ZX Spectrum Train Simulation games by Dee-Kay Systems

[Three-Nine]

As some of you may know, a company recently released an updated version of the classic Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer. Whilst engaged in an ultimately futile hunt for one the other day (out of stock until at least March apparently, I knew I should have ordered before Christmas!), by chance I stumbled across this:

Network Exeter at Spectrum Computing - Sinclair ZX Spectrum games, software and hardware

Network Exeter for ZX-Spectrum 48K (Dee-Kay Systems/UK, 1988)

spectrumcomputing.co.uk

Although there were a number of train simulation games on the Spectrum (the most well known is probably "Southern Belle" by Hewson Consultants Ltd), this company appears to have been quite prolific:

Spectrum Computing - ZX Spectrum games, software and hardware

Spectrum Computing, a database of Sinclair ZX Spectrum games, software and hardware

spectrumcomputing.co.uk

As the simulations appear to be largely text-based I'm guessing that they were largely written in BASIC. They even appear to have released a number of what I can only describe as "Rail Enthusiast Simulators", with in-game "stats" including "Hungry", "Sleepy" and "Filthy"!

Please note that I am much more into the videogame side of things than the actual subject matter of these, but I though it might be interesting for some of you - perhaps you even owned and played one of the titles back in the day?

 

[150219]

I owned quite a few of the ZX Spectrum simulations produced by Ashley Greenup. If I recall correctly, they were split between the driving sims and signalling.

The signalling ones were quite entertaining because it required a lot of input and had some good visuals (for the time!).

I'm now staggered at my own patience levels for the driving sims, because the visual interpretation was a black screen and the driving desk controls. The only indication you were passing locations or approaching stations was the change of text to say so. They still required sustained attention though, because the speed of the train would soon run away if you weren't paying attention. The first few times resulted in burnt out brake blocks on the 50's on the Waterloo-Exeter trips too!

 

[Trackman]

Think I had an ST or an Amiga in 1988 so missed it, although I did have a+2 and +3 tucked away.

Anyone used the modern 'Hellfire' rover simulator?
link:

Railrover.co.uk

I think £25 is a bit a steep, would pay £10 though... just depends on how good it is, so looking for reviews.

 

[PG]

As the simulations appear to be largely text-based I'm guessing that they were largely written in BASIC.

Certainly the ones I used on the BBC micro were written in BASIC. From a programming perspective they were a good example of unstructured programming, plenty of GOTOs which made following the flow a bit of a handful!

 

[Trackman]

Certainly the ones I used on the BBC micro were written in BASIC. From a programming perspective they were a good example of unstructured programming, plenty of GOTOs which made following the flow a bit of a handful!

Just ran one, it is in BASIC.

 

[Three-Nine]

Thanks for confirming that these were written in BASIC!

 

[foggy69]

I owned quite a few of the ZX Spectrum simulations produced by Ashley Greenup. If I recall correctly, they were split between the driving sims and signalling.

The signalling ones were quite entertaining because it required a lot of input and had some good visuals (for the time!).

I'm now staggered at my own patience levels for the driving sims, because the visual interpretation was a black screen and the driving desk controls. The only indication you were passing locations or approaching stations was the change of text to say so. They still required sustained attention though, because the speed of the train would soon run away if you weren't paying attention. The first few times resulted in burnt out brake blocks on the 50's on the Waterloo-Exeter trips too!

I was lucky enough to get The Spectrum for Christmas, and have been trying out some of the games.
I have still got the tapes for some of the Ashley Greenup signalling and driving Sims, but I don't have any paperwork for them. Does anybody have the instructions specifically for the driving Sims as I think I have worked out how to use the signalling Sims
I found the

 

[150219]

I will still have the cassettes but they are boxed up and take a lot of moving to get to, because I don't know which box they're in. The beauty of the Spectrum however is that it shouldn't take a lot of working out by pressing each letter in turn and seeing what happens.

 

[PG]

Does anybody have the instructions specifically for the driving Sims

Off the top of my head, so the passage of time may have affected my memory, I believe these were the keys:

Power controller
> notch up
< notch down

Brake controller
A increase step
Z decrease step

AWS
Space acknowledge warning

 

[foggy69]

Off the top of my head, so the passage of time may have affected my memory, I believe these were the keys:

Power controller
> notch up
< notch down

Brake controller
A increase step
Z decrease step

AWS
Space acknowledge warning

After lots of key prodding, as they are not the most responsive of games, the keys are
Power notch up K
Power notch down O
Brake increase Q
Brake decrease A
AWS P

Despite the extremely rudimentary graphics, the game is surprisingly enjoyable.

 

[150219]

The inlays are blank unfortunately, so the keys must have been on a separate letter. I seem to remember the signalling was worked via a text entry and exit system.

 

[MarkWi72]

Ah! I had Southern Belle and Royal Scot. I also recall a signalling one based on the old Rugby PSB.