NTP - how to get going?

[manofmann]

I am struggling with the North Trans-Pennine services passenger services
There is no indication of what needs to be done in order to get the service ready. In the time while the passengers are boarding, you have to get ready to leave. Despite following the checklist in the manual (though on the class 101 there is not enough time to check what is set in the rear cab) I still get maybe 1 service in 4 to start on time - and I can get nowhere with the class 101.

Please, please, PLEASE can we have :
a - more time to set the train up
and b - an indication of the tasks that need doing in order to depart on time.

This spoils the game if you cannot get started.

[LeapingRodent]

You can use Ctrl and + or - to quickly jump between ends to save time walking to the other side. It is easily possible to have the 101 ready to go with time to spare.

[Rudolf Jan]

I agree with you. The services were designed slopyy.

[Purno]

Originally posted by LeapingRodent:

You can use Ctrl and + or - to quickly jump between ends to save time walking to the other side. It is easily possible to have the 101 ready to go with time to spare.

I can't remember any of the tutorials explaining this.

Originally posted by Rudolf Jan:

I agree with you. The services were designed slopyy.

I don't own NTP (yet), but the issue sounds familiar. Services never give you any time to properly set up your train, including lighting and safety systems. Fortunately on most trains the engine is already operational, so you could set off right away.

However I noticed on RSN that trailing BR143 locomotives don't have their read lights on by default. It needs a minute to walk over to the locomotive and a few seconds to find the right button (which takes practice). By that time you're already late for departure, especially since RSN services don't start with passenger boarding.

Similarly, on GWE services don't start with passenger boarding, and it takes half a minute to set up headlights, instrument lights and finding out where that AWS button was again. :P

I also doubt any freight shunting scenarios on Sand Patch Grade or NEC have enough time in their timetable for you to walk over to switches to make sure they're set correctly. Although it can be done via the map menu, personally I think players should be given enough time to walk (not run!) over to the switches to check and set them.

It would already be a good start if services would always spawn you in the train 2 minutes before departure, which could be combined with passenger boarding.

[manofmann]

I agree
On NTP, both the class 45 and class 47 have their engines off (Master key is off) so you have to go through the full start-up procedure while the passengers are loading. However, the sound effects suggest that the engine is running! This is something that really should be addressed - as you suggest, starting before you are loading passengers is not accurate (nor is it fun!)

[Armorin]

Originally posted by manofmann:

I agree
On NTP, both the class 45 and class 47 have their engines off (Master key is off) so you have to go through the full start-up procedure while the passengers are loading. However, the sound effects suggest that the engine is running! This is something that really should be addressed - as you suggest, starting before you are loading passengers is not accurate (nor is it fun!)

The master key being off is not the same as the engine being off. If you change cab ends, you will need to switch the master key off, as well as a few other procedures.

[Purno]

The trains on GWE have their master key off by default too. But it doesn't require an engine start up. All it needs is to turn on the master key to make the dashboard operational so you can set the reverser, release the brakes and off you go.