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| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 08:13 #76335 | |
Andrew G
552 posts |
While I appreciate SimSig is just a simulation (I prefer not to use game) I think some of us might struggle to pass out as a Signaller in a Power Signal Box/Signalling Centre or quite quickly find ourselves hauled up in front of the Area Operating Manager. I've just lifted statistics from Scott's KX post as an example, and this isn't a direct criticism of previous participants in that session, but 17 routes cancelled with trains approaching and 13 wrong routes doesn't look great. Especially when you consider that failed/delayed trains do not generate a delay if the Driver is advised the route will be cancelled when he phones in. [i][i] Total routes cancelled with trains approaching: 17 Total wrong routes set for trains: 13 In my own Feltham session, which continued last night, there have been 7 similar incidents. So the key point here is let's still enjoy ourselves, but remember it is a simulation - not a game - so let's try and run professional sessions. My personal recommendation is to practice in advance where possible (e.g. when ARS can operate some of the panels), maybe host a practice session for new comers where the statistics are less important and don't rush in and ask for the busiest or most complex panel in your first few sessions. Hopefully my views are seen as constructive and not a criticism of users looking to spend an enjoyable few hours as a virtual Signaller. Last edited: 29/09/2015 at 10:19 by Andrew G Reason: Spelling error Log in to reply The following users said thank you: JamesN, John 23, scottlowes, AndyG, tjfrancis, larsht, Stephen Fulcher |
| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 17:03 #76355 | |
AndyG
1842 posts |
" said:I have to admit to two of the ACoAs were on my patch  , but in mitigation I plead that both were due to signal aspect failures and not (mis-)user actions, the lamp failures causing immediate ACoA to the following train.I do agree that there does appear to be an excess of wrong routing in a lot of sessions, as well as trains not being given the best aspect possible and/or being stood at red (and also intended as constructive comment too). I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either. Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Andrew G |
| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 17:18 #76356 | |
KymriskaDraken
963 posts |
" said:Standard rules - you have to have a red before any other colour. Kev Log in to reply The following user said thank you: tjfrancis |
| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 18:22 #76358 | |
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tjfrancis
359 posts |
" said:While I appreciate SimSig is just a simulation (I prefer not to use game) I think some of us might struggle to pass out as a Signaller in a Power Signal Box/Signalling Centre or quite quickly find ourselves hauled up in front of the Area Operating Manager. adding my point on this it only a sim so it is a game from my point. How you work it not how others work it you can ask for help but if you make mistakes then you lean from then. I am dyslexic so please consider this when reading my posts Last edited: 29/09/2015 at 18:27 by tjfrancis Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 19:02 #76360 | |
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John
884 posts |
" said:it only a sim so it is a game from my point.Yes, it is only a game if you want to look at it in those terms, but multi-play is a team effort, so one would hope that people would at least try. I must admit that I find it rather frustrating during multi-play sessions when you have 4 or 5 siggers taking it seriously and doing their best to keep things moving, whilst other participants aren't concentrating, are habitually chucking the signal back in drivers faces because they aren't concentrating, keep disappearing leaving all their trains sitting on reds, and generally sodding it up for everyone else. If you join a session, try to take it seriously otherwise there's no point in joining, particularly as there might be others in the queue who are more prepared to make the effort. Log in to reply The following user said thank you: BarryM |
| Attention Levels 29/09/2015 at 19:58 #76363 | |
jc92
3685 posts |
" said:" said:agreed. I've played several games recently where I've kept my patch moving as per, however someone has been talking away on the message window with several trains on reds for no reasons and I've been waiting for slot acceptances etc. I'm not saying its not a social game far from it, but I do feel if you've got time to talk you've got time to route trains.it only a sim so it is a game from my point.Yes, it is only a game if you want to look at it in those terms, but multi-play is a team effort, so one would hope that people would at least try. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply The following user said thank you: AndyG |
| Attention Levels 30/09/2015 at 04:18 #76374 | |
flabberdacks
636 posts |
To anybody reading this who is new to multiplayer or inexperienced with the larger sims, don't let this thread discourage you from trying! SimSig multiplayer gives a great impression of the teamwork and collaboration required between staff and across panels in any signalling centre. You don't really get that in solo play. Communication and situational awareness is key; you can quickly sink another player by sending a freighter too early without asking if they're ready, or by causing delays in your own area which have much bigger flow-on effects further down the line. If you're not sure about something, please ask, and if you are genuinely having trouble, that's okay! I'm sure you'll be able to work something out with the host if you're drowning on a busy panel. I've seen two people working a panel before, and that happens in real life too. However, please don't join a multiplayer session if you can't commit your undivided attention to the sim for a little while, and put the effort in to learn the area and timetable if you're unfamiliar. Just take a quiet panel when it's your turn, keep that area moving, and if you have the screen space to do so, load up another view and watch how the busy panels are run. Watch what your neighbouring panels are doing. You'll learn something, trust me. Hopefully it can be an enjoyable experience for all involved. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: whitetigger, Jezalenko |
