g9
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" said:
Site looks interesting but instead of video I see the message "A plugin is necessary to display this content." Any suggestions as to what the plugin should be or is this site restricted to members?
It told me on chrome at the top of the page that i needed to install a windows media player plugin. Your internet browser will tell you what you need.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 14:42 #57896
John
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884 posts
" said:
Site looks interesting but instead of video I see the message "A plugin is necessary to display this content." Any suggestions as to what the plugin should be or is this site restricted to members?
Max, if you're using Chrome, this is probably the extension you'll need to install.

http://www.interoperabilitybridges.com/wmp-extension-for-chrome

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 16:34 #57898
pedroathome
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Just to add a point here. I hardly ever use both hands when playing Simsig. I persionally see no need, so a shift and click would make things take much more effort

James

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 27/03/2014 at 23:31 #57924
Sacro
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" said:
Reduce 2 clicks to just one by holding Shift key down when L-clicking on a Train Describer to bring up the Interpose window.
Reduce to just one click, by right clicking on the signal, holding it down, then releasing it on the Interpose option.

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Shift+L-click on TD to interpose 28/03/2014 at 01:47 #57926
maxand
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Great tip, thanks Sacro!
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