DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 21, 2006 22:48:03 GMT
Recent offside cab rendition, courtesy of Darren. Yes, that's a 3D model and not a photo. Some minor tweaks left, such as "illuminating" a few CDU lights, else it's done. Amazing detail, as we have come to expect of him. Richard has also finshed the train units and we will have 3 consists in the kit with different destinations (like the D78) - Heathrow, Cockfosters and Rayners Lane. We also have a new 'real life' operator in the cab -- a current PIcc 73 Train Operator ("Doc") who has been helping us greatly with 'subject matter expertise'. Thanks are also due to Doc for providing us with more detailed pictures and some in-cab audio recording which I'll be putting into the trains sound files. This train looks and drives beautifully, and I think you LUL fans will be pleased. Won't be long now... Best, Jimi (on behalf of the team).
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Jul 8, 2006 2:34:10 GMT
One feature I like is the J Key on the reverser...nothing escapes you and your team Jimi!!!!! Thanks Alex! Credit Darren for that one - he has an eye for detail. Another update... I got the physics finished so it now 'drives' like a 73TS, and also added the lighting. Darren has been working hard on the cab, and driving it feels like being in a real 73TS. I got to test out the current prototype this evening... APPROACHING ACTON TOWN ON THE EB FAST ROAD DRIVER'S EYE VIEW A few more details to finish, but the train is progressing very nicely. 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 Jul 4, 2006 0:42:59 GMT
Thanks Met! The paint is barely dry on the 'old' scheme ;D but a corporate paint job is also planned We'd very much appreciate any pics of "below the sole bar". We're not yet convinced the under-car detail is right yet, so any outside shots of the 'gubbins underneath' would be very welcome! 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 4, 2006 0:34:56 GMT
Work in progress from the Virtual District Line team. As the Dark Blue line runs along side the Green Line for a good distance, we felt another important stock was needed. Folowing are screen shots of work in progress. Train by Richard Scott, cab by Darren, and I'm working on the physics and lighting and other details. MAKES A CHANGE DRIVING THE FAST LINES OUT OF ACTON THAT I/OP LOOKS STRANGELY FAMILIAR GMAX VIEW OF CAB IN PROGRESS - THIS WILL BE HIGHLY DETAILED! More pics as it progresses. Also more pics of District Line progress in the near future. 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 5, 2006 2:24:17 GMT
A V3.1 update for the 59TS has been uploaded to both TrainSim and UKTS. UKTS file ID is 14679. Here's the kit info: An update to the recently released LT 59TS V3.0. Provides new cab graphics that depict the appearance of Piccadilly Line 1959 Tube Stocks, and includes updated batch files to switch both the external (destination blind) and cab graphics between Piccadilly Line and Northern Line schemes. Also fixes a minor bug in the EP brake system model. Install as per included Readme file. Produced by the Virtual District Line Team, with expert support kindly provided by ex-59TS Motorman "Piccadilly Pilot". PICC 59TS APPROACHING ACTON TOWN EB We've finally nailed down the correct blue/grey color for the Piccadilly cabs thanks to some expert input. As a result, Darren has manufactured some updated cab graphics. Anecdotal opinion suggests the silver/grey is right for the Northern Line. BTW, if you look at the "Right" view in the new Picc cab you should see an object in the cab corner you may recognize 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 May 19, 2006 23:44:20 GMT
The 1959 Tube Stock V3 kit has been uploaded to both UKTS and TrainSim, so with luck it should be available somewhere this weekend. File ID on UKTS is 14602. We will in the future be uploading a small update reflecting different cab paint schemes once we have completed the required research and implemented it. As the 59TS worked several Underground lines in its time, we felt we'd like to capture the right paint schemes for each. Meanwhile, enjoy the train. Don't forget to look at the 59TS Motorman's Guide, which will be found in the train's folder (1959 TUBE STOCK) after kit installation. Thanks, Jimi (on behalf of the Virtual Acton Works crew)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 13, 2006 19:48:39 GMT
Final pics before release. Not quite the Northern Line, but I needed a tunnel to play in (thanks to Fred Barbieri's F1 New York line). The front/rear destination blinds and set number reflect the last working of the 59TS. WAITING FOR THE 'BELL' MINER DOORS!!! GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN /Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 13, 2006 19:47:05 GMT
Did you read the above? Maybe in among all the technical reasoning, the point was lost - so I'll repeat it:
The user will spend the bulk of their time looking out of the cab front window, thus their usual view of the front of a train will be of a train approaching. ... The inclusion of a simple Operator figure is because a viewer would expect one to be in the front cab. Lack of any figure would immediately trash the 'suspension of disbelief' that simulations rely on.
