Atomic Systems

Its that time again folks and I need as much feedback as possible.

I went crazy taking mideast up from ECML 3.1, those of you who have used it now realise just how much went into it, not just by me but the team of volunteers who helped out making models, getting ref info, building activities, this was an immense task and a route of this size takes one hell of alot of maintenance when a new build is done.

So This time last year I asked about wether ECML was worth extending since back then I felt that 3.1 was getting a bit tired and with the quality of routes now available I often think about wether Mideast has had its day as far as extending goes after all in the middle you have a fictional route which bears no real resemblance to the 70's ECML and then in the north there is the Gantham- newark, semi scale run along with March and the nene valley line.

Then there is the Mideast section which makes the route 3 times bigger and is as scale as I can get it with the materials I have.


I feel with the likes of Ruabon- Bala and some of the forthcoming routes that Mideast really whilst it may have been a touch pioneering , is a little obsolete.

I have thought long and hard about this and decided to throw it to the floor and see what you guys think.

I know the route is popular and I am in no way hanging up my "route builders cap" nor vacating my room in the castle with Rob and the others.

Just think subjectively and then vote since I need plenty of good honest feedback on this and in the end its you guys making the decision.

Tim

The route and content are excellent and there can be too much emphasis on getting everything 'spot on'. The line is representative and that should be the thing that the route aspires to. After all, you need to draw the line somewhere, or do people really think that if you go along the East Coast, there are lots of painted trees along the lineside....

Maybe the way forward would be to investigate the possibility of linking into another route to expand - I know this was being discussed a while ago with the thought that Worksop would be a good point to 'join'. Certainly it would be good if the route could make it through to A major Terminal at either end (London / Leeds / York) which would provide the opportunity for a National Rail Museum plus end to end running. I wouldn't like to underestimate the problems in building large terminals though!

It would be nice to have the route include somewhere like Tinsley as well as that is not too far away from the route.

The most important thing is to do what YOU want to do. The worst thing that could possibly happen is that you do more work and suddenly find you are so sick and fed up with it, it loses its appeal.

Personally I would like to see it extended to Wick but thats just me!

Tim,

Mid East's an excellent collection of routes, I can count the number of times I've used any other "routes" on one hand. It's as comprehensive and as realistic as as any route can be within MSTS

Perhaps there's scope to extend the route, Basil's suggested Tinsley, going east, Ely, Norwich and as far as Cambridge would be welcome, perhaps

I don't believe MidEast's had its day at all.............

Cheers,

Andy.

I couldn't put it better than what has already been said, I feel in my own oppinion that this is along with the activitys very much a drivers route as I have had alot of fun using my skills to drive the express trains and such as close to they way you would on a real railway in which it certainly gives a great impresion of. Take a well earned break from route building by all means as you have indeed earned it, but I do feel there is much more potential to use on this one yet

I voted I want to see it extended, but as has been said by Basil its your route Tim so its your call whether you extend it or not (personally London Kings Cross-Doncaster would be great )

Tim

I think its an excellent route and it is the ONLY other finished route I have loaded on my machine apart from the 6 defaults and Woodhead. In line with others, the only thing I'd suggest you do is extend it south into Kings Cross and North to Doncaster/Leeds/York and leave it at that - basically stick a terminus at either end.

For me, the lack of a terminus at one end of Woodhead V1.1 is its biggest failing - which of course is solved wth V2.

For those who want Tinsley, fear not - I have it all in Woodhead V2. For shunting fans, I think the yards at Tinsley, Wath, Oxspring and Mottram will keep you happy.

But - I have voted 'Do as you see fit' because a) I know its a lot of work and b) you're turning out some fantastic rolling stock now (any BR Mk2's or 3's on the horizon?) and I don't want that to stop!
As far as connecting up to other routes I am still a couple of miles short of MidEastUK.

Extend,Extend & Extend.Think like the victorians Tim,think big.

Its the only route i have installed,literally.Mainly because its the only finished british route of any appreciable length and certainly the only one i come back to again and again.

regards,
IKB.

isambardkingdombrunel wrote:Extend,Extend & Extend.Think like the victorians Tim,think big.

Knowing you, you'll want him to extend to somewhere on the Western Region

Nothing wrong with the WR!

Do what you'd like to do Tim. Don't let it become a chore. As it is, MidEast is a cracking route. Not too big, but big enough to be able to do pretty well anything in. It's great for all sorts of activities.

You say that you won't be giving up route building, well that's great. Your routes are the best out there. If you're going to leave MidEast alone now and start another route... how about doing one with FineScale track pieces. The wide spacing just doesn't look right sometimes.

But if you're going to do anything else to MidEast, then as above, extend it into London please. Although putting all the London scenery in will be a bit of a major job.

All in all, do what makes you happiest.

I'd go along with what's been said. I voted for 'its up to you' as you don't want it to be a chore.

If I had a preference it would be to go westwards, to take in more opportunity to run some AC leccy's

But a route's a route and its complete and that's the main thing.

You can run what you want on it

Speaking as someone whose only ability is to keep MSTS running on an old system and dabbling in aliasing sound & cab files coupled with creating simple activities I feel a bit cheeky in casting a vote for continuing.

Whatever else the route is obviously a labour of love and a credit to all concerned.

The new routes are great in their own way and provide for all tastes from Steam onwards but I believe there is something special in Mideast in all its incarnations and has given me many hours of pleasure.

Now the realy cheeky bit !

If you are going to extend it do so, North South East & West deffinatly so that it meets up with both the GWR & S & D.

Seriously though, at the end of the day it's your decision & if you do decide to leave it as it is and enjoy a well earned break then do so you've earnt it.

Well, as you asked, I think that (without under rating ME in any way), it might be time to start something new and use all the skills you honed on ME on a new project. (Maybe something with more than 2 rails.....hint hint)

As has already been said,it would be great to see it extended in all directions,its the most used route on my set up and a credit to Tims modelling skills and enthusiasm.I would like to see it extended,maybe as add ons over a period of time.But whatever decision is made the route will never be dated!!
Heres hoping
Phil

I am still waiting for Nottingham!

But the main thing is Tim, do what you would like to - it mustn't become a chore.

-Alan

I must go back and check my original post - I don't know if I can cope with everyone agreeing with me - must be losing my controversial edge....

Oh and Doncaster Carr Depot and 'The Plant' would be really nice!