DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Nov 15, 2021 16:21:30 GMT
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Nov 9, 2021 19:25:31 GMT
And we are releasing Phase III in a few days. Here's our new promotional videoClick appropriate icons on the page to un-mute if needed and enlarge the screen.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Aug 19, 2021 18:53:38 GMT
It is a depiction/simulation of the District Line, and adjacent lines, running on Train Simulator 2021. From our download page: "It is a route and rolling stock package covering various parts of the District Line, including branches to Ealing Broadway, Richmond, Whitechapel, Olympia, Wimbledon and Edgware Road, and a Piccadilly Line section from Hangar Lane Jct to the Gloucester Road tube station. Appropriate bespoke rolling stock is included to recreate the District scene up to the introduction of the S Stock. These include C stock, D stock, 1973 tube stock, battery locomotives and wagons, and a small selection of heritage stock such as a Metropolitan A-Class tank loco, Metropolitan Bo-Bo Electric Locomotive, Metropolitan 6-wheeled coaches and 1927 Standard tube stock. All have been custom built with their own unique sounds, scripts and functions to make the driving experience as close to realism as the simulator would allow. Insight from London Underground drivers, engineers and technical documentation has not only boosted the functionality of the rolling stock but allowed us to demonstrate correct LU procedures and protocols. The presence of Just Trains' LU Assets has also added more realism, especially with a selection of excellent LU color light signals." Our VDT Phase II Launch Video shows more.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Aug 19, 2021 13:14:57 GMT
After just over a year of work, the Virtual District now extends along the lower Circle to Whitechapel. 12 miles of accurately laid track, scenery, signals and 14 new stations. And a lot of cut-and-cover tunnel :-) We are now working on new scenarios that will include this section, and expect the release of Virtual District Phase III within months. A red R49 stock train has also been seen out for test... If you are interested to see some screenshots of progress, and all the new stations details, please visit our teamsite: Constructive critique and suggestions always welcome. Best to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 11, 2020 15:24:13 GMT
I agree with the above and apologize to the Forum. This is not the place for such discussion. No offense was intended and I also apologize to any who felt that way. Let's please move on. I do also hope some may be interested to support our work, and help us to directly support and assist the LT Museum Q Stock restoration. Thanks.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 11, 2020 14:36:12 GMT
Even more stunned, and apparently now tarred and feathered. And in no way indifferent, but rather totally misunderstood. This was so simple... We have an arguably very good simulation of the district. We created some challenging scenarios for it, and wanted a name/brand that reflected the level of skill needed. The era is irrelevant. My memory (yes, it was my idea lest you condemn my colleagues also) went back to the Top Man Percy training cartoons I'd seen, and it resonated. This was a term that implied a highly trained and professional driver. A slight tweak (as Motormen had become Operators) made it T/Op Man. Simply intended as a catchy brand, with NO inkling that this historical accolade was somehow now a heinous term of offense. Just because it included "man"? What word *should* we have used, that wouldn't offend at least one subdivision of humanity that would feel left out?
Man equates to Human or Mankind. A species, not a gender. Mankind is populated by people. An inclusive term for a massively diverse group. I treat all people with equal respect, not based on any gender distinction or label.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 11, 2020 1:10:58 GMT
In your apparent determination to be offended, where none was intended, you missed the entire point. We are not simulating any specific era - we've been building this for the last 12 years so it spans. We do also have stocks going back to the 38TS, R49 and CO/CP. The "name" was inspired partly from the tongue-in-cheek phrase we coined of "T/Op Man", intending to represent a highly trained and professional Train Operator - gender not even thought of. I am stunned and dismayed that it was taken to be offensive. This is the 2nd series of such scenarios, with thousands of downloads, streams, videos, etc. of the previous from countless enthusiasts - male and female. Not one mention or question of this has been made by anyone, until now.
I was inspired towards that from the old "Top Man Percy" training cartoons I'd seen years ago, and was recently attempting to re-discover. Apparently the term wasn't "offensive" back then; but rather a term of great respect - which I intended to recapture.
