Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2005 21:54:19 GMT
Any news on DrJimi and his District Line simulation?
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solidbond
Staff Emeritus
'Give me 118 reasons for an Audible Warning on a C Stock'
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Post by solidbond on Mar 8, 2005 22:56:00 GMT
Yes and no - Dr Jimi has been working hard to perfect the route, and also has been working, in conjunction with others, to provide the D stock for MSTS. The train is now almost finished, and, subject to final testing being completed satisfactorily, should be available in the next few weeks. As for the route, there is still a lot to be done to get it to a ready to release stage, but once again, Jimi has been working hard to get the track, scenery and signalling all to the high standards that he demands of the route. Although early beta version have been used by some of the beta testers, another beta version, including the track to Richmond and most of the scenery, is due to be made available to beta testers soon. Once this happens, screenshots will be posted in appropriate places to show everyone how it is looking.
Being in the priviliged position of being one of the beta testers, both of the route and the D stock train, I will say that the quality of both route and train so far, is excellent, and the hard work of Jimi and Richard Scott, who modelled the train, has really pushed MSTS to it's limits (quite literally!)
There is, as yet, no planned release date, due to the amount of work still needed to get the scenery and trackwork and signalling to Earl's Court and down to Wimbledon finished (or even started in some cases ;D) However regular updates will be provided in all the usual places when there is information to add ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 15, 2005 21:11:58 GMT
SB has summed up progress very well. The lines from TGN to RMD are in place and I'm now steadily putting in the scenery, foliage and stations. The section from TGN to GUN is about complete -- placing the line-side buildings and trees to my satisfaction took about 1 week! The TGN and GUN stations are now being built, and Kew Rail Bridge (and the river) are in place. This is certainly an interesting part of the line, both to drive and for its scenery. Here's part of the line between TGN and GUN:  NOTE: Yes, I was speeding slightly; and now realize how hard it is to drive and take photos at the same time - even virtually. And, yes, I forgot to turn on the Saloon lights. Mea Culpa. I'm am, however, delighted how the D78 train has come out. The final test kit is now in the hands of the Beta test experts (including two well-known D78 I/Ops), and - baring any last-minute show stoppers - I'd expect release within about a week. I'm currently finishing a 14 page illustrated Operator's Guide for the train, which will be included in the release kit. I'm greatly looking forward to the reaction to a couple of surprises we've put into the train  Best to all, Jimi (Virtual District Line builder and arborist) |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2005 22:24:00 GMT
AMAZING!
It's a good thing I'm stuck on Win32 right now, because I'm starting to feel the urge to go find a copy of MSTS...
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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 1:43:40 GMT
You are too kind, sir - although I'll admit I'm pleased with how that section of the line has progressed. To give credit where it's due, I'm now using a new set of tree objects developed by a kind person from Czechoslovakia. Those trees seen above are actually just simple cruciform shapes, but the texturing is so good it's hard to tell, even close up. To me they look quite realistic - especially when 'sprinkled about' as nature tends to do. I've also tried to mimic certain noticeable trees that caught my eye in the cab videos. To me they're kind of a subconscious landmark, as opposed to buildings like the BSI center near GUN that are obvious. Below is one more screenshot of the GUN-KEW section (under development), showing the Kew Rail Bridge, the Thames and Oliver's Island (and signal GB10). You 'll notice the vast quantity of nothing on either side of the river, which will change shortly. Several of the team are most concerned that I accurately model certain public houses that are on the east bank, and have supplied excellent detailed photographs of the establishments to aid me in that endeavor. After all the 'research' they obviously undertook, I would hate to disappoint them ;D  Best, Jimi (Virtual District Line track, bridge and pub constructor) |
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 16, 2005 9:16:18 GMT
Just to add my two pennysworth...
Can I just reinforce Solidbond's comments about the work that Dr. Jimi and Richard have done - it really is superb.
