Thread:TheRealPella/@comment-5275054-20150317154350/@comment-26090008-20150324213447

This page is really cool. (I've just now gotten a chance to really look through it). The Runner Coach example answers a question I have had about the game. I have always wondered how exactly the game calculates the application of multiple bonuses: additive vs multiplicative. Not sure if that's the right terminology, but what I mean is: suppose you have base capacity of 235 people, plus a wagon bonus of 30%, plus a set bonus of 45% plus a loco bonus of 40% (I'm using the runner example). What is the overall equivalent capacity? Two possibilities:

a) (multiplicative) (235)(1.3)(1.45)(1.4) = 620 or

b) (additive) (235)(2.15) = 505 (big difference!!)

Either of these two methods are equally mathematically valid, so it is not at all immediately obvious which one PF would actually employ, so its worth figuring it out. Sure, I'm good with math and I could have done some experimenting myself, but you have answered this for me! I think this is a very important piece of information to know, so its good we know the proper mathematics.

Why is this important? Well, before I blow 35 million-plus and  on today's special offer, I need to see if its really better than the best big-power pax set I already own (AGV I). So how do I figure this out? Fire up Excel or the trusty TI-83 and do some math! Knowing the right formula to use is key.

OK so maybe the AGV I vs today's special offer is a bad example. You don't really need math to figure this one out, just logic. Consider for the RegioPanter: a) Loco power is 1 more than AGV. b) Best non-gem wagon (the tail) has higher base capacity and higher multiplier c) Same for next-best non-gem wagon. d) Hence, the total equivalent capacity must be higher. However, consider a non-obvious example, maybe Loco A has more power but Loco B's cars have better multiplier. Which set is, on net, better? Knowing exactly how multipliers are used is key. There's still plenty of value in knowing the exact number. Plus I'm a math guy so I always want the numbers :)

OK, long-winded way of saying cool page.