New train cars visualization quantity with signals & train stations

Jon8RFC · Post by **Jon8RFC** » Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:06 pm

TL;DR

Show some type of numerical indicator when placing new signals/stations, for how many train cars can fit between signals/stations.

What ?

When placing a new signal or train station (or ghost), numerically display how many train cars (regardless of type) can fit between the potential placement, and the next signal/station before or after it.

Having the numbers rotate with different arrow directions would solve the "does left mean up or down". I'm not a UI/UX guy, so I don't have a suggested solution for how to implement that, unfortunately.

Why ?

Visual feedback is king.

This makes adjusting things on-the-fly much easier, especially for long trains and/or signals which go off screen. It allows for visualizing things more easily and quickly.

It'd be especially helpful for signals in front, so that you don't have to plan things out in a specific direction or meticulously down to the singular rail placement. Lay it out, place the signals, then add a track or two if necessary at the end.

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: both.jpg (358.8 KiB) Viewed 3146 times

Hive · Post by **Hive** » Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:28 pm

Could be also a number like tiles beetween last and to set signal. that would be helpful not only for planing a station but also to place signals on a track that made sure there is enough space between each signal for a train. For straight tracks it is easy to make a short blueprint and carry that around, but for a curve its a little bit annoying. So i like the suggestion.

I think a mod should work to achive that to show how useful it is.

darkfrei · Post by **darkfrei** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 6:19 am

It can be done as mod in 0.17!

BlueTemplar · Post by **BlueTemplar** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:03 am

It can even be done as a mod in 0.16 ! ( And was

)

Chrisi · Post by **Chrisi** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 6:04 am

I didn't even know I needed this until I read your suggestion.
This would be an amazing addition to the ALT view mode or when hovering over a rail signal/train stop.

Jon8RFC · Post by **Jon8RFC** » Wed Feb 27, 2019 12:59 am

Thank you for adding more train cars to the display in 0.17.0!!!

irbork · Post by **irbork** » Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:40 pm

I need this to happen!!!

irbork · Post by **irbork** » Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:42 pm

I mean numeric amount of cars somewhere where the cursor is. Because I can't see all displayed cars on the screen for lengths over 8.

BlueTemplar · Post by **BlueTemplar** » Sat Jul 13, 2019 6:45 pm

Well, looks like the mod has been updated to 0.17 ?

Post by **ssilk** » Sun Jul 21, 2019 2:07 am

To the rail tools mod: tested about half year ago, removed it, too many bugs.

Jon8RFC · Post by **Jon8RFC** » Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:55 pm

Edited for clarity (I hope), and added a better image.

Boskid, any interest in this for 1.2 while you're poking around with the train stuff?

FuryoftheStars · Post by **FuryoftheStars** » Wed Apr 20, 2022 10:36 pm

This would be very nice and helpful to have!

VampireSilence · Post by **VampireSilence** » Thu Apr 21, 2022 9:26 am

I would really love to have this. Never counting cars by hand again.

AileTheAlien · Post by **AileTheAlien** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:32 pm

I was actually going to post a similar suggestion, to add the numbers to the existing train-length visualization when placing signals or stations. But this one's even better, because I can't see the end of the train if I'm not zoomed out, or using very long trains. Would love to see this in the game!

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