| Attention Levels 30/09/2015 at 09:46 #76379 | |
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whitetigger
25 posts |
I have to agree that seeing someone not giving it their best shot is quite annoying. I have no issues with people who are giving it their best and making mistakes as that's the way that people learn but when people are clearly just not trying, that winds me up
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| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 07:29 #76393 | |
jem771
102 posts |
My attention levels drop somewhat when signalling with several cans of stella at my disposal. I'm not sure the AOM would like that too much..... Jezz Log in to reply The following user said thank you: scottlowes |
| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 09:56 #76396 | |
Giantray
347 posts |
Simsig is clearly a good representation of a small part of what a Signaller does whilst on duty. In reality us Signallers do not just signal trains. We have contractors, on-line staff continually telephoning us for Line Blockages or maintenance work. There are calls from platform and station control staff. Calls from Area Control, TOC Controls... and we still have to signal trains correctly and pay attention at all times. Then there are failures, train faults and other exceptional factors that come into it. As a Signaller you could be dealing with several problems/incidences at one time and still you have to signal trains correctly. The workload can be very intense, but your attention level has to be tiptop all the time. Unlike a simulator, their are real trains, real people on the trains, real people outside relying on you as a Signaller to ensure their safety at all times under all circumstances. So attention levels are important, especially in the environment of Multi-panel Signal boxes and IECC/ROC workstation environments. Ears and eyes are always listening and observing what is going on, not only on your own panel/workstation but with your colleagues areas as well. It is not something that is gained overnight, but takes months, years of continually working in that environment. Signallers on neignbouring workstation/panels will always help their lesser experienced colleagues out. So on Simsig we shouldn't expect individuals to be able to pay full attention on something to them that is really only a game that they play once or twice a month. Bearing in mind they are probably at home, TV on, a can in the hand(as someone has already pointed out), or their kids running around etc. Professionalism mean nothing around a bunch of Amateur wannabees! Log in to reply The following users said thank you: scottlowes, larsht |
| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 15:17 #76404 | |
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whitetigger
25 posts |
" said:Simsig is clearly a good representation of a small part of what a Signaller does whilst on duty. In reality us Signallers do not just signal trains. We have contractors, on-line staff continually telephoning us for Line Blockages or maintenance work. There are calls from platform and station control staff. Calls from Area Control, TOC Controls... and we still have to signal trains correctly and pay attention at all times.Do you guys get assistants to help with answering phone calls and general planning like ATC do or do you have to do it all yourself? Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 16:01 #76406 | |
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Hooverman
306 posts |
Most of the time your doing all of your own phone and radio work even in a multi panel/workstation enviroment with SSMs and as safety comms can't go through 3rd parties.
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| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 18:28 #76416 | |
Trainzy
7 posts 
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I'm new to Sim Sig and I had a little watch on the KX panel last night for about half and hour and im quite impressed on how everything went together. It was very nice to see people cooperate together to ensure trains ran on time. Maybe one night I could try myself and yes, you don't really get the same out of single player. It was slightly daunting when a person accidently signalled a train wrong, but the consequences in real life would be much more bad! Anyway, when I do get a chance to help out in a panel, I will try my best and I hope I would be some use... Thanks
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| Attention Levels 01/10/2015 at 22:33 #76422 | |
Gwasanaethau
509 posts |
" said:Simsig is clearly a good representation of a small part of what a Signaller does whilst on duty. In reality us Signallers do not just signal trains. We have contractors, on-line staff continually telephoning us for Line Blockages or maintenance work. There are calls from platform and station control staff. Calls from Area Control, TOC Controls…Not to mention all the CSR signal checks/test calls you’d receive from fitters at depots after they’ve replaced part of the CSR equipment! :whistle: Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 03:49 #76426 | |
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LMK
133 posts |
Remember when I first started out on SimSig multiplayer? I was terrible! But now (after only a months practice) I feel like I can work for a real life signalling centre. I can see where your coming from but at the same time, I think you're expecting a bit too much, as specially from us newcomers. Mistakes are normal and people will always make them, (simulation or not). Please also remember that there are other reasons for incorrect routes being set other than a lack of route knowledge. E.g. Tiredness or anger which may cause a signaller to lose their focus. Everyone enjoys playing SimSig and I don't see why people have to act like it's that scene in The Taking Of Pelham 123 where they have to clear the signals before the train gets tripped or someone gets shot. It's a simulation and would obviously be treated differently to a real life signalling centre. Please let me know if you agree with me but I think this topic will get a lot of mixed opinions. Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 04:08 #76427 | |
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John
884 posts |
" said:Remember when I first started out on SimSig multiplayer? I was terrible! But now (after only a months practice) I feel like I can work for a real life signalling centre. 
