DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 14, 2006 20:07:33 GMT
After the character and flora of Kew Gardens, we get to the concrete of Gunersbury. As before, these posts are meant to give a sense of how it's constructed. Lots of detail yet to add, but here's some progress. Hopefully it looks vaguely recognisable to the train crew who venture toward Richmond ;D The tracks and parking garages are in place, as are various markers to site the bridges. First step is to get an overhead view from the sim. You'll also notice a few 'grids' on the ground. They are 1m/10m and are used so I know the dimensions. This pic is used as a backdrop in TSM so I can build the station objects to the right scale. Having the train in-shot is also useful as it too indicates scale and lets me ensure platform length is correct. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-00.jpg) Here's a few in-sim shots, now that the main construction is done. A view facing roughly South (heading toward Kew). ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-01.jpg) Close up of the underside. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-02.jpg) Facing the other way - OPO monitors and signals are in place, and the stairway. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-03.jpg) Overhead showing the tracks and the 'big wall'. The roads split ahead, the NLL going straight ahead, and the DL diverging right toward TGN. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-04.jpg) Our signal shows were diverging to TGN. The signal on the other pfm controls a reverse move and has a theater display attached. It reads "N" if set for NLL route, else "D" for DL. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Route/GUN/GUN-05.jpg) Next step is to correctly align the platform to the tracks to get the platform-to-train spacing exact; then I'll add the on-platform objects (waiting areas, signage, lighting, etc.). An accurate rendition of the BSI building will also be added. More as it happens... Best, Jimi
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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 20:42:24 GMT
The post states in 5 places that these are REPLACEMENT CAB VIEWS for the 67TS that comes with the route. I welcome your enthusiasm, but please read a little closer ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 11, 2006 23:40:36 GMT
Thanks to Darren we now have a realsitc 3D day/night cab for the Vic 67TS train to go with Marcel's excellent Vic Line Underground route. Uploaded to UKTS and TrainSim. UKTS file ID = 15428 A new set of realistic 3D day/night cabs for the Victoria Line 67TS train. These are intended to replace the cabviews that ship with Marcel's excellent Victoria Line route, to provide a more realistic cab for the trains. Supports MSTS BIN V1.6 auto-night cab facility. Created by Darren Carter. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/67TScab.jpg) Off down the pipe... ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) /Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 10, 2006 22:37:41 GMT
Hi Colin, there are very few LUL routes available right now but more should be available in a while. Right now, the best (IMHO) is the Vic Line, available at a very modest price from underground-sim.ch. Darren is working on a realistic cab for the train, else you can run the unrefurb 73TS - which with its night cab is fairly realistic. The route itself is realistic and really feels like driving a tube line. The Picc V1 available on UKTS has/had some bugs. These are fixed in an available patch. To find details about the patch and how to use it, go to the UKTS Underground forum and read the stickied post at the top named "London Underground". I've tested it, and it does work. The route is not too accurate, but is quite drivable and you can make activities for it. Some activities are also available on UKTS.
There will be 'something' out for the DL by Christmas (i.e. as much as I can get finished by then).
I've started a thread on UKTS about building LUL routes, that I hope will inspire others to have a go.