SB and I have added a few comments about the performance and charecteristics of the D78 and I reckon that the physics are about as close as it's possible to get to the real world.
I think it fair to say that if you're interested to know what it's like to drive a D78 you won't get any better than this..........
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2005 13:05:23 GMT
DrJimi should be careful - he may end up at 55 Broadway convincing the SSL business unit to license his route for driver training! ;D
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2005 14:10:14 GMT
DrJimi should be careful - he may end up at 55 Broadway convincing the SSL business unit to license his route for driver training! ;D Maybe we could package this with SB's excellent DVDs of the District line for comparisons with real life - I'm sure you won't spot many differences! |
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Post by thomas05 on Mar 18, 2005 21:47:38 GMT
where will i be able to get myself a d stock for train sim
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 18, 2005 22:37:37 GMT
where will i be able to get myself a d stock for train sim Don't worry - there'll be plenty of links to it, and I'll make sure one is posted here. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2005 7:52:33 GMT
AMAZING! It's a good thing I'm stuck on Win32 right now, because I'm starting to feel the urge to go find a copy of MSTS... Aye, i will second that! *looks for copy of MSTS*  Well done, it really looks good, cant wait till it arrives!! (and the route! ) |
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Post by chris on Mar 21, 2005 15:47:57 GMT
I can't believe how good that route is looking. If I were you, (Jimi), i'd charge loads for it and make a handsome little sum. Well done! (sorry - couldn't think of anything more emotive/original/congratulative* to say)
*Is that a word?
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Post by thomas on Mar 21, 2005 16:19:47 GMT
hi,
what stations will be on the train sim district line ??
will it go any further east than hammersmith ??
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 21, 2005 21:01:19 GMT
hi, what stations will be on the train sim district line ?? will it go any further east than hammersmith ?? I believe that Jimi's plans (at the moment!) are to go as far as Earls Court, and then cover the branches to Ealing Broadway (well in hand already) and to Richmond (construction advanced) - in both cases from Turnham Green to the respective western terminii. he's got videos, DVD's, diagrams etc.... The work involved is huge - I wouldn't know where to start. Not to mention that he has the likes of me and solidbond 'adding value' to every thing he does, and he's a perfectionist! It'll be awesome though. |
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Post by thomas on Mar 21, 2005 21:28:19 GMT
cheers dave any clues as to when it will be finished
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 21, 2005 22:47:40 GMT
cheers dave any clues as to when it will be finished The work involved in this project is vast, and I certainly don't want to build up any false hopes! I'm that Jimi will be along here soon and can add his thoughts. But - believe me - from what i've seen and 'driven' to date, it'll be worth waiting for! |
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Post by thomas on Mar 22, 2005 9:58:24 GMT
ok thanks dave
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Post by thomas on Mar 22, 2005 17:14:49 GMT
hi, anyone know of when there will be new pictures of the route on picadilly pilots site because it hasn't been updated for a while  cheers tom ;D |
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 22, 2005 17:31:28 GMT
hi, anyone know of when there will be new pictures of the route on picadilly pilots site because it hasn't been updated for a while cheers tom ;D No idea about PP's site, but as soon as I get the latest version of the route from Jimi I'll do some shots whilst I'm testing and post them somewhere. I'll certainly link them (if not show them) on my site and I'll try to remember to link them from here too. |
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Post by thomas on Mar 22, 2005 22:44:35 GMT
ok cheers ill keep checking
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 22, 2005 23:21:58 GMT
Normally I put up a new set of pictures as a section of the line becomes completed (stations built and all scenery in place). I may make a change this time and take some shots as I build the Richmond branch. Some parts are complete, but there's still 3 stations and a lot of buildings and other scenery to do. However, it may be interesting to some to see "how it's done". FYI - the reason for the seemingly long delay is in part due to me totally re-doing the "DEM" data for the entire line. This relates to the ground contours and height data. It became obvious early in the RMD section that all was not well. I was fortunate to obtain the latest NASA Shuttle topographical mapping data (sadly still only 90m resolution) and use that. All now looks as it should. Of course, having re-set the ground height and gradients, a lot of sections of trackwork had to be re-sculpted in terms of the cuttings and banks, re-excavating tunnels, etc. This isn't a quick nor easy task, but I was determined to get it right once and for all. I'd expect some new photos within a month. There's a few buildings on the bank of the Thames near Kew that I'd better put in place before too long Best, Jimi |
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 23, 2005 9:35:57 GMT
Thanks for that Jimi.