Log in to reply The following users said thank you: larsht, Ar88, Trainfan344 |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 05:13 #76428 | |
kaiwhara
587 posts |
" said:" said:Having been a Real Signaller myself, I do wonder how much he underestimates his ability to actually do the job, with real trains, real track, real world weather events, real power failures, real points failures, real cows on the track, real track workers, and real coffee machines?Remember when I first started out on SimSig multiplayer? I was terrible! But now (after only a months practice) I feel like I can work for a real life signalling centre.:ohmy: #justsaying Sorry guys, I am in the business of making people wait! Last edited: 02/10/2015 at 05:13 by kaiwhara Log in to reply The following users said thank you: larsht, Temple Meads, BarryM, Andrew G, Trainfan344 |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 07:02 #76429 | |
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LMK
133 posts |
" said:" said:Hmmm maybe that's why I said 'I feel like I can' not 'I can'" said:Having been a Real Signaller myself, I do wonder how much he underestimates his ability to actually do the job, with real trains, real track, real world weather events, real power failures, real points failures, real cows on the track, real track workers, and real coffee machines?Remember when I first started out on SimSig multiplayer? I was terrible! But now (after only a months practice) I feel like I can work for a real life signalling centre.:ohmy: #justsaying Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 07:08 #76430 | |
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kaiwhara
587 posts |
" said:Clearly understood. It paints the picture of overconfidence though. Being confident is one thing. Being Competent is something totally different. Believe me, Simsig is great, but the real world is quite a bit different. I don't believe you have understood that. Sorry guys, I am in the business of making people wait! Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 07:08 #76431 | |
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Andrew G
552 posts |
" said:I think you are making my own point for me. If you aren't in the right frame of mind then you shouldn't join a session in the first place or you should leave if you start to feel tired. Some interesting points raised - the reason for the original post was to generate some debate - thanks to everybody who has posted - even if we don't all agree. Last edited: 02/10/2015 at 07:08 by Andrew G Log in to reply The following users said thank you: JamesN, Temple Meads |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 09:15 #76432 | |
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kbarber
1742 posts |
" said:coffee machines? ???????? In a signalbox??????? Explains a lot... the job always used to be done on tea.  Eee, folk these days don't know they're born. [/Monty Python] Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Forest Pines |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 09:25 #76433 | |
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kaiwhara
587 posts |
" said:" said:I live in New Zealand mate. I don't pretend to know how to brew a proper British Cup of Tea. In fact a couple of my ex pat British Colleagues (one an ex TPE driver, another an ex Colas and Thameslink driver) had great pleasure in telling me I was doing it all wrong! I gave up in the end... :whistle:coffee machines? Sorry guys, I am in the business of making people wait! Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 09:30 #76434 | |
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RainbowNines
272 posts |
Yes it might only be a simulation but if working co-operatively in anything real or Simulated I'd feel the need to do a good job for my "teammates". I've played SimSig for quite a long time and certainly feel confident I could do a job on a MP session but I've never joined one. I guess Im a fairly casual player. I often play on a Friday eve after a long week of work, and I might have other distractions like the football, nipping to the fridge or (God forbid) her indoors wanting to discuss something. I wouldnt want to let others I was playing with down because my head wasn't properly in it! Log in to reply |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 10:44 #76438 | |
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Trainfan344
262 posts |
" said:" said:Tea Bag, Hot Water, then milk, not that difficult is it?!" said:I live in New Zealand mate. I don't pretend to know how to brew a proper British Cup of Tea. In fact a couple of my ex pat British Colleagues (one an ex TPE driver, another an ex Colas and Thameslink driver) had great pleasure in telling me I was doing it all wrong! I gave up in the end... :whistle:coffee machines? Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Ar88 |
| Attention Levels 02/10/2015 at 10:46 #76439 | |
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Andrew G
552 posts |
" said:You need one of these on the door for your computer room: Last edited: 02/10/2015 at 10:46 by Andrew G Log in to reply |