Hope this helps, 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, 2006 2:44:30 GMT
D78RefV1.zip uploaded to UKTS and TrainSim. UKTS File ID = 15380. Should be available for download in a day or so. File size is 13.8MB - sorry, there's a lot in this kit! London Underground Ltd. District Line Refurbished D78 Stock train for MSTS. Accurately depicts the latest D78 stocks that have been extensively refurbished and updated by Bombardier. Includes new detailed DM, Trailer and UNDM cars, new passenger view, updated 3D day and night ray-traced cabs, new custom sounds, improved lighting (player and AI), 'shoe arc' effects and accurate physics. 11 new consists (both player and AI-specific) provide a range of train destinations. An 11 page illustrated "D78 (Refurbished) Virtual Operator's Guide Addendum" (MS Word doc) is also included, describing the changes and updates. Created by the Virtual District Line Team. See the included "D78-Refurb-Readme-Installation.txt" file for more information. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/IntroPic.jpg) Please read the included Readme/Installation.txt file, and the included illustrated D78 Operator's Guide Addendum (Word doc) that explains all the new stuff (including the new player/AI consists). Thanks as always to the District Line professionals on the team who provided major support and subject matter expertise. Enjoy! Best, Jimi (on behalf of the Virtual DL Team) Hmm, guess I should update my avatar pic ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 4, 2006 16:54:53 GMT
Sorry, COULD NOT REPLICATE FAULT IN DEPOT ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 3, 2006 2:53:53 GMT
Now available for download on both UKTS and TrainSim.com.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 1, 2006 23:05:32 GMT
Uploaded to UKTS and Trainsim. UKTS file ID is 15344. Update for both 73TS and 73TS Refurb trains. Adds new AI-specific ENG files and Consists that greatly improve avctivity performance (better frame rates and no lights 'going dark'). Also adds night cabs for both trains, supporting the MSTS BIN V1.6 auto-night cab facility. Here's the night cabs: ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/73TS-Big.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/73TSR-Big.jpg) Here's the README, which explains the updates: README - LT/LUL 1973 Tube Stock trains V1.1 Update for MSTS (and MSTS BIN V1.6). This kit comprises a V1.1 Update for both the original and Refurbished 1973 Tube Stocks released in August 2006. The original V1.0 73TS (and optionally 73TS Refurb) trains must be installed before applying this update. Two specific updates are included for both these trains: 1. A set of revised Player ENG files and new AI-specific ENG files. These contain more efficient code, such that only the definitions required for each (lights, sounds, etc.) are present. The AI-trains are not drivable by the player and will not appear in the 'Explore Route' locomotive list. The lighting definitions in particular are greatly reduced and mean that lights will not not 'go dark' in areas of dense signaling, or where many trains may be present in an area of a route. A new set of AI-specific consist files is also included for use in activities. 2. Night cabs have been added for both trains and are supported by the MSTS BIN V1.6 auto-night cab facility. Other than installing the night cab graphics in this kit, no further modifications are required for the night cabs to work. WHAT YOU GET IN THIS KIT The V1.1 Update zip file (73TS-V11.ZIP) contains 4 other zip files - 2 for each train (73TS and 73TS Refurb) with each zip containing the changes as noted above (AI mods and night cab). The zip file are: 73TS-AI-MODS.ZIP 73TS-NIGHT-CAB.ZIP 73TSR-AI-MODS.ZIP 73TSR-NIGHT-CAB.ZIP These have been made as separate zips in case you do not have both trains, or do not wish to use either mod - although installing both mods for each train is strongly recommended. INSTALLATION Unzip each of the 4 files noted above to your MSTS top-level folder, ensuring that the Winzip option "use folder names" is checked. The files will install into the correct folder(s) for each train. The new AI consists will also be added to your CONSISTS folder. Allow Winzip to over-write files, as the V1.0 player ENG files are being replaced. The files will install into: <MSTS-FOLDER>/TRAINS/CONSISTS <MSTS-FOLDER>/TRAINS/TRAINSET/1973_TUBE_STOCK <MSTS-FOLDER>/TRAINS/TRAINSET/1973_TUBE_STOCK/CABVIEW/NIGHT <MSTS-FOLDER>/TRAINS/TRAINSET/1973_TUBE_STOCK_REFURB <MSTS-FOLDER>/TRAINS/TRAINSET/1973_TUBE_STOCK_REFURB/CABVIEW NIGHT EFFECTS OF THE UPDATE The V1.1 Player train(s) will operate exactly as the V1.0 trains. The only change was to remove the AI lighting code from the ENG files, thus reducing the lights definitions and improving efficiency. The new AI train consists will work more efficiently as their related (new) ENG files have minimal lighting definitions (AI-only lights) and do not have any cab graphics or sound definitions. These consists are not player-drivable. They are intended to run very efficiently in activities where these trains are included in AI services. If you have MSTS BIN