DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 22, 2009 19:35:19 GMT
We tend to post a lot on the UKTS Underground forum, as that's maybe more appropriate for route/stocks simulation. I posted this update here as I felt those with interest in simulation might like to see our progress with the new track system, as this is a significant milestone in our plans. And it's good for us to do periodic sanity checks with the LUL experts here, to see how our accuracy and detail is holding up Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 22, 2009 3:54:21 GMT
Thanks Colin, and my research notes confirm your belief. We did get the 'no more than 3 bays between pots" right, and the +/- pot offset is on the to-do list. The hardest parts to do were the points and adjoining parts, such that the juice rails had the right ramps and lengths (and even the wooden blocks protecting the neg rail). Points and diamonds also have check rails. The ballast texture is meant to replicate a few years of rust drips and arc soot and brake dust. More work to do but we're getting there Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 22, 2009 2:50:53 GMT
Been a long time since I've posted any news. We've been deveoping new trackwork for the entire route based on the UKFS standard, but with all our own custom-created LUL 4-rail track shapes and textures. How's this track/ballast look compared to the "real thing"? Here's Doc non-stopping Turnham Green WB on his way to Rayners... Best to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 4, 2009 0:21:46 GMT
Dr Jimi - great pix - and perhaps you're not too far from good skiing in Vermont. I remember Killington as pretty good. Sorry, I'm not a ski person and have no use for feet of snow in my driveway and would thus prefer it stayed up in the ski areas - or better yet in Canada ;D But I understand from those who are into it, that we have several excellent ski areas in NH (north of me) similar to Killington. Significant tourist income. I like this location - about 1 hour from the seacoast, 90 mins from the Lakes Region and 3 hours from the White Mountains. Plenty of choice. Excellent for rides on the HD in summer -- which will apparently be a while arriving if one believes the "Puxatawny Phil" (Groundhog Day) theory. He saw his shadow yesterday, thus the legend says that we have 6 more weeks of Winter to go. We will also briefly get above freezing this weekend for the first time since I can't remember (December?). Rough Winter - lowest temperature I saw was -20F. Some local wag once opined NH has 3 seasons - Fall, Winter and July 4th. But in truth it seems to me to be just a little more 'intense' in its seasons compared to my memories of the UK. Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 2, 2009 23:24:21 GMT
A freak snow event like this must be murder for you guys, but to us 6" is a minor inconvenience as we're prepared for it and have the equipment to deal with it. So far this season we have 62" total! One of the worst I can remember was in Feb of 2003, when we had 18" overnight. Here's a few photos to put that in perspective. I open the garage door to find... The view from the house. The brown thing at the end of the driveway is my mailbox. It sits on a 3 foot post. No sign of the post, as the town plows have relocated a bunch of snow from the road to my driveway. Note the banks either side of the driveway are already above the mailbox height from previous storms. My Husky loves snow, but this was a bit much Where did I leave that bone? Fun time for a Husky. She was 'porpoising' in and out of the snow as she ran and I managed to catch her in flight. Here's how we deal with 18", on top of what we already had My best to you all! /Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 31, 2008 0:04:46 GMT
Fascinating, and thank you all for the insight. I think I agree with Harsig that for purposes of simulation/modeling we can ignore them. But thank you for satisfying my curiosity. Of course, I'll now be looking for them on the DEVs ;D
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 29, 2008 23:25:16 GMT
I was perusing the charts that show the area between Tower Hill and Aldgate and noticed what appear to be signals bearing the legend ESL and a number. This is the only location I have noticed these (i.e. either side of Tower Hill). Examples are ESL6 and ESL7 between ROB26 and OB26/ROB27 on the eastbound, and several leaving Tower Hill WB on both the WB and Bay roads. The chart symbol is similar to a shunt signal. Can anyone shed light as to the meaning of 'ESL', what these things look like and their purpose? I'm currently 'modeling' that part of the DR and would like to include them if appropriate.
Thanks, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 26, 2008 19:49:34 GMT
Can't imagine why Microsoft would suggest a different folder. There's clearly something missing. Plese let me know the exact error message (all of it). Check the Readme again - there's some things needed that you may not have installed. Xtracks, Newroads come to mind. Did you install all the train stocks?
