A TrainPlayer Game is a special kind of layout set up for the user to "play" -- to follow instructions, carry out switching tasks, deliver cars to their destinations. Most of the game layouts are scripted, meaning they are programmed to automatically provide instructions, monitor progress, and give a reward when the job is done.

If you would like to learn how these games work or create some yourself, you'll find lots of reading matter on the TrainPlayer Scripting Page. 

To find the layouts listed below, open the Layout Chooser (File > Open Layout) and look under Games or Switches and Puzzles.  If you don't find what you want, go to the Web tab and see what is available for download.

Switch Games

Scripted Switch Games

The design intent behind Switch Games was to provide TrainPlayer users with a variety of realistic switching scenarios upon which they could build their shunting skills and for pure enjoyment. The main difference between Switch Games and traditional OPS in TrainPlayer is that with Switch Games, we use custom car labels and industry limit markers to guide your actions without requiring you to juggle multiple screens to find your switch list or car listings. Everything you need to complete the task in Switch Games is on screen for you. 

From the chart you will see that the majority of the games are rated at a skill level from medium to challenging in terms of the complexity of the moves required to successfully achieve your prize – a cherished Tee shirt! Several of the games feature multiple engines, each with their own switching assignments and others will include a scripted train which will either bring a cut of cars to you to shift about, or they are running to a scripted schedule and creating “interference” for you while you try to complete your switching task.

Directed Operations Generator [ DOG ] Games

The DOG games are the direct descendant of Switch Games and would not have been possible without the skills developed for those earlier versions.  The main difference with DOG games is that the number of scenarios which you can run from one layout are literally limited only by how long you wish to keep playing the same layout.  Most of the DOG games have in fact been tested out over a minimum of 4 scenarios per game to a maximum of 15 scenarios , all checked and verified.  While we have worked hard to ensure that each scenario that is offered on a DOG layout can be successfully completed, there may be some scenarios where, due to the random nature of the waybill generator we use, you will not have sufficient siding capacity to complete your assignment.  But, here’s where another strong feature of DOG games comes into play, you can SAVE your progress on your chosen layout and you can always re-start that layout from your saved position and try a new switching challenge.

We have had a good deal of fun developing a “Dog House” of subroutines which houses subroutines called TopDog, GoodDog, BloodHound, BullDog, PuppyDog – you get the idea.  And of course, when you solve a puzzle, you win, that’s right – a DogBone!  We hope you enjoy the DOG games and that you will be howling with pleasure while you play along.

 Older Scripts and Puzzles

Switch Puzzles, Scripted Layouts, Scripting Examples

Under Layouts\Scripts and Puzzles are three subfolders of layouts with scripts developed at various times and at various levels of sophistication.  Most are enjoyable to run and serve as useful examples for students of scripting.