To you fans of MSTS, I think that gives you an idea of how much work's involved in all this, and the determination on Jimi's part to get it 'right'!
So PATIENCE folks - it'll be worth the wait!
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Post by chris on Mar 24, 2005 19:27:05 GMT
So PATIENCE folks - it'll be worth the wait! I hope so - i'm getting impatient. (Patience is NOT one of my virtues!) Are we talking days(i'll be lucky), weeks, months, years? I am sure it is worth the wait. Is it free to download, or will there be a cost? |
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 24, 2005 23:23:55 GMT
Guys, please - your enthusiasm is great, but relax a little. I'm building it as a part-time hobby for the enjoyment of doing it. It's not a commercial enterprise with a massive team and big $$$, so there's no schedule. However its very likely I'll release something this year, but I don't know how much will be complete. All I can tell you is that what will be there will be good, because that's my only real goal. It's likely that people who aren't familiar with MSTS route building don't realize what's involved - so in the near future I'll post a brief description, likely relating to some screenshots of the Richmond branch development now underway. Hopefully that will at least explain why it takes me so much time to do it. On a related note, there's a person on UKTS claiming to be building several LUL lines, has "almost finished the Met" and has been working on it for "months". Months? If I could work at his apparent pace, by now I'd have the whole combine finished  So don't be misled by some who seem to claim that routes can be built in no time flat. The odd few that have been, usually look like it Again, thanks for the enthusiasm, it is appreciated. The response to the D Stock was amazing - over 500 downloads so far. But, it is still a hobby  Best, Jimi |
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Post by setttt on Mar 24, 2005 23:31:29 GMT
Quite right, even editing routes can be VERY challenging - let alone building one from scratch! Those who haven't tried it for themselves SHOULD, then they'll realise that these things take time.
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Post by thomas on Mar 29, 2005 22:45:37 GMT
how is the richmond branch going jimi ?
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Mar 30, 2005 2:51:20 GMT
Going fine. Here's a pic of Gunnersbury station - missing an obvious critical part.  That's what I'm working on right now. Not only do I have to build the platform and the attached overhead walkways and booking hall, but I have to create the right signs (NR, not LUL), canopies, etc. I'm also creating the needed extra 3-aspect signals for this section. Please don't ask when it will be done - this is a hobby, remember? When there's something worth showing I'll post news here (if that's OK with Dave) and also likely on UKTS. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2005 4:07:08 GMT
Jimi... As the old advert says: "The best things in life are worth waiting for" and this is no exception!
That latest screenshot is superb! Once the platform is in place it will look exactly like a still from SBs video!
In fact I say don't bother putting the platform there... let them jump up and down to/from the train! ;D
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 30, 2005 9:16:40 GMT
When there's something worth showing I'll post news here (if that's OK with Dave) and also likely on UKTS. That's absolutely fine Jimi - and (as is quite obvious!) there's considerable interest in it! To all you keen MSTSers - please be patient! Jimi's made it quite clear of his approach to this and that he can only progress at the speed he's able to, so don't bug him - he'll keep us all informed! |
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Post by thomas on Mar 30, 2005 21:16:50 GMT
sorry jimi if i made that come across as trying to hurry you up with building the branch but it wasnt meant like that i just wondered how things are going
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Well done, it really looks good, cant wait till it arrives!! (and the route!
So don't be misled by some who seem to claim that routes can be built in no time flat. The odd few that have been, usually look like it 
