Version 3 of the Shipper-driven Traffic Simulator (STS) has been available for a while, but I just finished some "How-to" videos that will help with the database set up process and using STS during an operating session. There are seven videos in all. So far.

1. Introduction to STS - Some background information on the software
2. Starting the setup - Entering information into the database about commodities, car types, stations, and locations
3. Continuing the setup - Entering information about shipments and each of your cars
4. Finishing the setup - Entering information about jobs (trains) and routing instructions for station personnel
5. Before operations tasks - What needs to be done before starting an operating session
6. During operations tasks - Building switchlists for pickups at each station and how crews pick up and set out cars
7. After operations tasks - Completing the loading and unloading of cars and releasing empty cars for use

These videos can be found by clicking here so if you've just started working with STS, or if you thought about it but haven't given it a try yet, check out the videos. For those of you who are already using STS, the videos might also give you some ideas about things you haven't tried yet. (BTW - I've sent this information to everyone who's eMail address that I have on file.)

Just as a reminder, STS is free and open source software that is basically an enhanced electronic version of the traditional two-sided car card/waybill system. It runs on Windows, Apple OS, and Linux computers and can be found at that same link as the videos. It's a real-time, multi-user system that can provide on-line or printed switchlists and waybills. If you have questions, please contact me via eMail or through MRH's contact system and I'll back to you ASAP.