Describe in detail exactly what you've installed and the exact error message and I can diagnose and assist.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 19, 2008 19:56:21 GMT
Understood gentlemen - deeply appreciated!
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 19, 2008 1:57:36 GMT
I'm trying to place the WM5 co-acting signal in our virtual rendition of the DL. Below are 2 screenshots taken from our D78 and 73TS cabs. I recall Doc told me he had to look up slightly, and felt a D78 Op might have to look down a bit. I'd be most greatful if a DL and/or Picc Op familiar with this could please advise me where it should go, with reference to the other heads, etc.? (e.g. "level with x and about a head's width to the right" or whatever). How is the co-acting head attached and what to? Anyone happen to have a recent photo? Deeply appreciated! Here's the screenies... Best to all, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 18, 2008 23:51:54 GMT
Uploaded to UKTS and Train-Sim.com, so likely available for download very soon. The new common LUL sounds kit it requires was also uploaded. UKTS File IDs are 19220 and 19221. Please read the included InstallReadme and the Motorman's Guide for more information. Our thanks to the professionals on this forum who helped us with the information and phosts we needed to get it done. One of the forum members also has the honor of 'virtually' driving her as we used his likenesss as the Motorman's figure Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jun 6, 2008 20:26:17 GMT
Long time since an update, and over a year since we started! Darren recently finished both the original vacuum braked cab and the current air braked version - so I got to play "Acton Works" and bolt it all together. The screenshots below show the latest incarnation currently out on test with the District team. While they're beating up on it, I'm now writing the Motorman's Guide, so we're prety close to release. To make it look 'period correct' (in both the original and current versions) I included both Dreadnought and Mk1 coaches in the shots (kits for these available on UKTS). MODERN VERSION LEAVING EALING COMMON HAULING 4 X MK1 COACHES MODERN CAB - AIR TRAIN BRAKES + WESTINGHOUSE LOCO BRAKE, DIGITAL SPEEDO, AIR GAUGE ORIGINAL VERSION HAULING SOME DREADNAUGHTS THROUGH KEW GDNS ORIGINAL CAB - VACUUM TRAIN BRAKES + WESTINGOUSE LOGO BRAKE, NO SPEEDO, AIR + VACUUM GAUGES AUSTERE CAB (SPARTAN AND FUNCTIONAL) - NICE ATMOSPHERE FROM DARREN As she's dual-ended you can drive from either end cab (change ends). Lighting uses latest MSTS BIN to provide 'end-sensing' lighting. Physics is as close as we can get it, thanks to input from several LUL experts. More news very soon... Best, Jimi (on behalf of the District Trains Team)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 23, 2008 21:48:23 GMT
My thanks also ADW! I recently had a related discussion with Chrish concerning moves in and out of PAG sidings. He accused me (correctly) of trying to apply too much logic ;D when I was trying to fathom the early morning exit moves from 27 road (via 24 road!). I find the 'how and why' of the operational side of the railway fascinating. Your explanations have given me yet more insight into this location, which we'll use to create more realistic scenarios for our 'virtual District' on MSTS. Thanks again!
Best regards, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 23, 2008 21:15:26 GMT
Circles can be done - but very carefully. What MSTS can't tolerate is a path that leads back to a start marker. If the 'circle' can be interrupted so this doesn't happen, it's quite happy. There are countless sets of points throughout the real Circle line that at any point in time may be set to diverge. What we'll do is ensure that a complete circle can not happen as the track paths in activities have their route set in real time (usually about 2 signals ahead, depending on other traffic). Trust me - it's do-able.
