Train shunting puzzle
Encyclopedia
Train shunting puzzles, also often called railway shunting puzzles or railroad switching puzzles, are a type of transport 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.
Some train shunting puzzles have been developed as add-ons for railway simulator computer programs such as Auran's Trainz
and Microsoft Train Simulator
.
Transport puzzle
Transport puzzles are logistical puzzles, which often represent real-life transport problems.-Description:In transport puzzles you move persons and/or objects through a given landscape. As in rearrangement puzzles, no piece is ever lost or added to the board...
.
Shunting puzzles usually consist of a specific track layout, a set of initial conditions (typically the starting place of each item of rolling stock
Rolling stock
Rolling stock comprises all the vehicles that move on a railway. It usually includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, for example locomotives, railroad cars, coaches and wagons...
), 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
Locomotive
A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. The word originates from the Latin loco – "from a place", ablative of locus, "place" + Medieval Latin motivus, "causing motion", and is a shortened form of the term locomotive engine, first used in the early 19th...
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.
Some train shunting puzzles have been developed as add-ons for railway simulator computer programs such as Auran's Trainz
Trainz
Trainz is a series of 3D train simulator computer games developed by Australian game developer N3V Games . First released in 2001, the series has a large online community that creates and shares user-created content. The game has been released in several versions, including localized versions...
and Microsoft Train Simulator
Microsoft Train Simulator
Microsoft Train Simulator is a train simulator for Microsoft Windows, released in July 2001 and developed by UK based Kuju Entertainment, and is available for purchase through Amazon.com.-Gameplay:...
.
Categories
Shunting puzzles tend to fall into the following categories, but this list is not intended to be exhaustive:- Build up a train (known as a "consist" in Australian and North American railway terminology) in a specified order, pickup up rolling stock from various locations such as sidings.
- Decompose a train, placing rolling stock items in specified locations.
- Devise the optimum sequence of rolling stock items in a train, so that it can be efficiently assembled at its starting point and decomposed at its destination(s).
- Devise a means by which two long trains can pass each other on a single track, for example the double saw-by manoeuvre at a passing loopPassing loopA passing loop is a place on a single line railway or tramway, often located at a station, where trains or trams in opposing directions can pass each other. Trains/trams in the same direction can also overtake, providing that the signalling arrangement allows it...
, used when both of the trains are too long to fit into the loop. It may or may not be required to maintain the original sequence of rolling stock in each train. - Run a locomotive around its passenger carriages at a terminus ready for the return journey.
- Reverse the direction of a train, for example at a wyeWye (railroad)A wye or triangular junction, in rail terminology, is a triangular shaped arrangement of rail tracks with a switch or set of points at each corner. In mainline railroads, this can be used at a rail junction, where three rail lines join, in order to allow trains to pass from any line to any other...
where the train is too long to fit into any of the individual sections of track.
Examples
Two of the best known model railway train shunting puzzles are:- Alan Wright's "Inglenook SidingsInglenook SidingsInglenook Sidings, created by Alan Wright , is a well-known model railway train shunting puzzle. It consists of a specific track layout, a set of initial conditions, a defined goal, and rules which must be obeyed while performing the shunting operations.-Details:The track is based on Kilham...
" - John Allen's "TimesaverTimesaverTimesaver is a well-known model railroad train shunting puzzle created by John Allen. It consists of a specific track layout, a set of initial conditions, a defined goal, and rules which must be obeyed while performing the shunting operations....
".
External links
- Model Railways Shunting Puzzles Includes full descriptions of Inglenook Sidings and Timesaver.
- nrich - Shunting Puzzle
- TrainPuzzle Classic Shunting puzzles as computer game
- Railroad Shunting Puzzle Flash game about shunting puzzles