V1.6 installed (highly recommended!) the trains will automatically use their night cab after sunset (dark conditions) and in tunnel sections. This greatly improves realism. ACTIVITY CHANGES No changes are required to any Player services using either the 73TS or 73TS Refurb trains. They will operate exactly as for V1.0. The Player consist names have not changed, nor have the player consists been modified. You WILL need to modify any AI services that use the V1.0 73TS or 73TS Refurb trains to use the new AI-specific consists. These are named with a trailing "AI" to indicate their use - for example: 73TS Player consist = "LU 73TS Picc Cockfosters" 73TS AI consist = "LU 73TS Picc Cockfosters AI" 73TS Refurb Player consist = "LU 73TSR Picc Cockfosters" 73TS Refurb AI consist = "LU 73TSR Picc Cockfosters AI" Therefore (for example) replace the AI service consist 'LU 73TS Picc Cockfosters' with 'LU 73TS Picc Cockfosters AI'. No other changes are required and the AI service will run as before (performance, timetable, etc.). The overall resource load on the sim will be lower and it will run more efficiently (better frame rates and no light drop-outs). Enjoy! Best, Jimi.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 3, 2006 22:31:20 GMT
Sorry, I can't replicate the problem on my system. My guess is there's an Alpha channel sorting issue going on that may be releated to your graphics card, or maybe you don't have the MSTS detail sliders turned up enough.
/Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 29, 2006 22:10:10 GMT
I am releasing an update to the trains, as I noted. It will likely be a V1.1. Part of that update will be new AI-specific consists and revised ENG files that reduces the resource demand on the sim, so it runs more efficiently.
I'm not familiar with that activity, so I assume it runs on the Picc Line V1. Which train - 73TS Refurb? By "the interior of the carriages disappeared" do you mean you were in the passenger view and something odd happend? Tell me exactly what you were doing, what happened, etc. and I'll try to reason it out. Also, let me know your MSTS detail settings. I'm not aware of any graphics attributes that would cause a problem, but I'll try to help.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 28, 2006 22:34:52 GMT
The passenger saloon is lit (as is the passenger view of same), but there is no way in MSTS to have that illuminate anything outside the train. The only item on the train that illuminates the 'world' around it is the headlight. Regarding the oblique reference to the cab doors pilot light, yes there is one. Release of the D78 Refurb will be before 10/12 ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) Watch for announcements on here and on UKTS. Release of the route (in an unfinished state) will be later in the year. I'll be putting out a small update to the 73TS trains in a day or so that improves AI train operation and an update to add automatic night cabs (support for MSTS BIN V1.6).
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 27, 2006 1:13:23 GMT
New demo video of the D78 Refurb. It's about 8 mins long and will play as a 320 size Flash video. Even at this small size, you should be able to see (and hear) most of the effects. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Train%20Videos/th_D78R-1.jpg)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 23, 2006 2:58:46 GMT
DaviD - yes, one press to open - wait as long as you want, one press to close. Check the pilot light to make sure of the door 'state'. I have heard of one other person reporting door open and immediate close sometime during the last 4 years. Sorry, no idea as to cause. Earlier than COP? We recently re-did the 38TS and 59TS with some of Darren's excellent period cabs, new sounds, etc. Available on UKTS. If you find (say) the COP kit, open the "I" to see the description, then scroll down to the "See also" area and you'll find pointers to all our stuff. A re-vamp of the silver R Stock is also planned in the near future, and also a C69. Yet more on the D78 Refurb... Cabs and all animations are done, and some final exterior fixes finished (e.g. destination displays). Just need to implement the MSTS BIN 'auto night cab' CVF code and finish the new sounds. Here's the latest test shots taken at various places around the District. This is likely the furthest west 'SolidBond' has driven in a while ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-1.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-6.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-2.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-3.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-8.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-4.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-7.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-test-5.jpg) Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 22, 2006 16:01:03 GMT