Re the '59, I'm currently updating all our LUL stocks to our latest 'traction lighting and controls package' which leverages all the MSTS BIN V1.08 features. The 'new' released R49 has this, and the updated C69 is about to be released. They will all be released over a fairly short period of time and in no particular order. Darren's reference to the '38 was regarding him developing yet another even more detailed 3D cab which will also be usable on KRS locos. There's even still a few stocks for MSTS that might get done - personaly I'd love to see a 'Q' with clerestory roofs. And the new 09 SSL and TS might be interesting.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 22, 2008 22:15:45 GMT
My guess is because it (and likely the other set mentioned by ADW) stables on 27 upper/lower. I'm assuming 21...24 are full at that time and thus couldn't be used for a WB-EB move, so the turn is made at the bridge, entering 27 off the EB. On the other hand, I may be incorrectly applying some form of logic /Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 22, 2008 21:19:19 GMT
I wish whoever attempts building a LUL route in KRS the best of luck. I tried for a while, and gave up in frustration. Applying terrain DEM data and applying markers is easy. Laying track to the correct grades and locations is not. You would think that using a spline-type track would be easier than laying discrete sections - not in my experience. I have 6 years of MSTS route building skill, but that didn't help at all using KRS. Different paradigm. The KRS signaling and pathing is also somewhat dysfunctional, and both those are critical for a LUL route. So I'm going to lay off from KRS for a while yet, until the bugs are worked out and the available toolset begins to match what we have for MSTS.
Re the Vic line - I shuddered when first driving the stock, as I recognized the controls and physics as being those I gave to Marcel a lot of years ago. Long before I really knew what I was doing with regards to realistic physics and control systems. Right now, the best option is to use the unrefurb 73TS. We got that one very realistic, and it feels right on the route. There is an updated 67TS coming out from Mark, which will contain our latest controls and physics/lighting/sounds package. It will be released as part of our in-progress LUL stocks upgrade. Met #12 will also be out soon (honest Darren - I am working on bolting it all together :-)
Max - if you're seriously considering creating a LUL route, I suggest you take a look at the Underground forum on UKTS. There's a pinned topic on creating LUL routes that I started a while ago. Lots of info in there, including sources of data, tools needed, etc.
Incidentally, the next release of the District (in development - again, many related posts on UKTS) will include the Circle and the H&C roads to HAMS depot, the WIM road and as far east as Aldgate (for now). All built with our new custom LUL UKFS 4-rail track. This LUL track pack will be available in the not-too-distant future as an add-on kit for UKFS for anyone who wants to build LUL routes.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 17, 2007 23:15:27 GMT
Ah - I may then be a bit off with the page numbers Darren - I have the landscape mode 1970 edition (no D Stock).
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 16, 2007 22:58:09 GMT
Darren, you may find pages 139-145 in that book of particular interest
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 7, 2006 22:16:19 GMT
Perhaps the next step will be a company called 325 who shoot out of the back of a train using a mobile phone and then run the sequence in reverse. ROFL!! You just gave me an idea. Think MSTS and FRAPS... (Wanders off muttering something about Virtual 325...)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 6, 2007 23:46:01 GMT
And bigger wheels make acceleration easier - hence the huge ones on mainline steam locos. Errrr, the larger the wheel the slower the acceleration and the more torque needed to get it rolling is how I've always understood it. Exactly so - an example of mechanical advantage. Besides the discussion regarding C and D stocks, it's equally interesting to compare the C Stock to the Battery Loco. Both use 36" wheels, however the pinion ratio of the Battery is numerically higher, thus providing an overall gear ratio that acts as a torque multiplier so heavy loads can more easilly be moved from rest. Plus a Battery is designed to run at 48Km/hr (30mph) max. My understanding is that the D got the TS-sized wheels so as to reduce the number of required spare parts needed. The pinion ratio was designed accordingly to provide desired acceleration and top speed, within the limits of motor rpm. It's somewhat sluggish acceleration above 30mph is due to several reasons - motor design, rail friction and aero drag being among them. My research (for purposes of modeling and simulation) revealed A D produces max tractive effort at about 15-20mph (as initial inertia is overcome) and so it gets to typical line speed (30-ish) quite quickly. The roads where it might see 45mph are also those where weak field is used (to raise the natural balance speed of the motor), which tends to reduce the torque (acceleration) somewhat. /Jimi (simulation scientist at large ;D)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 5, 2007 14:08:38 GMT
While recently building the virtual C Stock for the DL route, I compared C to D in detail so as to get the right performance. The C uses larger wheels but the pinion ratio is such that taking both gears and wheels into acount, it ought to accelerate slightly faster (all else being equal - which it isn't). The C train is slightly (8%?) heavier and the C also has 3 motored units vs. 4 for the D. The C is also limited to 40mph max so as to not exceed the max motor rpm, whereas the D can get to 45+. Taking all that into account, the C will accelerate very slightly slower than a D (about 0.9 m/s^2 initial acel from rest, compared to 1.0m/s^2 for the D). Or as Solidbond put it to me most succinctly "Frankly there's not much difference".
