The new Functions of Version 10:
In the center of all improvements stands - how could it be otherwise - our flagship:
TrainController™ Gold.
In addition to future orientation and a revision of the user interface, we have concentrated on many new functions in version 10, which make model railroad operation even more interesting, varied and realistic. Especially for less experienced users. Driving trains from A to B was yesterday. Other programs can do that too. What comes next? Let yourself be surprised!
The following highlights are singled out:
All Programs:
Further modernized user interface.
New optional designs for the user interface.
All functions of the extension
+Hardware™ version 9 are included in the core products.
Future security: All programs are also available as 64-bit variants. How far we have already thought in terms of future security is shown by the fact that version 10 has already taken into account the
"Year 2038 problem" (for 32 bit, too).
TrainController™ - All Editions:
Block Wizard:
With the new block wizard, setting up a block with contact indicators and markers can be done in no time at all. With a click of the mouse you can choose from different equipment variants (optionally with 1-3 permanent contacts in a block, with 1-3 momentary contacts, for one- or two-way operation, etc.).
Back: AutoTrain as in version 8:
Many users liked AutoTrain via drag and drop better in version 8 than in version 9. For many others it was the other way around. In version 10 both modes can be used alternatively.
Activation via Internet:
For more information, see
here.
TrainController™ Gold:
Individual start delay per locomotive:
In addition to the start delay in schedules that apply at the beginning of a schedule or after stops, an individual start delay can be specified for each locomotive. This delay takes effect every time before the loco is set in motion. It can be used, for example, to play an individual starting sound with a different length for each locomotive.
Improved start-up behavior for locomotives with sound decoders:
With many sound decoders, a low speed step at standstill does not cause the locomotive to start immediately. Instead, a sound is first played when the locomotive is still stationary. This is now supported by the fact that
TrainController™ can specifically send the low speed steps to play the sound when starting a locomotive.
Minimum acceleration time:
With this function, light and powerful trains (e.g. locomotives without cars) no longer accelerate too quickly. The function simulates a train driver who sensitively and slowly accelerates a light train without wasting energy unnecessarily; who, however, cranks the controller to the max when a heavy train needs to be started as quickly as possible.
Locomotive operations:
Locomotive operations can be performed automatically whenever a train starts, stops, changes direction, slows down to threshold speed or when the start delay begins in a schedule. This means, for example, that brake noises can be played back in a targeted and simple manner in both manual and automatic mode, without having to set up complex logics in the software.
Variables and Formulas:
In many important options and almost all rules of train schedules, the value can be set with a formula containing variables instead of a fixed value.
Facilities:
Last but not least: facilities are
the highlight of version 10. They are the reason why we say from version 10:
driving trains from A to B was yesterday. Other programs can do that too. With facilities, however, standard tasks such as the control of single-track sections, stations or sidings, but also complex processes in hidden yards, automatic changing of locomotives, hump yard, pushing operation at gradients, paternoster and much more can now be accomplished also by less experienced users much faster and more easily than with the basic functions and their complex combination in a conventional model railroad program. Altogether, TrainController™ 10
Gold contains more than 15 different types of facilities for various control tasks and maneuvers, e.g. for:
x
- Speed restriction sections
- Tunnels with automatic switching on and off of functions when entering or exiting
- Selection of paths in branches according to obstacles, priorities, use, train length, etc.
- Selection of exit tracks (e.g. in train stations) according to train or track priorities, train length, etc.
- Sidings where, for example, passenger trains should have priority when crossing or overtaking freight trains
- Flow control for controlling the utilization of sections of the model railroad layout
- Shunting areas for the automatic compilation of train sets
- Line up areas for easy lining up and moving up of trains - also in dead end tracks
- Run-round loops for the automatic transfer of locomotives to the other end of an incoming train
- Engine change for the automatic changing of locomotives - also in dead end tracks and with integration of engine sheds
- Helper operation at steep grades
- Hump yards with distribution and monitoring of the rolling wagons
- Hidden Yards with endless possibilities (there is not enough space here to describe all of them)
- Engine sheds with optional integration of turntables, 360° presentation on the steam days, etc.
- Control of display cases, paternosters, train lifts and fiddle yards
x
Again, these aren't just things that
can be done with the software. Other programs partially offer this as well. Rather, these are things for which there are now ready-made modules in the software that you only have to adapt to your needs but no longer have to assemble from scratch. This is now also possible for less experienced users and no longer only an issue for experts.
Other innovations:
In addition, there are numerous other new functions, improvements and optimizations. However, for reasons of space, these cannot be presented in full here.
Hardware:
Support of other systems and devices:
We didn't forget this in version 10 either. However, we will cover this topic in a future expansion.
+Cargo™:
Production, consumption and transport of freight:
Of course, trains will continue to run from A to B. But if they do that, it shouldn't happen for no reason, but because there are things that are loaded in A, transported to B and unloaded there. These things to be transported are provided by
+Cargo™.
+Cargo™ is an optional add-on module that can be integrated into any edition of
TrainController™.
+Cargo™ simulates the production, consumption and storage of freight in so-called loading points - another type of facility (see above). You are responsible for the timely rail transport of the freight between the loading points. Also for providing the appropriate trains for the transport. Various options are available to make the cycle of freight realistic and interesting. There is not enough space available here to even hint at the many possibilities. It is therefore recommended to study the Users Guide of
+Cargo™.
When is the release of version 10?