First of all thank you Brian (Henry Parrot) for setting up a sub forum. It makes it so much easier to separate topics.

I would like to discuss if it is both possible ( I guess thats for Bob, Jeff and the Mods) and desirable (I guess thats the guys I consider my cyber mates, even though we have never met,: Matt,Geoff, Max, Pete et al) to revamp the tutorial to make it easier to access  

A number of you have been very kind about the tutorial but because it is one long thread it is quite difficult to find a particular topic……I suspect I may have annoyed Max from time to time with this

Secondly it reflects my own interests/knowledge so there is very sketchy treatment of function buttons, lights, sound and signals. Some of these topics have been dealt with in a more depth and in a much clearer fashion in the general thread (some of Matt and Pete's explanations, for instance, are way better than mine). The problem is that thread is enormous and even more difficult to drill into

Would it be possible to start a second sub forum headed "RR & Co Tutorial and FAQs" ?  I would then repost (there may be a quicker method) each of my original messages…..splitting some of them into more definable sections……each with clearly defined titles " LAYING THE TRACK"   "SETTING UP A BLOCK"   "STOP MARKERS" etc

While doing so I would take the opportunity to correct the many typos and add additional clarification paras where needed. Once each section was posted the group could critique and we could finalise a fairly clear and definitive version  

There are so many different ways  of dealing with issues in RR&Co there would still be a very active general thread (I would be lost without it) but it would eliminate some repetition and newcomers would, I think, find it easier to read beforebposting a query

What do you think guys?

 

 

 

 

John it is possible to set up a another Sub forum but thats Bobs decision really as it does add yet another title in the list.

Basically as its one big thread your tutorial one what you would have to do is create a new topic in the section then copy and paste the relevant data into the new thread its possible to move entire threads but not individual posts or parts of posts so it will be copy and paste or retype.

Brian

I'm in John, we can post threads as chapters and all chip in if necessary based on our experiences if you want.  I just hope you can cut and paste the tute into the relevant threads or are you planning a major overall of that as well.

I am willing to write a share of the threads/chapters if you want but would rather send them to you for vetting and publication.

Go for it boss it will be a cracking guide with screen shot walkthroughs etc. just task me.

Thanks Brian……….I wasnt sure who I had to ask. Should I PM Bob?

If he agrees I am quite happy to copy and paste to make individual posts

Kind Regards 

In hand John i have already done that

Brian

[user=450]wogga[/user] wrote:

I'm in John, we can post threads as chapters and all chip in if necessary based on our experiences if you want.  I just hope you can cut and paste the tute into the relevant threads or are you planning a major overall of that as well.

I am willing to write a share of the threads/chapters if you want but would rather send them to you for vetting and publication.

Go for it boss it will be a cracking guide with screen shot walkthroughs etc. just task me.

Thanks Pete for the encouraging words:thumbs 

If Bob agrees I would love to have your help……..my screen shots and paintshop circles are pretty amateurish……I had visualised this as a collective effort,

My idea was to copy each post in the Tute and paste it or parts of it as a new thread within the new subforum. I would edit out some of my topical/facetious references, maybe clean up the narrative a bit and then post it. You guys could then critique it and add improved visuals……and finally we would finish with one definitive version…….a bit loosey goosey but some mosus operandi will emerge

Thanks again for your support……….we will wait to here from the Boss :cheers   

I have added the extra section as asked for but have had to improvise on the text. Just let me know if you want to change it.

I thought it better to reply to Brian in this thread and then all the ideas are kept together

[user=449]brianpr1[/user] wrote:

Hi John,

I hesitate to jump in here because I'm working hard to get track laid and wired before spending more time on TC,  so I'm way behind everyone else, but….  I like the idea of a list of FAQs either attached to the tutorial or stand alone, especially if it's arranged in topics, sub topics etc. and I assume we could all chip in with our own FAQs (and answers) rather than leave all the work to you.

The other thing I would find helpful is a sort of parallel listing, but starting at the other end of a topic. Taking a specific example, you mention Action Indicators for triggering, amongst other things, signals. I think it would be useful to have a topic "Ways to operate signals" which could go into different ways of using the software, including Action Indicators and VCs, to set up signal aspects, signal and turnout interlocking, route protection etc. and this way of doing it could apply to other topics. You already have this sort of approach in the tutorial in the sections on running around the train and a couple of other areas and there are lots of other "how to" topics to cover.