If you're suggesting a driver-less cab would look more realistic, then you have an inalienable right to your opinion, and we'll agree to differ. I'm done defending it.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 13, 2006 14:59:32 GMT
Ah, thank you for the clarification As I haven't seen Mr Blair in an inebriated state, you can conclude the resemblance was unintentional The reason for the lack of fidelity on the T/Op representations is a matter of 3D 'budget'. There's a reasonable (even finite) limit as to how many 3D polygons we can expend to create a train and its individual units, cab view and passenger view. Above that limit performance would be badly impacted on most people's PCs -- the CPU/Graphics card simply couldn't render the polygons fast enough. More detail = more polygons. We thus use them where they will likely have best visual effect, and/or where detail is more critical. The user will spend the bulk of their time looking out of the cab front window, thus their usual view of the front of a train will be of a train approaching. See the first screenshot in my original post. We need enough exterior detail, for example, so the train resembles a 59TS (or whatever) and not just a box on wheels. Tube stock is a little more costly as they tend to have complex curved surfaces. The inclusion of a simple Operator figure is because a viewer would expect one to be in the front cab. Lack of any figure would immediately trash the 'suspension of disbelief' that simulations rely on. A very simple human figure is not adequate to map/wrap such things as facial texture adequately under close scrutiny, as you observe. The tools we use (e.g. 3D Canvas Pro) can however produce lifelike figures with true skeletal bodies, inverse kinematic joints and highly detailed features -- at a huge cost. Such a model would use more polys than the cabview and passenger view combined. Thus, we compromise. For anyone curious as to detail that can be achieved with 3D Canvas, take a look at the shots on their web site ( www.amabilis.com) in the picture gallery. The Roman legionnaire is a fine example. 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 13, 2006 14:28:48 GMT
Tom, I'd assume you'd need the main view TGA and the controls animation frame files? PM me with details of the files/formats you'd need and I'll check with Darren. I'm believe he'd be happy to share them.
/Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 13, 2006 1:54:07 GMT
Another quick update - some details tweaked after getting feedback from some gentlemen who drove 'em... "ON" BUTTONS SHOLD BE RED, INCLUDING THE ANIMATED WIPER BUTTON VIEWPOINT TWEAKS, BUTTONS AND DOOR HANDLES FIXED HERE'S THE NEARSIDE VIEW FROM A 'SMALL' TRAIN - NICE GLASS FX FROM DARREN Given how very few pics of the '59TS cabs seem to exist (and almost none in color) this came out good, I feel. Our thanks to those who shared their photos and expert knowledge. Final physics tests done -- about to write the Motorman's Guide... More soon, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 13, 2006 1:52:59 GMT
Why do the T/ops from the outside view of MSTS always look like Tony Blair after 10 beers? I'm unclear - is that him drinking 10 beers or you?
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 12, 2006 0:47:43 GMT
UPDATE Darren's almost done with the interior cab graphics, so I got to do some "assembly and test" at virtual Acton Works. As with the recent 38TS update, this update for the 59TS has new cab, controls, lights, physics, etc. and some tweaks to the outside 'paint', blinds, and so on. Here's a few screenshots from a test run this evening... A BLAST FROM THE PAST AT EALING COMMON ACTON TOWN EB FAST LINE BRAKING WITH THE WESTINGHOUSE! OFFSIDE CAB VIEW More news as we approach release... Best Jimi (on behalf of the virtual Metro-Cammell team)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 24, 2006 20:52:31 GMT
Not sure what you mean by "vectored geographical area". You use the RGE initially to define the tiles you wish to use for a route. These can be realistic lat/lon or not. I chose to be realistic, as it seesm you are too. All that gets you is a defined area with a lot of flat grass on it. Next step, if you wish to apply DEM data, is to detmine the data is needed. The data come in sets that cover areas. Thus you'd need the sets that cover your range of lat/longs. Grab the right data sets and use DEMex (preferred) to apply the data. That gets you some green turf with bumps on it. Gentle bumps usually, unless there are some serious hills nearby. Now create a marker file specifying the locations of your stations so the marker poles appears in MSTS. Voila - grassy bumps with poles here and there. Now all that's left to do is everything else (i.e. lay track inteh right diretions between stations, following required gradients). Use the "Y" key after laying track to make the terrain exactly conform to track elevation (cuttings, embankments).
2 suggestions that I know will help you... 1. Grab the Michael Vone Route Buildnig Guide. It's worth it's weight in gold, and describes in illustrated steps how to do everything you'll need to do. 2.. Go to UKTs, Route Building forum, and read/print out the stickied thread about "How to apply DEm data in 5 easy steps". It tells you how to figure the data sets you need, where to download them, where to get a free copy of Demex, how to use it to apply the data. Foolproof! I'm, living proof of that, cos that's how I did it.
If I'm off-base, let me know. It's unclear to me how you're defining the area in RGE, and how you're applying DEM data. I don't see how a lat/long error could occur.
