New to Route Building

lykas · Post by **lykas** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:14 pm

Hi

I am new to MSTS (about 8 days) and want to build a short route so i can get into the field and try some skills.
Any ideas?

Cheers

Lyka

ianm42 · Post by **ianm42** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:23 pm

1) Start small. It takes a LOT of time to do. Learn on a 5 file stretch between two stations.
2) Read every tutorial and forum thread you can find.
3) buy the route building guide from Abacus
4) do not announce you intend to build a route from Land's End to John O'Groats, you will get abuse.
5) do ask for help if you get a particular problem you can't find an answer for - people will be very helpful then.
6) consider using either DEM data, or a tool for creating landscape from traced contour lines to produce your basic geography.
7) seriously consider using UK finescale track.

backup all the files before every route building session

Good Luck - all the great routes here started with that first length of track

lykas · Post by **lykas** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:17 pm

I cant afford to buy the book as i have a limited buget and want to start soon.

Cheers

Lykas

MeridianNick · Post by **MeridianNick** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:41 pm

Hello,

Righto, First thing to do is have a play about with already made routes to get to grips with MSTS RE

lykas · Post by **lykas** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:56 pm

Hi,

Thanks, i have the TR and have fiddled around with it, so i can get started

Cheers

lykas

trainlover123 · Post by **trainlover123** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:33 pm

Heya

I have thought of one, the Leicester to Loughborough, it's only 10 miles and is pretty simple.

Thanks

jains15 · Post by **jains15** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:40 pm

yeah thats a good idea!

im doing it too so more the merrier, and i can help if u want with a few resources! Although my route is a bit more than simply loughborough to leicester...

jon

jains15 · Post by **jains15** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:48 pm

Some more tips in addition to those above.

PLAN your route, even its gonna be fictional. the secret to any job is preperation.

You WILL come up against things that puzzle you. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but be aware most "How do i do X" questions (especially early ones) have been answered many times already. Do a forum search. U will get an answer quicker and without annoying people who may have answered a question 5+ times!

If something is not working, LEAVE IT! Go watch TV, have a beer/tea and come back to it. You will find that your brain was working it out while you were gazing at the kettle and you will crack it straight away.

Don't bite off more than u can chew. Even a 5 mile route is a daunting task. But it is fun and the sense of achievment is amazing. You wait the first time you see that intricatly laid junction working perfectly from the cab of a train is wonderful.

If i think of anymore i'll tell ya mate! Lastly don't let the Route Editor take over your life. No seriously...

jon