Using Marshall Instruction in Switching Scenarios

[MaineLines]

In an attempt to create a switching scenario that does not dictate every move that must be made to complete it, I decided to create one that uses only a series of Marshall instructions. In order to eliminate the need to create instructions to define a path to throw dispatcher controlled switches, I chose an area of a route that includes only manual switches - in this case Kalispel on Marias Pass. Here is what I have found so far:

1. All cars specified in a single Marshall instruction must be on the specified siding, coupled together, and not coupled to any rolling stock not specified by the instruction.

2. The Marshall instructions do not have to be completed in any particular order for successful completion of the scenario, but you will not get confirmation of successful completion of each step with a check mark unless they are done in order. Previously completed but un-checkmarked Marshall instructions will however automatically become checkmarked when all instructions ahead of them are completed.

3. If you make an error in one of the instructions i.e. wrong car, wrong siding, or coupled setout cars to non specified cars, you can go back at any time, correct the situation, and successfully complete the scenario.

Although this approach demands that you search for the cars specified, it the closest I have found to my idea of what shuffling cars should be like!

[MaineLines]

It looks like even though you may not need a path to throw dispatcher switches for you in your Marshall only scenario, the editor tries to create one based on your sequence of instructions and you may need change the order of them to make the editor happy.

[MaineLines]

Uploaded to Steam Workshop as "Kalispell Switcher" for anyone that would like to give it a try.

[Zayphod]

Uploaded to Steam Workshop as "Kalispell Switcher" for anyone that would like to give it a try.

I was wondering if you were the same person! Yes, gave this a try and really enjoyed it. Noted that when I hit the F6/F7 keys, only the cars I needed to shuffle around were noted, so this was a big help. And yes, it was a nice change of pace to hear "grab a bunch of these guys from here and there and put them over on that siding" without having to deal with hand-holding. "Here's task #1, let me know when you're done (I don't care which order you put them in), let me know when you're done and I'll give you task #2." It was a great switching excercise and would love to see more of them done just like this.

[HighGround22]

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Always late to lunch, I only just "discovered" this marvelous scenario two days ago (26 Dec). I've been savoring it like a fine wine since then, and I can't thank you enough

FWIW, I'm fully on-side for producing switching scenarios this way. Not only does it remind me of the better-made MSTS ACTIVITIES back in the day, but (as you say) it better represents a RW switching setup; at least, from my limited perspective it does.

And I was struck by the obvious fact that this sort of scenario is by no means easy to produce! It must surely take a helluva long time -- probably with pencil and paper -- to plot it out before going to the Editor.

Hence, I too would be very happy if you could see your way clear to making more of this kind of switchex!

Meanwhile, many thanks again for a lot of head-banging enjoyment!

-Jon
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[Toripony]

Glad this got bumped up... now I know why I could never get this to work.

[OldProf]

I usually enjoy both playing and writing scenarios that include marshalling instructions and just subscribed to "Kalispell Switcher". I did encounter one all-marshalling scenario set in a very large yard that involved rounding up single freight cars from all over the place without a single hint as to where to find them. After a few snipe hunts, I gave up in disgust; most scenario writers use marshalling instructions more judiciously and they can certainly make switching more challenging.

[Toripony]

So, how does it work in real-life? Does the list always/usually/sometimes include locations? What is that list called, btw?

I know there are certain rules about the order of cars in a train for handling and safety... does anyone ever try to follow those when writing marshalling-type scenarios? And does anyone have a link handy to a set of those rules?

[BillS]

Great question, Tori! I've always wanted to know that myself. Hopefully, someone will answer.

BillS

[BlueLight]

Someone once told me that when pulling a long heavy train that the minimum requirement was 8 loaded cars up front. Also when pulling unit trains of tankers there
should be a leader car in front to protect the locomotive in case of derailment. Either a boxcar, coal hopper or covered hopper filled with sand.
If the unit train has a DPU then a second leader should be placed behind that last tanker. I try to keep that in mind when I write scenarios.