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Feb 24, 2007 15:45:42 GMT
Per anecdotal information (gleaned from our team experts during MSTS train physics modeling), the D78 accelerates on the flat at 1.0m/s^2 (initially, before aero drag, rail friction and motor characteristics lower that), and the D78/73TS and most others (6-car) can stop within their own length from 30mph in Brake 3 (or equivalent).
I just ran a test in our MSTS D78 equiped with digital test readouts in the cab, and Brake 3 applies 143KN total brake force for a decel of -1.15m/s^2. Emergency is about 1.32m/s^2. That's with accurate train weight plus about 50% passenger loading. I realize this is simulation, but feedback from our test I/Ops suggests this is very close to reality.
/Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 5, 2007 13:06:12 GMT
Exactly so - an excellent description of the legal system, which in spite of itself apparently failed in this case. I'm in complete agreement with Chris M that this was just plain wrong.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 5, 2007 2:36:42 GMT
Does your thread title imply that "only in the US" would a newspaper find the award ridiculous, as apparently did a senior judge who was involved in (and disagreed with) the decision? "But if the headline is acurate..." - what were you implying? Of course the incident, invoked itself by stupidity, is tragic. Personally I feel for the poor motorman who was apparently held to be partially at fault, although no clear evidence was reported as to IF he had time and conditions to enable him to stop in time...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 23, 2007 19:28:44 GMT
I suspect it's more decorative. This is one of my favorite examples on the DR (screenshot of my virtual rendition).
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jan 15, 2007 18:14:22 GMT
With respect, please do not label such people "drag racers". They are street racers, or whatever other term you prefer. Drag Racing is a motor sport run on legally sanctioned tracks.
Thanks, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 28, 2006 18:32:53 GMT
In addition to the pfm monitor photos, I'd appreciate one more....
If anyone happens to be at Kew Gdns and has a clear shot at the main building on the Northbound side, I'd appreciate a photo showing one of the many blue doors on the main building. I could scratch-build the texture I think, but a photo of a real one would be more realistic. If the pic happens to also include a view of one of the windows, even better.
Thanks in advance. The only reward I can offer is you'll get to see your photo used to create realistic scenery on the virtual DL, and will be credited as supplying material enabling its construction.
Ta, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 22, 2006 16:40:44 GMT
Greatly appreciated Colin. I did check your photo site thinking you might have included such pics in the "what's on a pfm" or "driver info" type topics; and also searched though all the material I possess from DD, SB & PP (1000+ pics). A few shots were close, but not quite usable.
BTW - no rush at all. I have plenty of other stuff to construct during my copious spare time ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 21, 2006 22:43:58 GMT
I need to build some platform monitors for the virtual DL. To do so, I'd greatly appreciate a photo or two. They'd need to be SSL station, daytime. Ideally a pics of one on both an A and B pfm would be great. I have a beautiful shot from SB... However, it's night and I can't compensate or color correct it adequately. Ideal angles would be 'head-on' (like you were facing it from the cab) and maybe a 3/4 view so I can see the construction. I'd also like you r permission to use it as a texture to build the object for MSTS. Thanks in advance, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 6, 2007 16:14:21 GMT
I suspect it's looking out of the 'back door' at Kew Gdns on the pub side. Somehow that oragey-yellow color rings a bell. Isn't that the reverse side of the DR crest on the upper window area? The terrace area of the adjoining pub ought to be outside I think.
And clearly Stonehenge -- or Salem MA USA ;D
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