GWR Centenary Coach set

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Fri Feb 13, 2004 11:57 pm

I will upload a patch on UKTS to upgrade to the full release on UKTS, as well as the full installer. Hopefully the upgrade will be quite small.

longbow · Post by **longbow** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:45 am

Tim - just got these coaches up and running and they look fantastic. Great detail and beautifully textured. Any chance of some notes on prototype train formations?

PS a minor point: there are some gaps between corridor connections - could anything can be done about that?

longbow · Post by **longbow** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 2:26 am

I'd be interested to hear how Tim (or others) making use of LOD are selecting the appropriate distances and level of detail at each LOD point. For example, these coaches show about 3000 polys between 80m to 240m distance fom camera, yet in Shape File Viewer they are only between 3cm and 1cm long on screen between those distances. Other models show a wide range of LOD distances and detail levels. Are there modelling constraints here, or is there scope for a more aggressive reduction of polys with distance?

decapod · Post by **decapod** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:43 am

The size on screen depends on the camera field of view, the shape viewer is set to about a 90 degrees.
Some cam-hacks in MSTS change this.

Typically 80 to 100m is a good first level as this is about the length of a typical train, 250m is OK for the second level - I don't turn down the detail too much because this LOD is also used if the user turns down the train detail level in the settings. After that cutting more polys is a good idea as generally the models are usually just a few pixels on te screen.

BruceB · Post by **BruceB** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:55 am

Superb Coaches Tim, Thanks. Any chance of BR Blood and Custard versions?

Bruce

spitfiresrbest · Post by **spitfiresrbest** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 12:32 pm

Stunning. Just what we've been needing

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:24 pm

longbow wrote:I'd be interested to hear how Tim (or others) making use of LOD are selecting the appropriate distances and level of detail at each LOD point. For example, these coaches show about 3000 polys between 80m to 240m distance fom camera, yet in Shape File Viewer they are only between 3cm and 1cm long on screen between those distances. Other models show a wide range of LOD distances and detail levels. Are there modelling constraints here, or is there scope for a more aggressive reduction of polys with distance?

I use MSTS itself to work out whats visible, for instance, after 80m I remove all the small details like door handles, end steps, etc. I could add more LOD levels, but this increases file sizes, and with 10-13 coaches in a consist, memory usage can become an issue. I find 4 LOD levels is sufficient, though some models may benefit from more. This is the first time I have used a very simple model for the furthest levels, but still conveying the overall appearance. The furthest two LOD's are really to benefit coaches in the background, static or AI.

I would not recommend using SFV for deciding LOD levels, its not the same as seeing your model in MSTS.

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:33 pm

BruceB wrote: Superb Coaches Tim, Thanks. Any chance of BR Blood and Custard versions?

Bruce

I will produce a BR(W) version of the set, though this requires a modification to all the models - moving some lettering labels, and some additional labelling. Its not possible to apply the livery correctly without modification. That set will also contain a Maroon texture set, for those that want the final livery.

saddletank · Post by **saddletank** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 5:11 pm

A few pics of these superb models in action. King George V courtesy of Robin Howell.

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Close up of the leading brake coach

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KGV and the up Cornish Riviera Express passing Wootten Bassett

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Close up of a restaurant car window. Beautiful shaping and curves to the bodywork Tim.

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Approaching Swindon Works.

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Passing a van train on the up relief line. Another good view of the tumblehome and recessed doors.

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Passing Rodbourne Lane signalbox and St Marks church.

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Passing the school on the right with the carriage paint shops and Swindon Workmen's Village up ahead and to the right.

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Approaching Gloucester Branch Junction. 1841 running shed on the left.

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Storming through on the up fast line.

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Some coal empties returning to the Rhondda held at the down through line starter.

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A railmotor stands ignored in the Shrivenham Bay as all eyes watch the express pass.

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Green lights all the way to Didcot.

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Homeward bound.

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 7:34 pm

Thanks for those Martin, its good to see them in use on a GWR route

The work on the two passenger views has come together quicker than I expected (newbie to pv's), so the set is almost ready for V1 release.

These are based on the somewhat limited information available, but I feel they are good enough to give an idea of what the real compartments would of looked like - sadly none of the compartmented coaches survived.

Later in the year I hope to release passenger views for both the 1st and 3rd class restaurant coaches - these will require much more detail and will take a long time to assemble.

1st class compartment

3rd class compartment

lateagain · Post by **lateagain** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:28 pm

What route is that Martin?

Great Screenshots and great coaches!

Geoff

saddletank · Post by **saddletank** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 1:18 am

Passenger views are coming along nicely Tim.

Geoff, that's the Highworth route, Swindon station and works end. I went a bit mad with the detail, I only hope the activity writer does a couple of works shunting duties so users will see most of it!

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:42 am

Thanks for the comments folks.

Martin, you need to get Highworth released before we all forget what trains are

Only kidding. I went overboard with the Centenary's but I have to draw a line now though, otherwise none of the other things I have in mind will ever get started.

Having said that, I've just decided to redo the seating material of all the coaches, now that I've had to do a proper job of the tartan patterns for the passenger views....argh!

lateagain · Post by **lateagain** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:58 pm

Hi Martin, Tim,

Don't you guy's EVER let me catch you apologising for the quality of your work again

A good things worth waiting for.

Both the route and the coaches look great.

Geoff.

timbooth · Post by **timbooth** » Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:02 pm

Version 1 (full) has now been released, so you can now enjoy the passenger views and improved interior textures.

I've also corrected the coupling distance, and a couple of other minor fixes. Hopefully I've not missed anything, but please let me know about any issues.

I haven't done a update installer as it would come to around 4MB (due to all the changes and new files), and the full file is 6MB. If anyone really wants the update then I'll make it available.

Right, now its time for loco development