Can't unlock train missions

[Eselbeus 0]

Hey! I have 3+ passenger and freight train stations. The passenger train stations are in use and people use them to commute. Just have regular SC4 installed with Rush Hour, no mods. I have yet to see an actual train or have any train u-drive it missions show up. Anyone know what's going on there? I've never had a car ferry mission either. I've played multiple cities. Still nothing.

[CorinaMarie 29,614]

Hiya, @Eselbeus. Welcome to Simtropolis.

I did some searching (since I don't use the missions myself) and I've not found anything about them not appearing. Until the experts get here with the answers you need here're a couple of topics that might be interesting:

• U-drive it train missions
• U-Drive It: Helpful Tips and Facts on Driving (pics are missing, but the info looks pretty good)

[CorinaMarie 29,614]

So, I did some more searching via Google. These two are unrelated to your question, but look like they might be interesting:

• UDI Unlock Kit
• Fire Plane UDI mission fix

[Cyclone Boom 16,909]

It's been a long while since I've played the UDI missions, though I recall there are requirements to trigger the missions. Similarly to unlock Rewards, with how they won't all be available from the outset. Taking a look at the Prima Strategy guide, it says there are 6 total missions for trains, with 2 each for freight, steam, and passenger.

Here's a formatted summary of each:

Super Seatbelt Fabric for Space Ships!

• Vehicle Required:  Freight Train
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Alignment:  Good
   
• Triggers:  At least 2 Freight Train Stations
• Success Result:  Partial unlock of Space Port Reward, 50 MR/8 tiles, $5,000
• Failure Result:  -30 MR/4 tiles, -$2,000
• Alternative Mission:  None

Train Station Tour

• Vehicle Required:  Freight Train
• Difficulty:  Medium
• Alignment:  Good
   
• Triggers:  At least 3 Freight Train Stations, More than 20 rail cells built
• Success Result:  Unlocks Grand Railroad Station Reward, 80 MR/16 tiles, $10,000
• Failure Result:  -40 MR/8 tiles, -$3,000
• Alternative Mission:  None

Sell Secret Rocket Formula

• Vehicle Required:  Steam Train
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Alignment:  Evil
   
• Triggers:  At least 1 Freight Train Station, At least 1 Deluxe Police Station, More than 20 rail cells built
• Success Result:  -40 MR/4 tiles, $10,000, partial unlock of Area 5.1 Business Deal
• Failure Result:  -20 MR/2 tiles, -$3,000
• Alternative Mission:  Train Ride for Rocket Formula

Train Ride for Rocket Formula

• Vehicle Required:  Steam Train
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Alignment:  Good
   
• Triggers:  At least 1 Freight Train Station, More than 20 rail cells built
• Success Result:  Partial unlock of Space Port Reward, 50 MR/8 tiles, $5,000
• Failure Result:  -30 MR/4 tiles, -$2,000
• Alternative Mission:  Sell Secret Rocket Formula

Hijack the Train

• Vehicle Required:  Passenger Train
• Difficulty:  Medium
• Alignment:  Evil
   
• Triggers:  At least 1 Passenger Train Station, At least 1 Deluxe Police Station, More than 30 rail cells built
• Success Result:  -60 MR/8 tiles, $20,000
• Failure Result:  -30 MR/4 tiles, -$6,000
• Alternative Mission:  Whistle Stop Tour

Whistle Stop Tour

• Vehicle Required:  Passenger Train
• Difficulty:  Medium
• Alignment:  Good
   
• Triggers:  At least 3 Passenger Rail Stations, More than 20 rail cells built
• Success Result:  Unlocks Tourist Trap Reward, 80 MR/16 tiles, $10,000
• Failure Result:  -40 MR/8 tiles, -$3,000
• Alternative Mission:  Hijack the Train

 

Although I haven't tested to ensure the info is accurate, based on this it'll be the "Triggers" stated above which are needed to be eligible to receive each mission. I imagine it may take a game month or so for them to unlock after each is met, since the game processes things in cycles. Give cheetah speed a try if it doesn't happen immediately. The rail cells will mean each square of track placed. So for 20 cells it'll be said length of track on the railroad. For the purpose of completing the rail missions, as suggested from that 1st link @CorinaMarie posted, from my own experience it does help to have loops on the line.

Or alternatively there looks like a useful little mod there which adds a goofy (yet functional) workaround to the dead ends on a line. That way it's possible to travel around since it's not possible to reverse the engine. Apparently, the reason trains in SC4 can only drive forwards is for health and safety reasons for the drivers. Since we all know how well Sims drive on the roads, the last thing needed is for trains to be driven backwards.

Oh, one more thing...

You may need to toggle this option in order to see the mission indicators:

[Prophet42 1,501]

The train UDI missions are as follows:

1. Hijack the Train
   1. Passenger Train
   2. Triggers: Deluxe Police Station, Passenger Train Station, >30 Rails.
2. Sell Secret Rocket Formula
   1. Steam Train
   2. Triggers: Freight Train Station, Deluxe Police Station, >30 Rails
3. Super Seatbelt Fabric for Space Ships
   1. Freight Train
   2. Triggers: 2 Freight Train Stations
4. Train Ride for Rocket Formula
   1. Steam Train
   2. Triggers: Freight Train Station, >20 Rails
5. Train Station Tour
   1. Freight Train
   2. 3 Freight Train Stations, >20 Rails.
6. Whistle Stop Tour
   1. Passenger Train
   2. Triggers: 3 Passenger Rail Stations, >20 Rails.

 

As far as not seeing any missions, I'm not sure why you are not.  You can try toggling the Mission Indicators on/off and see if that works.  Or you can try to free drive one of the vehicles available and see if that might trigger some missions.

Let us know what you find out.  Good luck!

Edit:  Looks like Cyclone Boom beat me to the 'submit' button