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ECS query

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ECS query 29/07/2021 at 20:45 #140834
DavidSplett
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I’ve been experimenting with the new set down features, which work very well and certainly make for a more realistic experience, so many thanks to the developers for this improvement.

On a related subject, my understanding is that ECS class of service is supposed to be selected automatically if the train has a 3*** or 5*** reporting number, which would lead to the train running early at random. However I’ve been testing a new KX timetable today and with the difficulty level set to normal I have yet to see an ECS run early. Am I misunderstanding how this is meant to work?

A minor suggestion regarding the “set down” options - given that there is a extra character in the timetable timings denoting set down arrangements, does set down need to be written in the right-hand column of the timetable view window as well? For me it adds extra clutter.

Last edited: 29/07/2021 at 20:46 by DavidSplett
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ECS query 01/08/2021 at 15:52 #140892
Jan
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889 posts
As per the manual, it seems that ECS currently doesn't run early. The only differences compared to "Passenger" are that you can freely use Goods Lines and shouldn't be penalised for platform changes.

Also note that for modern timetables (where Class 3 means priority ECS and not a parcels train), there's a bug with the default COS rules which will result in most Class 3 trains (all train types with one of the EPS-E, EPS-D, HST, EMU, DMU, SP (sprinter), TGV (Cl.373), Metro, WES (Cl.442) or Steam speed classes, i.e. almost all MU stock) being misclassified as "Passenger" as opposed to "ECS".
(And in older timetables, loco-hauled parcels trains without any speed class set will conversely be misclassified as ECS instead of Passenger)

So you need to add a manual rule to your timetable to get the correct classification for those trains.

Two million people attempt to use Birmingham's magnificent rail network every year, with just over a million of them managing to get further than Smethwick.
Last edited: 01/08/2021 at 15:56 by Jan
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ECS query 01/08/2021 at 16:04 #140893
Meld
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I never knew there was a bug in the COS service rules.

There is the option for you to overwrite the COS for any schedule already built into the editor.

I use it all the time for for class 3 ECS trains - on the miscellaneous tab just select from the COS dropdown ECS which will then overwrite the default allowing the use of freight lines etc.

Passed the age to be doing 'Spoon Feeding' !!!
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ECS query 01/08/2021 at 16:39 #140898
Jan
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889 posts
Adding a single global COS rule (Class of Service "ECS" or "Passenger" as desired, ID "3", Use speeds "Either", Speed class "ignore" ) on the COS tab of the timetable editor to overwrite the default behaviour should have the same effect as long as you don't have a mixed timetable with both class 3 ECS and parcels trains (if such a thing even exists?) and avoids having to adjust each train individually.
Two million people attempt to use Birmingham's magnificent rail network every year, with just over a million of them managing to get further than Smethwick.
Last edited: 01/08/2021 at 16:40 by Jan
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ECS query 01/08/2021 at 23:09 #140910
DavidSplett
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142 posts
Jan in post 140892 said:
As per the manual, it seems that ECS currently doesn't run early. The only differences compared to "Passenger" are that you can freely use Goods Lines and shouldn't be penalised for platform changes.

Also note that for modern timetables (where Class 3 means priority ECS and not a parcels train), there's a bug with the default COS rules which will result in most Class 3 trains (all train types with one of the EPS-E, EPS-D, HST, EMU, DMU, SP (sprinter), TGV (Cl.373), Metro, WES (Cl.442) or Steam speed classes, i.e. almost all MU stock) being misclassified as "Passenger" as opposed to "ECS".
(And in older timetables, loco-hauled parcels trains without any speed class set will conversely be misclassified as ECS instead of Passenger)

So you need to add a manual rule to your timetable to get the correct classification for those trains.
Thanks for the detailed reply. I was a little unclear on whether ECS run early, as in the table in the manual there’s a question mark, which I had interpreted as meaning they would run early at random.

The point about the class 3s is interesting, and explains an issue I had with a regulating stop being flagged up as an error in the timetable analyser, which disappeared when I changed the class of service to be ECS.

Now for the million dollar question: is there any way I can manipulate the COS to make ECS run early? I’m guessing I could write a rule to make 3 and 5 trains run as goods to allow early running, but it appears this will also mean early entry, which would be too undesirable. Anyone able to give any pointers? My feeling is it is much more realistic for ECS to run early, at least some of the time.

Last edited: 01/08/2021 at 23:25 by DavidSplett
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ECS query 02/08/2021 at 00:21 #140911
postal
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Use the updated set-down rules to force the decision? IIRC they will work if applied to the departure time at the first location in the train TT so "Stop and Go" would force the train to depart as soon as the dwell time (as set in the train category or defaulting to the core code standards) has elapsed while "Yes (variable)" would sometimes hold the train to time while letting it go early if the wheel of fortune picked the right answer.
“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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ECS query 02/08/2021 at 01:03 #140912
DavidSplett
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postal in post 140911 said:
Use the updated set-down rules to force the decision? IIRC they will work if applied to the departure time at the first location in the train TT so "Stop and Go" would force the train to depart as soon as the dwell time (as set in the train category or defaulting to the core code standards) has elapsed while "Yes (variable)" would sometimes hold the train to time while letting it go early if the wheel of fortune picked the right answer.
I was hoping there might be a more “pure” way of achieving it. The new set down features are great, but I’m reluctant to over-use them.

A class of service option which gives early running but not early entry, perhaps not set as default by the sim, would perhaps be beneficial.

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