Automatic Railway Features

Hi Team!

I’ve had my eye on this addon for ages and I finally made the decision to buy it for my realm yesterday. It’s currently looking to be the best addon I’ve added to the server yet, and I’m incredibly satisfied with how it is looking.

I understand the potential limitations for something like this on Minecraft Bedrock Edition, but I was hoping that some of the following suggestions could make their way to the addon for the purpose of an automated rail network:

• Train Schedules (Similar to Create Mod)

Whilst there are blocks that can automate trains (station block, signals, etc), having pathfinding trains is the best way to accomplish train automation as it allows the player full control of a train’s journey. I would highly recommend using a similar model to the Create Mod as they do a great job of train scheduling. This would mean that some currently existing blocks/features may need to be slightly adjusted to allow for this feature (station blocks, trains, signals, etc) and potentially lead to the creation of additional features (turn-around points at the end of the line where passenger trains with two locomotives at the front and back change directions of travel). Train schedules should also have the option to repeat or only run once. Additionally as a fun feature, players can recruit villagers to drive trains (finally making nitwits useful lol).

• Chunk Loading Items/Carriages:

Upon first downloading the addon, I noticed that the train stopped moving after leaving player chunks (as entities tend to do in the game). I’d love to see the introduction of a craftable item that players can either insert into the inventory of a locomotive (or use to create a chunk loading carriage) that acts as a chunk loader. This will mean that trains can continue to operate away from players and therefore allowing for automation to exist in the addon.

• Speed Adjuster Blocks

Whilst I was testing the trains last night, I noted that only the train’s operator can toggle the speed of a train. I believe that a block (similar to the station block, but with an interactive GUI similar to the train speed adjustment interface) should be introduced to the addon that adjusts the trains speed after it passes over the top of it. This will make automation easier and look better especially when navigating tight turns and slowing into stations (since stopping at a station at max speed doesn’t look appealing lol). Additionally, the devs could also add a speed limit sign and potentially other railway signs for rail decor.

• Signal System Overhaul

Whilst I don’t expect this one to be addressed for a while, I’d like to see an improvement of the signal system for the addon to allow for automatic trains and an overall improved signal system. I find the current signal system a little basic for this addon (to the devs credit however, the addon is only a month old), so in the future I’d like to see a revamped signal model that is similar to the MTR (Minecraft Transit Railway) system. In this system, networks are divided into multiple sections through signal connectors and signal blocks. This system allows for signal sections to cover long distances and allow for players to adjust how they want to manage their network more effectively and efficiently. I’d strongly recommend looking at how MTR utilities its signal system, and look at implementing a similar system to this addon. If MTR’a system is too complex or difficult to implement, then I’d recommend Create Mod’s signalling system as a Plan B. As I mentioned before, I understand if this isn’t possible or if Bedrock has limited capabilities/resources.

• Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS)

This one is more of a little satisfier as opposed to the others. I know it’s been mentioned previously, but I’d like to see the information of the next inbound train at stations. It could accomplish this by reading the schedule of the next due train and projecting its information on a display. As previously mentioned, it would be useful to adjust the station block to a GUI interface that would allow players to edit the properties of the station such as its name. Especially on realms/servers, this feature would help people get from each corner of the map, especially new players and people unfamiliar with the map layout. It would also enhance station decor and improve the experience of the addon.

As previously mentioned I completely understand if there are limitations with Bedrock addons, so please feel free to make what you will of my suggestions. If you want to reach out and contact me directly regarding my enquiry, I’m in the discord server (@flaghawks4ever or OldFossAltAccount). I understand that the addon is just over a month old now, but I can see the vast potential that this addon has to offer and I’d like to offer my opinion to hopefully make a difference!

Thanks! 😄