Test Route

Index

Test Route introduction

Test Route description

Test Route download


Test Route Introduction

This test track has been developed to assist modellers to develop and test Open Rails physics parameters under common and reproducible conditions. To support this route a number of pieces of rolling stock have been developed and configured to work in Open rails, additionally a number of activities have been developed to demonstrate how to test some of the different aspects of the Open Rails physics, and are on the test page.

The test route also showcases extra features that have been incorporated into Open Rails, and demonstrates how these feature can be set up. For more detail on how to set up extra features go to the Route Design page.

If you wish to provide any feedback or suggest corrections, please use the Contact page. Please provide appropriate references.

Note: As the test route supports animated turntables, trying to open it with MSTS Route Editor may cause error messages due to inconsistencies with the TrackDatabase, and the TSection file. Refer to the section on TSections on the Route Design page if you wish to adjust the TSection file to utilise MSTS RE.

The test route below is designed for "normal" operations, and has a steepest gradient of 1 in 25 (4.0%). For geared steam locomotive which often operated on steeper gradients you may wish to use the Langley Vale Timber Tramway which has gradients of up to 14.4% ( 1 in 7 ).

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Test Route Description

The test track below has been set up with a series of interconnecting loops, with gradients as follows:

  • Long outer circuit - Level
  • Loop 1 - 1 in 100 (1.0%) and 1 in 40 (2.50%)
  • Loop 2 - 1 in 25 (4.0%) and 1 in 80 (1.25%)
  • Loop 3 - 1 in 33 (3.0%) and 1 in 50 (2.0%)
  • Loop 4 - 1 in 70 (1.43%)

A section of undulating track that rises and falls on a 1 in 50 (2%) gradient is included to test the effect of undulating track on stock.

The route has single and double track configuration with driving designed for left hand operation. A schematic of the route is shown in the figure below.

Test Route Schematic
Demonstration Features

For testing purposes, the route also demonstrates the following features as well:

The test route provides the following basic test conditions:

Standard paths

A standard set of paths has been created, including the following. These paths should be checked against their names (see Path details in RHS of OR options screen) to ensure that the correct path is selected. The path name is shown in bold in the following list, with the Starting station and Heading to station shown after it.

Braking -

Load Haulage - Climbing

Load Haulage - Starting on Gradient

Rolling

Level Running

Running through tunnels

Curve Tests

Turntables

Special

Additional paths can be created as required in Track Viewer, which is a contributed tool included with Open Rails.

Typically most tests will be undertaken in the 'Explorer' mode by selecting the relevant path and consist name, however some activities are available for testing specific functions. Refer to the Testing Page.

You will need to build consists with the correct loadings for the test required.

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Test Route Download

By default the route and associated rolling stock and activities will be installed in a folder C:\Open Rails - CTN Test Route. You may wish to change the folder if you wish. Note: This install contains non-standard track pieces so it is strongly recommended that the test route remains as a stand alone route installation.

CTN Test Route - 21MB (Version 9 - Updated Oct 2020 - Added Signalling for testing.)

Note: As the test route supports animated turntables, trying to open it with MSTS Route Editor may cause error messages due to inconsistencies with the TrackDatabase, and the TSection file. Refer to the section on TSections on the Route Design page if you wish to adjust the TSection file to utilise MSTS RE.

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