Introduction

This is a version of the classic two trains meeting problem. The mathematics is well define and documented (search the web). Project #1 is fixed but Project #2 turns it into a game.

Project #1

When do two trains get to CHI (Chicago)? One from LA (Los Angles) and one from NY (New York).

Calculate and display

• when (UTC date/time) does each train arrive in Chicago?
• how long was their trip (hours/minutes)?
• what is the difference between the arrival times?
• display the arrival times in local Chicago time
• display any other pertinent information

Train #1 LA to CHI
2016.4	(miles)	distance from Los Angles to Chicago
2024-03-09T02:10:00 ISO 8601 Format (YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss)	(UTC)	Departure time from LA
55	(mph)	average speed
Train #2 NY to CHI
789.8	(miles)	distance from New York to Chicago
2024-03-09T14:30:10 ISO 8601 Format (YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss)	(UTC)	Departure time from NY
35	(mph)	average speed

Definition: ISO 8601 - International Time/Date Format

For more information about Python and UTC

• Coordinated Universal Time (Wikipedia)
• see the Python dateutil library
• see the Python datetime module (search for fromisoformat?)
• write your own conversion functions (use regexp?)

Question: Why use UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and not local time?

Project #2

Create an interactive program that lets the user adjust values so the trains arrive in Chicago within 5 minutes of each other.

• adjust the departure date/time (UTC) for each train
• define the average speed of each train (10-60 MPH)
• compute and display pertinent information
• did the user meet the arrival time requirement?
• loop

Use a simple menu.

Google "train speeds in America" for information on actual train speeds. Display this information to the user?

Project #3

Change project #2

• set train #2 departure time (CHI to NY)
• set train #1 departure time (LA to CHI)
• train #1 must arrive in CHI with enough time to change trains (45 min?)
• what time does train #2 arrive in NY (UTC and NY Local time)
• how long does the trip take (hh:mm)
• add an extra requirement? show all times in UTC and local time

Project #4

Convert project #2 to a GUI.

Project #5

Create an interactive program that lets the user:

• define two departure locations and one arrival location (Google the distances)
• adjust the starting date/time (UTC) for each train
• define the average speed of each train (10-60 MPH)
• define the maximum arrival time difference allowed
• compute and display pertinent information
• did the user meet the arrival time requirement?
• loop

How about adding individual legs to each train's path (e.g. LA to Denver to Kansas City to Chicago). Different speeds on each leg?

Project #6

Add metric distances and speeds to the program(s). Let the user select the units to be used/displayed. (Perhaps both?)

Project #7

Animate the trip.

Project #8

Assume the trains start at the same time and the train goes thru CHI and does not stop. What is the distance from LA, CHI, and NY will the trains meet?