when creating dynamic vehicle envelope (strangely called coach sweep), the methodology does not reflect the vehicle outlines. Passenger carriages and most locomotives have tapered nose configuration which drastically reduces dynamic envelope. Current definition creates a tube based on a single template which is inaccurate representation of real conditions and yields wrong output data, far exceeding the actual envelope. Specifically, when using for high speed rail vehicles or light rail vehicles. We need to be able to enter multiple templates at different points along the axis of the carriage. The previous generations of Power Rail (v8i) had an option to enter multiple templates/ create cross sections. Now this tool is missing. It would be critical to bring it back. It would be even better to add an option to import a vehicle horizontal plan/ outline, in combination with cross section- templates. Also, having an option for articulated vehicles such as Siemens S700 LRV which is very common. The VDE tool is becoming highly important and essential for our projects, and it must be done right.
| Civil Product Used | OpenRail Designer, OpenRail Overhead Line Designer |
I second this request. I am actively working on a yard design for light rail vehicle and I cannot use the Coach Sweep to get a realistic representation of the sweep of the vehicle as it does not allow for the nose taper to be modeled. These vehicles are specifically designed with a nose taper to reduce the sweep of the overhang, so it cannot be ignored. There were ways to make this work in InRoads, so it is disappointing to see it removed in the ORD. Also, it would be great if the program could handle the more complex movement of an articulated vehicle.