Train Shunting Puzzle Article Index for
Train
Website Links For
Train
 

Information About

Train Shunting Puzzle




Shunting puzzles usually consist of a specific track layout, a set of initial conditions (typically the starting place of each item of Rolling Stock ), a defined goal (the finishing place of each rolling stock item), and rules which must be obeyed while performing the shunting operations.

There are often constraints such as making the minimum number of couplings and uncouplings, or making the minimum number of junction direction changes, or completing the puzzle within a specified time limit.

Other important factors may include the lengths of tracks limiting the number of vehicles which can be placed along them. Some shunting puzzles allow certain types of rolling stock to navigate a particular section of track but not other types of rolling stock, for example a Locomotive might not be allowed below a low bridge whereas Wagons are allowed; or a particularly heavy wagon might not be allowed across a weak bridge.

Two of the best known model railway train shunting puzzles are Alan Wright's " Inglenook Sidings " and John Allen's " Timesaver ".

Some train shunting puzzles have been developed as add-ons for railway simulator programs including Auran's Trainz and Microsoft Train Simulator .


EXTERNAL LINKS

  • Gartriage - an abstract railway shunting puzzle game. Freeware.

  • Model Railways Shunting Puzzles - including Inglenook Sidings and Timesaver.

  • NRICH shunting puzzle - freeware.

  • RailwayStation.com - Timesaver layout for Microsoft Train Simulator. Freeware.

  • Razorback Railway - The Living Railway scenarios for Auran's Trainz Railway Simulator 2004 (TRS2004) program, which include some shunting puzzles (freeware with voluntary donation). Also the Razorback Shunt layout and its associated shunting puzzle scenarios also for TRS2004 (currently in development; available to subscribers only). This will include Inglenook Sidings and Timesaver.