trains and trams sharing tracks -- bug or feature?

[hymie]

Greetings.

I tried searching for this question, but my google-fu is not strong.

I have a large tram system connecting about a dozen cities.  I've been thinking about replacing it with a train system, for the higher speed and capacity.  I've just discovered that trains and trams can share the same set of tracks/rails.  Is this a bug (something I should forget that I know) or a feature (something I can exploit without guilt)?

If it's a feature, is there a way that I can "share" a line between trains and trams?  Or do I have to create separate lines for trains and for trams, even though they share the same tracks and the same stations?

Thanks.

--hymie!

[topchrisher]

This is intentional behaviour.  As for whether or not you wish to exploit it, that is up to you.  Simutrans has few defined rules, so if you feel okay about running heavy rail vehicles on city streets, then go ahead.

Personally, it really depends on the context.  In your situation, since you're upgrading an existing rail system, I would feel less bad about using heavy rail vehicles on tram tracks than if I would about designing a system for that purpose.  That is: in my cities, it would serve as a middle-ground between trams and a subway.

Unfortunately, tram and train lines cannot be shared.

[Severous]

It is undocumented so I felt guilty about it at first.  But I believe in doing what ever you can and want..as long as its within the spirit of any competition or challenge you happen to taking part in.

The cost, maintenance and top speed or tram and train rails should be compared.  I think train tracks will allow higher top speeds yet be more costly to build. Tram tracks more costly to maintain.  Varies per pak set and with the track quality.  Overhead train cantenery can be used to electrify tram tracks..cheaper. Played with that in one of my goes of the July challenge.


This is pak.German. Its what I'm playing at the moment.