Hope this helped...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 24, 2006 17:23:26 GMT
Xtracks isn't difficult - just different. Although I thought the same as you about UKFS Once you get the hang of the track part naming conventions it becomes much easier. There's also some good examples in the documentation. Why no terrain? Which DEM tool are you using (DEMex?) Where'd you get the DEM raw data? I only ask as I had no trouble applying it so you may have a fundamental problem that may bite you later. Trust me - getting the terrain right first does help (as I learned when I had to re-do the Richmond road). The RE has lousy tools for manipulating terrain shape, so doing it all later by hand will be a major chore. Useful tip: Placing tracks and appropriate use of the "Y" key (blend terrain to track elevation) will allow you to create required embankments and cuttings easily. If you don't yet have a copy, I strongly endorse Michael Vone's MSTS Route Building Guide. I still refer to my copy to remember his neat 'how-to' tricks.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 22, 2006 22:17:43 GMT
Go for it and have fun doing it. Reasonable DEM (terrain) data is available as a start. I'd be glad to offer my LUL signal set for your use, and can add any 'specials' (unusual head configurations) that may be needed. Having recently obtained the ELL/District (DD) CD the ELL looks to me to be a very interesting line to build -- and not too big as to make it a career job ;D If you don't have it already, I strongly recommend Xtracks as a track standard. I can also offer you my 4-rail textures that work with it. As 'Good Cuppa' notes, there is no real substitute for visit/photos. The cab videos (and I now have 4 of the District) can only show you so much from given angles. I also have over 1000 photos of stations, trackwork and various other detail kindly provided by many on this board. That's the only way I could build the DL from 3000 miles away. Yell if/when you need help. And keep frequent backups! The MSTS route editor can turn treasure into trash in a heartbeat. Looking forward to your progress!
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 27, 2006 2:11:17 GMT
Kit now uploaded to both UKTS and Train-Sim. UKTS file ID is 14487. Should be available shortly... First person to 'hit the marks' using the windyhouse receives the admiration of the forum community. Or something ;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 Apr 22, 2006 0:38:24 GMT
Railtour time! The Museum 38TS leaving ECMDT...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 21, 2006 22:35:56 GMT
Getting very close to release. All new 'period' cab and controls graphics, thanks to the talent of Darren Carter. We decided if it was getting a new cab we should update everything. I added new lighting and sounds, realistic physics, EP brakes, and a Westinghouse-only brake system version for the die-hards. It'll be released on UKTS very shortly - I'll post a reply when it's available. Teaser shots from a test run out of the Broadway through Ealing Common to Acton Siding 21 ;D Many thanks to all the LUL experts, on UKTS and on District Dave's LUL site, who contributed their knowledge and memories of "back in the day" to help make this happen. Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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MSTS
Mar 19, 2005 23:03:35 GMT
Post by DrJimi on Mar 19, 2005 23:03:35 GMT
As requested... Explanation of UKTS (and Train-Sim) downloads policy/procedures posted as a reply to the D78 announcement in the Railway Simulations section.
/Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 19, 2005 22:59:34 GMT
To clarify downloading from UKTS... You can purchase a premium membership which gets you (among other things) the ability to download at will at any time with out waiting and with no capacity limit. If you do NOT have such a membership, you can still download, but there are only a small number of connections permitted at any one time - thus you may have to keep re-trying. Further, only a specic ammount of free downloads are possible during a 24 hour period. (i.e. there's a limit). This is simply a business decision on the part of UKTS. The space (and especially file upload/download bandwidth) required to host such a site costs money. The membership 'dues' thus help support the site to the benefit of all. A similar system is also in place at Train-Sim.com.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 19, 2005 20:28:14 GMT
Glad it's done? In some ways - yes. I suppose one could liken it to giving birth. The time leading up to it is hectic, interesting and worrying - but in the end it's all worth it. At least I didn't need an epidural Although I recall doing the breathing excercises a few times ;D Now I can get back to putting scenery on the Richmond branch. There's a few stations and pubs need building...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 19, 2005 19:37:16 GMT
Now avaialable on UKtrainsim as LUD78Stock-V1.zip. 9668Kb. File ID 11882. Also uploaded to Train-Sim.com, availablitiy on there expected soon.
London Underground District Line D78 Stock train. Includes detailed DM, Trailer and UNDM units, passenger view, 3D day/night ray-traced cabs, sounds, lighting (player and AI) and accurate physics. 12 consists provide a range of train destinations and day or night cab combinations. An 18 page illustrated "D78 Virtual Operator's Guide" (MS Word doc) is also included. Created by the Virtual District Line Team. See the included "Readme-Installation.txt" file for more information.
