This week, we're looking at the Berlin route again. This time, we're focusing on platform monitoring during train dispatching. Many of you are already familiar with the system in Hamburg, where platform cameras display live footage on the left-hand screen in the DT5 cab. But how does it work in Berlin?
Using Mirrors and Monitors!
In Berlin, platform monitoring systems are permanently installed on the platform itself – in the form of mirrors and monitors. This is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at this system while also introducing a few more stations.
Schlesisches Tor
We begin at Schlesisches Tor, the first station after the terminus at Warschauer Straße. With its distinctive S-shape and preserved historic entrance building from the imperial era, it is one of the most recognisable stations on the line.
This station features monitors that use cameras to oversee the platform. However, not all monitors are the same – they come in different configurations, with one to three screens, and some are equipped with a glare shield for better visibility in sunlight.
Kottbusser Tor
Kottbusser Tor, located in the heart of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, features both an above-ground platform for the U1 line and an underground platform for the U8. The upper level is positioned at the centre of a large roundabout.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the mirrors mentioned earlier. This station has multiple mirrors on each side since shorter train sets stop earlier than longer ones. This means the placement of the mirrors had to align perfectly with the stop markers we introduced previously. One major challenge was setting the correct angles to ensure that train drivers have an optimal view from the cab.
Prinzenstraße
Like Kottbusser Tor, Prinzenstraße station is equipped with mirrors instead of monitors. It is located near the Prinzenbad, with its main entrance situated in an adjacent building connected to the station via a bridge over the street.
For SubwaySim 2, implementing the mirrors was a particular challenge. Until now, the player’s position never directly influenced what could be seen from a platform mirror’s perspective. Several iterations were needed to simulate mirror behaviour accurately while maintaining performance.
The best solution was to treat the mirrors similarly to the monitors by technically implementing them with cameras. This required tracking the player's position relative to the mirror to ensure realistic behaviour. A virtual camera now mimics the player’s viewpoint but in a mirrored reflection.
All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!
About SubwaySim 2
SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam or PlayStation Store wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/
Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!