Transport Tycoon Forums

XeryusTC wrote: And maybe the new technologies could only be applied to new build trains, so if you have a 5 year old train, it wouldn't get the newest technologies, you would have to replace it with a new one or take it out of operation for a few months to revise the parts that can be upgraded.

* Carries on dreaming *

As per real life - I like it dudes!

just to expand om my idea, OPTIONS in the options bit, make it possible to switchg between
1)follow timeline to the letter
2)follow timeline closely - research only affects time of discovery of technology by a couple of years either way
3) loose following of timeline - technology up to 5-10 years early (very expensive) and MUST be researched by investment in the area OR specific project, will not be aquired when the timeline says it should
4)Full control of R&D

plus, it should be renamed research and development, as investments into research and specific development projects based on existing technologies is the base of this idea

that reminds me, tech availability doesnt mean something has been designed based on it.

To really state my vision: I think it would be best if trains are released at their real life release dates/years, but you can get train "upgrades" by researching, so the engines get better stats when you have a certain engine upgrade installed.
This can also mean that some companies can have technologic advantages earlier than other companies, at the cost that something goes terribly wrong (engines blowing up). This would be some kind of beta for the newly researched technologies, other companies can also benefit from the technology, but only after the testing period (which only the investing company(s) get).

* Dreams on *

Hrm...
To purchase a vehicle (train/bus/truck/plane, etc) how about having three options.

Buy a "second hand" vehicle.
Buy previously designed vehicle.
Buy new vehicle.

When you buy a new vehicle you chose the specifications and the cost is automatically calculated for you. The cost will depend on the current industry standard, and thus if you want something which is 10% better you will have to fund the R&D into making it possible. (Thus it will be exponentially more expensive the further away from current technology you go).

In the background, research continues as per the real life time line and new real life vehicles appear as industry standard "previously designed vehicles".

I prefer a mix of A, B, C: Some technologies activate unlockeable without researching, some technologies improves the existing trains and you can point the researching to investigate before some / any of the others technologies.

In the vote I selected huge control because it gives a strategie touch to the game, besides moderate control is also good.

Locked until the DD discussion arrives at this issue.