New Train Recognition Website: What do you want to see?

[43074]

Hi all,

I am in the process of setting up a train recognition website, and am looking for any ideas to make the site as user friendly as possible. What is it that forums users would want to see or expect of a train recognition website. Feel free to PM me or leave any comments or ideas below.

In particular I am interested to find out what information people want to see about the trains generally, so I can tailor it to show the information people want to see.

This is very much a work in progress, with the site to go online approximately July/August 2013, but when it is complete I will be sure to shout about it.

A sample DMU menu page is attached below:

My intention is that you will click on the image of the train (which is labelled) to find out more about it.

 

[Manchester77]

Wow you have a big task i do look forward to this coming online though looks fab!

Perhaps on EMUs the SR style number eg Class 442 - 4-WES?

Also willit include all trains so first gen DMUs, 1959 style EMUs, old locos etc or just current stock?

 

[MCR247]

If its main intention is as a recognition site, it maybe be an idea to be able to chose a TOC and only stock from that TOC is shown


It does look very good, and I like the design

 

[gswindale]

Sounds like a challenge, so good luck with it.

I'd agree about the searching by TOC, but I'd be inclined to have a search by image option as well for those times when you might spot something but not sure which TOC it belongs to (front & side views maybe).

 

[43074]

I intend to expand it to include coaches at a later date, and possibly preserved examples of heritage multiple units. I might add a 'what might have been' section too, but my first priority is to get it up and running.

I'll see what I can do with TOC search. It is a challenge enough searching through my pics, yet alone compiling the information.

By the way, I require pics of Classes 314, 442 and 456 so if anyone has one or two I could use then please let me know.

 

[yorkie]

If its main intention is as a recognition site, it maybe be an idea to be able to chose a TOC and only stock from that TOC is shown


It does look very good, and I like the design

The best way forward would be to use a database, so people can choose by TOC or train type, etc. It would make it easier to maintain and avoid duplication. Static sites have had their day now I'd say.

 

[Class172]

I look forward to seeing more previews of this site; the initial preview looks very promising and the website looks very clearly designed. I would agree with the other members in that a search by TOC option would be very useful - as Yorkie suggests a database might be the way forward.

Will there be a selection of images for each class, perhaps showing all the various liveries featured on a class (perhaps more relevant on post-privatisation era trains)?

 

[Temple Meads]

I'd suggest interior and cab views if you have them or can get them.

If you need any images from the South West I have a vast amount I'd be happy for you to use.

 

[43074]

I look forward to seeing more previews of this site; the initial preview looks very promising and the website looks very clearly designed. I would agree with the other members in that a search by TOC option would be very useful - as Yorkie suggests a database might be the way forward.

Will there be a selection of images for each class, perhaps showing all the various liveries featured on a class (perhaps more relevant on post-privatisation era trains)?

I feel wikimedia commons may have to come into play for post privatisation liveries.

A TOC search feature seems popular, and upon feedback from members here I will include this when I have compiled all of my information regarding train types.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'd suggest interior and cab views if you have them or can get them.

If you need any images from the South West I have a vast amount I'd be happy for you to use.

I have a few cab views - less interior views, but I'll see what I can do.

Thank You for enabling me to use your pictures - If I require any South Western images, I will PM you when/if I need them.

 

[Temple Meads]

I feel wikimedia commons may have to come into play for post privatisation liveries.

A TOC search feature seems popular, and upon feedback from members here I will include this when I have compiled all of my information regarding train types.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I have a few cab views - less interior views, but I'll see what I can do.

Thank You for enabling me to use your pictures - If I require any South Western images, I will PM you when/if I need them.

Sounds good, if you look on my flickr you'll see that I have a few interior and cab views, and if you need something particular from the Southern end of the UK I can probably get an interior view.

 

[43074]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the layout of the rolling stock pages - what information do you want to see there?

 

[Temple Meads]

Seems great to me, having the links to the pages as a picture is a great idea, as if people only know the class they are searching for by name it saves them having to use a process of trail and error.

It looks good too.

 

[starrymarkb]

Wow you have a big task i do look forward to this coming online though looks fab!

Perhaps on EMUs the SR style number eg Class 442 - 4-WES?

Also willit include all trains so first gen DMUs, 1959 style EMUs, old locos etc or just current stock?

I don't think the 442s ever got a southern designation. Some enthusiasts try to apply one though (same as to the Desiros) but if the 442s have one why not the 455s?

 

[tsr]

perhaps on emus the sr style number eg class 442 - 4-wes?

It's 5WES!

 

[Manchester77]

It's 5WES!

Exactly why the website needs it

 

[Muzer]

I'd like to see fewer pacers

 

[newbryford]

You could always start with something like this:

http://www.railway-centre.com/traction-recognition.html

Cheers,
Mick

 

[D6975]

If you're going to use pictures as links, you may need to make some of them multiple pics as some units have been slightly altered by one TOC and not another, causing them to look quite different, sometimes exaggerated even further by the livery variation. SWT and Southern 455s spring to mind, it isn't immediately obvious to the uninitiated that they are the same class, exacerbated by the differing unit numbering conventions too.

 

[43074]

A Preview of the TOC recognition page:

(Still being edited hence the red lines beneath 'CrossCountry' and 'Turbostar'·)
Do let me know if there are any other details you would like to see here.

 

[ryan125hst]

It's looking good so far!

What I would like to see is the formation of each train but with an exterior and interior photograph of each carriage of the train, if possible.

You could also include the number of seats in total and per carriage, the number of and location of toilets (I'm sure Railway Centre have got this wrong for some trains!), and the catering provisions available e.g. a buffet counter in coach B and a small first class galley in coach D on Class 180's. Again you could include photographs where possible.

I hope that has given you some ideas!

 

[43074]

I will try and replicate something similar to this for all of the TOCs:

* DMS (D) denotes a Driving Motor Standard with Disabled persons facilities.

Each TOC page gives details of Seating Capacity, Train Formation, No. of trains in the fleet and an image to show the train. For anything more specific about any of the trains, e.g. operations, history, technical specs etc. I will hyperlink the train class column.
I don't intend to show a preview of every page as I make it, but it just gives an idea of each type of page for suggestions and improvements.