My key team partner was married to a wonderful lady who was a long time Northern Line Operator, held in high regard by her management and peers. In his opinion she would not have been offended and would have seen the allusion to the training cartoon of the past and got the joke. And FWIW another team member is actively assisting the LUL Museum hands-on with the Q Stock project. We simply have a passion for LUL and any offense at the T/Op Man branding is misplaced.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 10, 2020 21:22:00 GMT
Virtual District Line T/Op Man EC Scenario Pack, featuring the voice of Emma Clarke, now available at ATS here: Download LinkAlan previewed one of the scenarios here: YT LinkCost is 4.95. Proceeds are being donated to the LT Museum Q Stock restoration project.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 7, 2020 14:22:29 GMT
UPDATE LIVE!! Virtual District Line Phase II: Update 2.2 Packages updated: - Full Installation - Cumulative Update - Pre-Corporate Repaint Packs. This update, among other things, allows the team to complete Phase III without interfering the upcoming T/OP Man EC Scenario Pack. Please see the webpage and the updated manuals for details about what this update contains and to download. VDL Download pageHere's the v2.2 change log: ROUTE/PORTALS • Tracks and signaling extended east from GRD to SKN to facilitate building Phase III to Tower Hill • Portals modified/fixed/added to every line in the route to allow adding/removing AI trains at line end points • Fixed platform continuities at RPK and ECM to allow all train doors to open SCENERY • Extended distant scenery around Wimbledon, Richmond and Kew Gardens • Infill of some terrain in various places • Some clutter/vegetation movement where it was floating or sunk SIGNALS • All co-located shunt/semi signals now have the required JT “TAB” S-Stock SPAD protection gadget installed (Acton Works entry shunt WL14/Semi WL16 was missing it, meaning WB trains on the DR Slow road could trip approaching ACT). • HSK WB – incorrect repeater RED4 replaced with correct ED3 semi home signal, protecting the platform area • ECT-WBR tunnel - Repeater heads added to signals EC330/EC250 to show state of merge protect semi signals EC33/EC25. This now provides the advanced warning that repeaters REC330.33/REC250.25 do IRL. • RPK-TGN EB/WB – renamed (number plate) the multi-home signals on approach to each station to correctly reflect A/B/C naming. Added 2 missing fog repeater signals to give better advanced warning of home signals • Added signals to the new GRD-SKN section as per diagram SCENARIOS • VDL V2.2 is a pre-requisite for the V2.2 T/Op Man EC scenarios (separate package) DOCUMENTATION • Operator’s Guide and Route Guide updated to v2.2 • Detailed portals list added to Route Guide v2.2 We are pleased to say that Alan Thomson will be livestreaming one of the scenarios from the upcoming T/OP Man EC Scenario Pack this coming Sunday evening on Twitch.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 25, 2019 0:27:34 GMT
You can't "port over" anything from MSTS. All our trains in TS have been built from the ground up. We do have an R49 partly done, but a re-do of the D78 cab to photoralistic (thanks to Acton Museum for giving us special access) will likely be first. I'd like to see us do a 59TS too. We're far from finished, but these things take time. We put out the v2.01 update patch recently with a few fixes and some additional QD scenarios (e.g. Met-A loco). The v2.02 update was released today adding in pre-refurb versions of C69, D78 and 73TS. Keep an eye on The VDL Download Site
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 16, 2019 23:25:07 GMT
Over 300 views and not one comment? And now over 1700 views of the launch trailer. On the off chance that someone is interested, the team will be at the next Acton Museum Open Day on Saturday Sept 28th, demonstrating the new Virtual District Phase II on a BIG screen. Do stop by and say hello - and try driving it...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 7, 2019 17:58:54 GMT
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 8, 2017 15:13:26 GMT
It is with great pleasure that I point you in this direction: Virtual District Team siteAfter almost 9 years in development, the first release of the Virtual District is now public, and generating a lot of interest. Also a lot of related posts on UKTSAnd videos on YouTubeI wish Dave were still here to see it. He contributed a great deal of feedback on the trains and route over the years and made it so much better. Best to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jan 27, 2014 23:59:43 GMT
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 10, 2013 17:11:30 GMT
Much progress in the last 9 months, with the lines from Ealing Broadway, Richmond and Olympia now reaching Earls Court; and construction underway on the Wimbledon and High St Ken and Gloucester Rd sections. All stations and landmark buildings have been custom built. I just uploaded over 100 new screenshots to UKTS. I believe anyone can view without being a member. The screenshots (shown as clickable thumb-links) start part way down the page (link below) - look for the reply by "Nobkins" where he fixes my initial post links and continue from there... Link: Virtual District screenshot link on UKTSAs always, our thanks from the Team to all of you who have helped us by sharing your knowledge and experience. Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jan 8, 2013 19:08:18 GMT
The TS2013 route and stocks proceed well. Tracks now extend from Ealing Broadway and Richmond to Earls Court and Olympia, plus ECM Dpt., Acton Works and Lillie Bridge Dpt. All of the station models are now 'bespoke' and have night lighting. D78 and 73TS are fully functional with very detailed cabs. Latest screenshots are here: www.virtualdistrict.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=66&start=20#p8160. Other info and screenshots/videos in other topics on our site. Regards to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 26, 2011 16:16:19 GMT
Apologies - a few more questions. As part of 'fixing' the Selector animation direction, Darren noted to me we could in fact show all 5 positions (OFF, FOR2, FOR1, Inter, REV); and with some interpretation of these in my scripting I can make the train "do the right thing" for each position. Two questions hit me right away: When changing ends, would you go to OFF on the cab you are leaving (I think so)? (Right now we use the Inter position). If selecting 'Off', what other indications are there (if any) that the cab is off? Secondly, we can implement the different accel rates for FOR1 and FOR2 in my script code. I believe I have the physics tuned for FOR2 right now (initial accel about 1.0 m/Sec from rest in Parallel, with 25mph reached at 6-car mark). About what is the reduction for FOR1? Something in my memory says about 0.7m/Sec but I don't recall the source.