Met - agreed! I used a little artistic license to add the gauge illumination that traincrew had requested in the Refurb. I was, sadly, unable to provide windscreen washers - however the glass doesn't seem to get too dirty ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) DaviD - as you likely know, we're using a 'hack' to make the 'simulated doors' work via the Panto. So, assuming doors closed (panto up), if you hit 'P' you should immediately see the pilot light extinguish, hear the door open sound (several seconds worth) then the train will not motor (no power). Hit it again, the pilot will re-light (wrong as it should wait for doors closed to be proved, but we can't simulate that), a close sound (again several seconds), train will now motor. Actual door animation was dropped on all our trains after the COP, as AI trains wander about unrealistically with their trailer doors open (no power to trailer cars). As you likely noticed, the 73TS refurb also has the warining beeps sound prior to the door closing sound. The D78 refurb will also have all updated (new) sounds.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 21, 2006 22:34:55 GMT
The Vic is well worth the un-expensive price, and includes a lot of good activities. Our team's cab modeling master Darren is creating a realistic cab for the stock. The Picc had errors, but there's a patch out (see UKTS Underground Forum, pinned topic) that makes it quite usable, also some activities for it on UKTS. Fun with the 73TS! The LTSR is excellent, although the LUL road signalling is far from prototypical. SB & I have been creating/exchanging activities with D78s and c2c stock all over the place (Upminster to Bow). More news on the D78 refurb... Here's the night views. These are created by turning off the outside light source (emulated daylight) in 3DC and just leaving on the cab light source. PovRay then calculated the ray tracing with just that light. Compare to the daylight shots, and you'll see different shadows and reflections. I have also added some illumination effects (bulbs lit). Next step is to build the day and night control and display animations, with the controls having moving shadows, and then the main view ACEs. ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-N-operator.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-N-instructor.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-N-left.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-N-right.jpg) Next shots should be of the fully built train and cabs in the sim. Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 20, 2006 1:53:06 GMT
Colin - as I'm still collecting/editing the cab radio sound samples, it's possible the virtual in-cab radio may not be functioning by Oct 12th either ;D - but we'll do our best. Sadly I can not make the individual (virtual) Connect buttons clickable - however, I could make the unit a clickable area. So maybe clicking on it could cause a message to appear on the Connect display ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) (Message suggestions on a postcard to the usual address). DaviD - yes, we always release to both UKTS and TrainSim. Here's the final POVray rendered images (shown as 640 JPG - train will have 1024 BMP/ACE) prior to final touch-up, adding transparent areas, bulb illumination, etc. Night versions to follow in a day or so, and the train CVF will be set up to use the 'auto-night' facility provided in the MSTS BIN patch. I *think* we're now error-free - unless someone wants to point out that the speedo dial should have a white surround. I tried, and could not get it to look right ![:-[](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/embarrassed.png) so you'll be getting illuminated gauges in the night version - one up on the refurb vendor ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-operator.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-instructor.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-left.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/D78R-right.jpg) My thanks to SolidBond, Jim, Colin and others who pointed out the 20+ errors in the 'draft 1' version ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 19, 2006 22:05:22 GMT
Colin/Jim - thanks for the corrections. I'd fixed the ceiling and dest. panel (and added a No Smoking sticker to it), but was not aware of the alarm mute toggle - I'll fix that!
DaviD - thanks! I think this will be worth the wait. Dat/night ray-traced cabs, custom sounds, etc. Goal is to release on Oct 12th, as I believe that might be a significant day ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 18, 2006 21:47:45 GMT
Thank you guys! In the interests of getting the details right, I'm now putting in about 25 'fixes' to detail errors that SB's eagle eye spotted (Aux1 panel should be flush now, door button style changed, move the flags, blue ceiling/dest panel, etc, etc.). I'll post rendered shots of the final version when done.
One question I'd bet traincrew could answer. On the Runback protection panel, the red 'fault' light has a half-cover over it. I've seen the same on C Stock offside panels too. In discussing it with SB, I though it might be to prevent a red (or orange) light showing out the front. He opined it was to prevent sunlight 'illuminating' the lens and imitating a lit bulb (false error indication). I'm inclined to go with his notion. Anyone know for sure?
Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 18, 2006 0:47:38 GMT
Thanks guys! Here's this week's update, showing my work on refurbing the cab. This is work in progress, and there are a few minor fixes still to be done. However, all main updates are done and the new equipment is installed. The pics show some screenshots from 3D Canvas Pro, which is used to build the cab model. Having placed a 'camera' in the right location and direction, I then export the view to a POV file. This file is then fed into PovRay which renders a ray-traced image that includes the effects of lighting, shadows, reflections, etc. That image will then be massaged in PaintShop Pro to create transparent areas (windows) and some panel light illumination effects. Here's the progress so far... GENERAL CAB SHOT IN 3DC ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-all.jpg) GENERAL SHOT RENDERED BY POVRAY ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-all-pov.jpg) GENERAL LEFT VIEW IN 3DC ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-left.jpg) LEFT VIEW RENDERED ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-left-pov.jpg) GENERAL RIGHT VIEW IN 3DC ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-right.jpg) RIGHT VIEW RENDERED ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-right-pov.jpg) OPERATOR'S VIEW RENDERED ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/Cabs/Test-oper-pov.jpg) New equipment includes the offside door buttons on the right of the desk, Runback protection panel on the offside wall, Auto-announcer panel on nearside wall, and new Connect radio unit on the left-side Aux1 panel. Thanks to SolidBond for the detailed photos from which many of the textures were produced. These pics look blury at 640 and JPG compression, but the train will have detailed 1024 bitmaps with which you can read all the panel labels. Best, Jimi
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 13, 2006 23:32:01 GMT
As LUL is about in the middle of refurbing the D78 stocks, we felt we'd do the same. Richard has just finished a complete new set of cars, so as to better apply the paint and include required interior and other features (dot matrix displays, etc.). This means all new shapes and textures for the DMs, UNDMs and trailers. A refurb passenger view is also complete. Here's a sneak peek (minor paint tweaks still to do): ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/d78ref1.jpg) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/d78ref3.jpg) I'm also refurbing the cab view to include new parts on the desk, nearside and offside panels (run-back protection panel, auto-announcer, new Connect radio, door close buttons, etc.) -- thanks to some new highly detailed photos from SolidBond. SB has also got us some video/audio from the cab, so I'll put together a custom sound set for the Refurb D78, as we did for the 73TS. All new realistic sounds from live recordings! Doing the new cab and sounds will take a little while, but we'll keep you updated on progress as it all gets built. As always, our thanks to the "LUL professional collaborators" on the team for their contributions and support. 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 Sept 25, 2006 23:15:23 GMT
My hat is off to Rob for doing what he's doing! I remember seeing the first 'map' that showed the Circle section and being excited about it. Clearly it's expanded a little! It's entirely his choice to create a route his way and to the level of detail he wants. Frankly, I envy him the track mileage! There's times I just want to drive a train for a while, and the DL section of the LTSR then fits the bill for me. Nice trackage of reasonable length and adequate - even good - scenery, and easy to build an immersive activity. I chose more detail in my building, as I had access to the data to do so, but I feel uncomfortable if it is held up as a benchmark of what a LUL route should be. I know no one meant to be critical, but we all build what we want, as we see fit, and in whatever spare time we have. If at the end of the day any route meets it's maker's goals, provides them fun creating it and (secondarily) provides fun for the users, then it's a winner. Keep it up Rob - and if there's anything I can offer to help you (e.g. signals or other LUL objects) just yell and it's yours. My only concern with all these lines, is we're going to need yet more Stocks built ;D Could not agree more with Rob's commens about MSTS vs. KRS too. From my point of view, KRS will have a way to go until the depth of tools required are in place - facilitating the stock and route building to the level we now have in MSTS. Plus, as he notes, the investment (stocks and routes) in MSTS is huge world-wide. That is not all going to be 'ported' to KRS overnight - if ever. MSTS, warts and all, will soldier on for quite a while I feel.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Sept 3, 2006 23:20:45 GMT
Love it! Did you happen to get the radio message about a track circuit failure at ECM? ;D
/Jimi (intrigued by SB driving a small train)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 13, 2006 19:26:49 GMT
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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 20:43:49 GMT
Pictures on the author's web site, noted in Darren's post above.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 4, 2006 16:57:48 GMT
Note that the word "something" is not self-defining. Take it to mean "what ever I can get completed by then" ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 3, 2006 22:34:55 GMT
I realize we've spent a lot of time building trains recently, but I'll work at it so you will have something to run them on by Christmas.
