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Create trains and train groups

Create a new train​

To create a new train two options are available:

  • manual train path creation
  • automatic train path creation

In the manual process, the user has to add stations, selecting the correct sequence of OCPs and the correct lines. No OCP will be interpolated. In the automatic process, the user only defines Origin OCP and Destination OCP and, optionally, Via OCPs with their respective Entry type. Arrival and Departure times need to be defined as well to determine running and stopping times. All intermediate OCPs will be interpolated.

During both train creation processes, it is necessary to specify basic train information, such as:

  • Train group code
  • Train code
  • Category
  • Trainset
  • Operating calendar
  • TOC

All information inserted during the creation process can be edited or corrected later, if necessary.

Create manual train path​

The manual train path creation process should be used for trains that require routing through complex networks with parallel lines and multiple nodes. It should be used for trains with many stops and standard stop times.

To define a train path OCP get added to a list of entries. Append adds OCPs at the end of the list, Push to the beginning. To the next junction follows the line as defined in the infrastructure model until the next OCP where selecting a new line is possible. Along the line adds all remaining OCP along the line selected. If no line information is inserted in the Line column, this function is not available (e.g. only one OCP present). To change the line at a Junction, add an OCP and double click on the field to open the menu of possible next stations as defined in the infrastructure model. To remove entries select the first row to be removed and then remove either the selected row and everything above or the selected row and everything below.

To insert a turnaround, the second to last entry needs to be a STOP. Otherwise the turnaround will be denied. Once the full path is created and the train has the right sequence of OCPs and the correct Line, the entry types can be changed. To change entry types, select all rows where a new entry type should be inserted and right click on a selected row. This opens the multi-edit menu and it will be possible to change the entry type for all selected entries.

Once the entry types are correct, the Stop and Run times need to be set. Depending on the setup of the scenario automatic or manual functions can be used.

Setting the stop times​

Stop times and stop margins can be set by using the same multi-edit function as for the entry type. Select all rows and insert the desired stop time or stop margin(s). In the setting process an empty field will be handled as "no change". Alternatively, if a Planned Stop time is set in the Minimum stop time window (Timetable menu) for the edited combination of Station load factor and Train category, it is also possible to select all entries in the train editor and right click to open the menu: Select "Reset Min Stop Times" to update the MST column of all entries with entry type STOP to their respective Planned stop time. This function does not edit the stop margin(s).

Setting the run times​

Minimum run times (MRT) should be set using the RTC, however in exceptional cases they can also be overwritten manually. Travel margins (or run time margins) can be either expressed in % of the MRT or in plain seconds. The travel margins can also have a default setting, which can be edited in the project setup by an admin user. The travel margin can be set or overwritten by the aforementioned multi-edit menu with "Min running time" for all selected entries.

Interpolating​

If there are OCP where a run time information is not necessary other wise no further changes happen to the train, the entry can be interpolated. This simplifies the creation process. The interpolation is only possible for entry type PASS. OCP which are regularly interpolated in the creation process, should be evaluated in their necessity for the timetabling and maybe removed from the macroscopic model.

Create automatic path​

The automatic train path creation only works for sections of a network without parallel lines as no information about the routing can be inserted. It only allows to specify "Via" points, which can be used to force trains on the correct line, if Origin and Destination OCP are linked by more than one line. The Via points can also be used to define intermediate stops with their respective stop time. All intermediate OCPs will be interpolated. Run times will be the differences between Departure time and Arrival time at the next "Via". If the Arrival time pre-dates the Departure time, the Arrival will be set after midnight.

Generate a train group​

A train group can be generated from an existing train. Right-click on the train in the trains timetable and select Generate train group. With the specification of a number of trains in the group ("courses") and an interval, the train group will get created, containing the original train and the n-1 other trains that form the group adding the specified interval time to the departure time of the original train.

Create a train group​

Without the basis of a single train, a train group can also be created from the Groups timetable window, following the same process as the manual train path creation. Here the departure time of the first train, the number of trains in the group and the interval need to be specified directly at the beginning of the process.