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 16, 2005 16:39:11 GMT
Hmmm, right down to a couple of very dodgy-looking drivers when you see them from an external view! ;D My lips are sealed - until after we release the train. Although I heard they flipped a coin to see who would get the comfy seat
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 12, 2006 20:30:35 GMT
Short answer - expect new pics in a week or so (KEW-GUN area, GUN stn, GUN-TGN area...). Been unexpetedly busy with releasing the new stocks, so the route was delayed a tad. The C69/77 is expected out of the Dorset body shop this weekend, so will begin final assembly in New Hampshire shortly thereafter -- followed by team test around the London area before release. The virtual shipping costs are killing me
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on May 15, 2006 23:47:21 GMT
To hopefully answer the overarching (and oft-asked) question of "what's included", here's a recent screengrab from Mosaic showing the tracks in red, roads/bridges (incomplete) in blue and a familiar stretch of river. There is more present than just the 'green' line, as in many places there are other tracks that are visible from it. These are present only as far as they are visible (an example being the NR metals near Gunnersbury Triangle or Richmond). Similarly, if I need a Central train to go to/from the Broadway, enough track is present for it to appear/disappear appropriately. Same for the Picc to/from Rayners or Northfields. The 'test track' toward Northfields is longer than needed as I also use it to test new stuff (trains, signals, etc.). Art imitating life ;D Ealing Common depot, Acton Works and Lillie Bridge are also present (although the later needs moving a little). The Wimbo road is not yet laid, although markers are present to do so. Same for HSK.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 13, 2006 0:59:38 GMT
ROFL! We'll see what can be accomplished in all regards ;D I just received the 38TS cab and related files from Darren (the 'real' cab implementor) and I have to tell you the graphics are superb with a real sense of the character of the train, including very detailed controls and gauges. He's asked me to 'tweak' things a little to optimize the realism of operation, check the 'physics', etc. From what I see already, there's little needs doing -- he's done really good work. EP brake implemented for now. With sufficient, umm, "incentive" a Westinghouse-only version could certainly be produced for you hard-core enthusiasts There is also a good possibility he will have the spare time to do the same for the 59TS -- i.e. real cab/controls/etc. Give us a little while to finish the '38 and make sure it's right. It's going to bring back a few memories for some of you, I feel.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 11, 2006 2:00:34 GMT
NP Colin - I know how tricky it can be to get just the shot you want to get. I think it's also my favorite part to virtually drive - just so much character to it. For the curious, here's where we go next... From Kew rail bridge looking south. You can make out Kew in not-too-far distance. The 'block' on the left is merely to remind me that the NRO building goes there. It will be appropriately built and textured. I already build the required road bridges south of here (just visible). Next is the big challenge. How to fill this area (both east and west of the rail bridge) so it looks realistic but doesn't kill frame rates. I already put in a facsimile of the Kew road bridge (I was laying roads in the area and bumped into the Thames - seemed like a good idea to build the bridge while I was there). I do need to build a specific pub on the river bank near the bridge. Those who provided me with the relevant, err, reference material know why ;D Now facing north toward GUN from the bridge. As you see, some scenery is already there. The BSI building will be re-build/textured as the real thing. Also need to add the big concrete mess station platform and related buildings, and 3 large road bridges (A4 etc.) That's progress to date. More as it happpens...
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 11, 2006 1:27:01 GMT
When the Richmond road is done (just the scenery around the Kew rail bridge and GUN left) all scenery will be finished from Ealing Broadway as far as Turnham Green (station still to do). After that, I need to continue the scenery heading east. All the trackwork is already there as far as ECT, including the OLY section - although I need to fix a few bits (mostly grades) close to ECT as Lillie Bridge Dpt is a touch off. Roads to Wimbo not yet done, nor anything east of ECT.
Damon - thanks for the comment regarding detail. I have excellent reference material to work from courtesy of several folks on this forum, and I'm greatly enjoying trying to capture the feel of the line. And actually driving it once in a while. With the scenery in place, I can mostly hit the stop marks now - must be time for my virtual D Stock refresher ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Apr 10, 2006 17:22:00 GMT
Here's the final views of Kew Gdns. The first shot illustrates many of the final features I added. All foliage is done, the local roads are now present, all local buildings are in place and we have new equipment on the platforms (OPO monitors, textures created from photos courtesy of SolidBond). OPO monitor on the South platform. Here's the view from the cab, when at a stand at the stop mark. The building on the other side of the fence was too distinctive to leave out. If you look at the far end of the North platform you'll see it's OPO Monitor. Here's a close-up view. Notice the reflection of the D78 itself in the mirror Looking south from the northern end. The guys from the RHS were busy over the weekend ;D Amazing how much foliage was planted and grew in just 3 days Final view, from the passenger footbridge looking north. In the far distance you can see... very little. Which is where the P-way gang is now heading to rectify that issue. (Note to self: Order some more trees and stuff) More news in a while, when the crew reach Kew rail bridge, the NRO building, etc. Best, Jimi
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