Thanks!
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 24, 2011 19:54:56 GMT
Much appreciated, once again sir! We plan on some functionality for the CIS initially, adding to it over time. As the D78 is approaching completion the 73TS is already 'in the shop' and has the car bodies done and the cab construction is underway. I'll be working on the controls/physics/traction/brake control scripting shortly - mostly stolen from my D78 work with appropriate add or removal of features (e.g. no coasting control), adjustment to car weights, etc. BTW - does the 73TS now run in weak field all the time (my memory says so due to the weight increase post-refurb)?
Sincere thanks to all who are helping us out with detailed knowledge!
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 23, 2011 23:14:56 GMT
No worries - that's an easy (and critical) fix to the selector animation. If I understood correctly, the Pass Door Selected light comes on when Op opens the doors (appropriate side). Does this light remain lit until doors closed and pilot established? Excellent - 2 more lights we can use as they should be. Darren already put the animations (lights on/off) into the cab - I just wasn't sure if/how I should make them work correctly in my scripting code. Thanks! We already have the Aux 2 deice/sleet switches/lights operational, plus a working tripcock, reset and SCAT light/delay/speed restrict build in. Slowly getting there!
EDIT: I have made the Pax Select lights go out when door close button is hit. Pilot lights about 4 seconds later when doors proven closed. If this is wrong - please let me know.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 23, 2011 20:49:07 GMT
OK - mea culpa! Checking the Selector animation does indeed show it's rotating wrong, and selecting FWD does cause it to rotate to REV from INTER, and selecting REV moves it from INTER to FOR2. So we'll fix (invert) the animation frames accordingly. Well spotted guys - that explains why you thought I was in REV. Darren? Small job for you while I'm messing with the audio... One further question... Are the "Passenger Open Selected" lights on Aux1 still active in any way? If so, what causes them to light? Wondered if CSDE caused them to light, in addition to the Doors Enable Zone light on the Offside wall? And - yes - the destination handle will be going away. We intend to make some of the CIS panel functional - if only to allow setting the destination for all the appropriate displays. It may also cause the front window set number to be set to a suitable value - we can't have Train 102 appearing everywhere I also realize the 'radio messages' are old and were recorded "pre-Connect". Any chance of getting a recording of what they should now sound like (obviously without giving away any sensitive info)? Thanks again, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 23, 2011 20:13:56 GMT
Appreciate the input, except I didn't go into reverse - honest!. I went from FOR to INTER in the original cab (brakes were on), swapped ends, then to FOR in the other end. Then CTBC from some brake notch to Off/Release to release the brakes (no power). As I was on a decline (that's why I stopped there for demo purposes) we rolled back. I see how it might have appeared I went into REV and Shunt, but not so. Now - if we have the Selector barrel rotating the wrong way for the direction we intend and it looked like we went into REV - that's a different matter (which I'll check)! As a quick check I'll zoom in the view on the selector and see what it points to.
Agree re the RPAs being too loud in the cab - I'll tone them down somewhat, but I'd like to leave a little noise audible in there. I also feel the MAs are too loud in-cab, and will also tone down the brake squeal. Didn't think of the cam 'hiss' but you should hear the transition clunk (about 10mph IIRC). I actually modeled the cam realistically - it does count up then transition and then back down; and behaves correctly in Shunt, Series and Parallel. It also controls the rheo as it should. You should also hear multiple clicks as it finds its right position after 'off' if re-stroking. I've also heard (from another authoritative source) the cab doors sound more like a 59TS than a D78 (running on rollers rather than top-hung).
But - please - continue to be 'picky'. If we put in details, we'd rather they be right than 'close'.