They are both very good points Brian…………….I am trying to get my head around the most effective way of identifying topics without cluttering up the system with sub forums

FAQs I guess these could be one single thread in the tutorial 

How to Topics………. the weakness of the tutorial (and perhaps its strength) is its rather singleminded approach in achieving  a loco run around and complete neglect of other facets of operation…………..perhaps when editing the tutorial the first part shouls focus on the fundamentals……..blocks  schedules etc then a series of how tos  of which the run around would be just one  

Lots to think about

Regards

 

[user=2]Robert[/user] wrote:

I have added the extra section as asked for but have had to improvise on the text. Just let me know if you want to change it.

Thats perfect………….thank you so much Bob

Kind Regards

When you decide between you how you are going to lay it out bear in mind whoever creates each post they can edit it but you cant edit each others if that is required you will need to contact one of the moderators to change things or edit titles etc.

Think about it all first it could save you all a great deal of wasted time

Brian

Brian …..Thanks for getting such a quick response from Bob :thumbs

I take your point about editing and moving controls…….the last thing I want to do is be constantly pestering the moderators.

I have been struggling to work out the best way of doing this. I thought I could start by posting my initial revised version in the Tutorial/FAQ sub forum (which should be a sticky). Then I could copy and post this in the general RR&Co Forum and the guys could quote and edit it there and then when we had a consensus I could replace my initial post in the FAQ sub forum 

Would this work? Its a bit cumbersome and creates some duplication but enables us to involve everyone. I could save some duplication by posting in the FAQ and only posting an editable (in the sense of quotes/replies) version if requested to do so.

Once we get the original tutorial set up in this fashion we can then work out how to deal with new topics

I do appreciate your advice and input in guiding us through this 

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I was annoyed, John.  If I was, it was at myself for not having the wear with all to understand.  It's a giant subject and you (and Pete, Matt, Geoff,et al), got me through.   :thumbs

Morning Max………….I was only joking!

But it helped make my point……..some of the stuff had been written about already but it too long to find so had to be repeated which was frustrating for both of us

Kind Regards

No wurries, John.  As a relatively experienced member I have found that over time, explanations have to repeated as new members come on board.  I wouldn't worry too much about the to an fro - it's a nice part of this forum.  I hate to think how big it is now, so things do get buried.

You have my complete support in this very worthy endeavour.  If I can help in any small way I'll be jumping in.  :cool wink

[user=269]MaxSouthOz[/user] wrote:

You have my complete support in this very worthy endeavour.  If I can help in any small way I'll be jumping in.  :cool wink

Thanks Max I have you down for sound and shunting so far

To all:

I have posted the first segment of the tutorial……just the intro and download which I have cleaned up and updated………comments appreciated

Now I am on a roll I may try track laying tonight………..only 12 more posts and I have hit 500………..long way to go to catch most of you though :cheers

Regards

I have posted the track and point section

Comments would be much appreciated

Its only the second section so I have kept it pretty simple…….I still only talk about two tabs on point properties for instance

There will be a separate section on connecting the digital system and now with a separate heading it should be easy to find…….Max and I should have fun writing that 

 but I havent talked about how the points are connected to a point decoder…………..should I? I would prefer not to because its covered in the DCC forum

Any other points(sorry)?…………..I am happy to substitute better (which wont be difficult) graphics

Kind Regards

 

 

 

[user=434]John Dew[/user] wrote:

 but I havent talked about how the points are connected to a point decoder…………..should I? I would prefer not to because its covered in the DCC forum

Any other points(sorry)?…………..I am happy to substitute better (which wont be difficult) graphics

Kind Regards

 

 

 

Good point John, most people are going to have a variety of systems and we must assume that new peeps have a DCC layout already and they are taking the first steps in computer control.

If they do not have a DCC setup, i don't think it would too rude to politely direct them elsewhere on the forum oherwise there is the risk of muddying the waters again if we discuss DCC setting up in RR&Co.

Mods and members do you have a problem with this comment? Does it sound elitist? its not meant too:hmm