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 3, 2006 22:17:40 GMT
Whoa! Your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated, but I deserve no praise at all. That is all Richard's fine modeling work, so please offer your plaudits in the general direction of the Dorset body shops ;D Much thanks also to SB who supplied the reference photos of the units. Richard is also building some appropriate Turbot wagons with various loads for these to haul around. You can likely expect a Darren-quality cab and the usual level of sounds, lights, physics, etc. I'll have to research this one as I suspect my 'generic' stock physics model will be a touch off ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) BTW, here's a view of one of the units shown in the 3D Canvas Pro modeling tool. If only MSTS would let us have that level of detail (bump maps, etc.) ![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DrJimi/Trains/battery.jpg) D78 Refurb out in a day or two, then I work on the DL for a bit, then we'll address finishing the "Ever Ready" unit while the C69 is in the body shop and the R49 research is completed. Busy ain't we? ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 3, 2006 18:01:40 GMT
Talking of egg on face... I recently mentioned a 'secret train' we were working on. Here it is: forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?t=59300BTW, those are the actual MSTS models shown via Shape Viewer. The 3DC models look even better, but MSTS can't handle bump-mapping, else you could count the rivets ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 2, 2006 22:29:11 GMT
Thanks for those links! It's been a while since I saw those pics, and it reminded me I must build Northfields correctly as part of the route. That looks to me like a Holden station and I'm fond of those designs. Not too hard to model either, which is a bonus. I'd better build the depot too so the small trains that invade the DL metals have somewhere to slumber ;D
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DrJimi
Virtual District Line construction engineer and arborist
Posts: 365
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Post by DrJimi on Oct 2, 2006 14:31:33 GMT
John - regarding your question as to MSTS Stocks... We currently have CO/CP, 38TS, 59TS, R49, 73TS, 73TS REFURB, D78. A refurb D78 will be released within a week. The next train to be released was just received from the 'body shop' and is awaiting a realistic cab (courtesy of Darren) and some appropriate sounds/physics/lighting/etc. from me. This train will remain a secret until release day. I think it will be a surprise to all. A C69/72 is now in the 'body shop' under construction. it will either get a new cab from Darren, else I'll re-do my c69 cab and fix the errors in it and make some improvements. Also updated sounds/physics/lighting/etc. as usual. No idea as to release date yet - it's too early in the build cycle to tell. So we WILL have a realistic C69 for the WimbleWare runs (and simulated Stock refresher training ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) ) Also on the drawing board (and being researched) is a re-do of the silver R49 stock complete with the usual improvements (cab/sound/physics/lighting), and a similar re-do of the CO/CP. We'd also love to do a Q stock one day. With all the above, I think we (will have) covered a number of historical eras for the DL and Picc that should allow for some fun. Plus some can be used on other lines (Circle, Northern, Bakerloo, etc.) should anyone build those routes. Regarding DEV DVDs - yes, I have the ELL/DL video (staring our own DD at Richmond). Also the Picc DVD and the Met/Dsitrict DVD. Plus hours of cab video from SB and 'other sources' ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) It all gets considerable use as I build the route (sometimes DVD on one screen and Route Editor on another so I can check details). Plus - truth be told - I simply enjoy watching the videos ;D I'm not an Anorak - more of a vicarious Operator I think ;D
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