Many thanks, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Dec 22, 2011 16:25:37 GMT
Hi all, we've had reports from some people on multiple fora that the link isn't working for them - no idea why - the folder is set to public access. If it does fail for you, please try this link which will take you to the folder hosting the video - then just click on the video to view. s2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/TS2012/I'd appreciate knowing if this fixes your issue, and would also like to know the exact error message you get if the previous link fails so we can diagnose better. Thanks, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 21, 2010 1:59:18 GMT
Thanks again Ian! I'm part way through all the audio mods, and your post reminded me I'd forgotten to add the 'shunt clunk' - although all eh other NR/WF and contactor noises are in. I did, however, already add a nice loud hiss when dropping the deadman, or DBH to Emerg, or clobbering the tripcock (if fitted). After the audio is done, I'm re-visiting the braking system. We can deffo do an EP system, but I'm still investigating of we can also do Windyhouse. Worst case, you'll get the EP. Oh, lots of nice new braking noises too
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 19, 2010 19:46:26 GMT
Ian, any and all anecdotal data is invaluable - we're detail oriented guys and will implement all we can! RW does facilitate defining things like aero resistance and rolling resistance, so we can certainly add some 'drag' to the wheel bearings. One detail I can't find online is car weights. I've assumed for now the DM (and CT?) are about 29-30t and the trailers about 19-20t (this including about a 55% passenger loading). Is that close? Weight is key to getting the accel/braking/etc. realistic. Right now we're getting about 1.1m/s^2 accel from rest and -1.4 braking in emergency. About 27mph at the 6-car mark in parallel from rest.
Thanks and regards, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 14, 2010 14:43:34 GMT
I'm sure we can do it with some expert guidance. The RW EP blueprint is where we define a lot of generic stuff, including pressure ranges, compressor behavior, etc. Beyond that we have a pre-defined selection of brake 'notch' definitions that in the right combinations can define exactly how the brake control behaves. So we can model the D78's Westcode, or a Windyhouse or various types of EP. Ian - can you describe the function of each brake handle notch? From that we can translate into RW's notch definitions. If you also have knowledge of nominal pressure ranges and related info we can get those right too. An Darren notes, once we know the right pressure ranges we can also get the compressor to behave as it should (res capacity, start/stop pressures, compressor psi/minute, etc.).
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 14, 2010 0:44:39 GMT
Over the last 2 months Darren and I have been adding significant realism to the team's D78 in terms of accurate performance, controls behavior, traction system including RPA operation, Rheo/EP braking and all of the train's sounds. Some of that time was spent working out how to implement the features and all the sounds as realistically as possible. Part of the solution is an 800 line LUA script I developed that models the traction control systems in detail. What we learned and the methods we devised to implement features are now starting to be applied as revisions to the next updates to the Standard Stock, as appropriate to the stock's 'technology' and equipment. I believe you'll see and hear noticeable differences in the next SS version, to complement Darren and Richard's superb graphics and modeling. As always, our goal is to approach "suspension of disbelief" and we are eternally grateful to the subject matter experts that provide us with the detailed information that enable us to do it.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 22, 2010 21:53:20 GMT
Gentlemen - thank you all! Once again our simulaiton efforts will be that much more realistic thanks to your expert input. I'm sure in the future we'll post a video of the Railworks D78 being put through its paces - on some metals we hope you recognize.
Best to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 20, 2010 13:51:52 GMT
Fascinating reading t697 - thank you! I'm one of Darren's collaborators on the Railworks project and have been trying to simulate the RPA activity (logic) in code. Between us we have Mr Agnew's Vol1 and 2 tomes, and the Supplement describing the 38TS operation. We both have a strong electrical/electronic background. I also was unaware that the RPA stepped back as the train slows. I perceive how it notches up via the NR (essentially a flip-flop relay) as it detects the current drop below threshold, but I don't yet see what part of the circuit is feeding it a current value to cause drop back under deceleration. The fact that it does so answers a puzzle I was pondering, but I'd love to learn more how that part works. I echo Darren - I'd love to see a circuit diagram ala those provided by Mr Agnew. I did stumble of what I believe to be the original patent for the 'technology' here: www.freepatentsonline.com/1871777.pdf filed by a Mr A J Clarke in Jan 1930, about 8 years before Mr Agnew's wonderful books.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 10, 2010 0:07:44 GMT
Thank you all - I'm indebted to you! The history and operational side of the railway (why things are done that way) is of great interest to me. I was also curious about the Works roads and related sidings, so you actually pre-empted a few other questions I'd likely have had. So we'll keep the MSTS simulation as an "80s version" with its slip, and do the Railworks version more up to date.
Dave - I think I've devoured every digram and 'article' on your site and TubePrune's over the years. I frequesntly go back and re-read them, and they continue to inspire me. Thank you all!
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 8, 2010 19:09:12 GMT
I had long believed that the access from the EB slow and fast running lines to the east sidings (23/22/21) was via a double-slip. I believed the turnout off the slow crossed over the fast (diamond X) with slips to provide (a) slow to fast and (b) fast to sidings. However, re-checking my most recent diagram I see two distinct points. 67a/b provides a path from slow to fast, then 66a/b provides the path from fast to the siding entry. I do understand the possible paths and the related signaling, however...
Is this a double-slip or two distinct points? Clearly either would work as regards providing required paths, and the former might take less longitudinal space if that were an issue. My interest is in achieving accurate simulation, as you might expect ;D Any and all info greatly appreciated!
Best, Jimi
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