Atomic Systems

First of all, I would like to say thanks to all those who contribute on this board. When I first looked at RE in 2001, I don't think I could ever do any
thing but dream of the possibilities. The contributions of people on this board really allow these possibilities to come into fruition.
I would like to say though, that the search facility on this board leaves a lot to be desired. The information is out there somewhere! Three hours after getting lost through reading other threads...
I would like to guage the level of interest in the GCR network. It is somethingI hold in my heart, but my era is the 70's/80's (loco hauled stock, some station sidings still in place). Going over Woodhead with DEM'ed data is a beutiful experience in itself. The last mainline London extension allows for some fast running. I'm considering a 'whatif' the GCR network survived the axe. Scope for some very interesting traffic and trackwork I think.
I understand that there is a lot involved in this, and I take a long term view of this as something I know I will always come back to. I will have to consider the impact of TMTS/KJS which still appears to be clouded in a lot of secrecy. Not easy, but scenery creating in 3d canvas probably isn't a waste of time.
I would be interested in hearing some of your comments.

Hi,

There is an extension of the Woodhead down to London out there somewhere just waiting to be released, but there have been no updates for some time

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... hlight=gcr

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 37&start=0

I'm sure most here would love to see the GCR in all its glory, and the 'what if' 70s/80s approach would certainly grab my attention. Would it be electrified?

As for building it, I think its probably worth concentrating on research and model making until TMTS/KRS is released, then at least you'd have a head start without commiting too much time to MSTS only to be abandoned in favour of the new software.

Regards

The result would probably be a time warp, with scenery based on up-to-date sattelite imagery, a 60's Sheffield Victoria layout, etc.. I quite like modern speedposts which allow for driving without aids.
The aim is obviously semi-fictional. Some imagination will be used to rationalise historic layouts. The capacity of the lines will be upped a bit, since modern northern railways have been decimated so much that many lines are completely boring! Hopefully TMTS/KRS will allow a mix of concreate and wooden sleepers for those 70's/80's style station yards.
Without a doubt, Tinsley to Doncaster would have been electrified at the time of the ECML (the Woodhead system converted to 25kV), and possibly the Rotherwood to Retford section as well, and onto the east coast ports.
I would think these days the Marylebone to Machester services would use HST's or Class 221/222's.
The aim would be for 90% accuracy (no point getting to hung up on picky detail on a large network), using 100% custom objects. The start place would be Sheffield Victoria and would include the line from Killamarsh Juntion through Clowne to Lincoln via Langwith Junction (if anybody knows the book with the gradient profile, please let me know). Time to reopen some of those old lines and freight loops I think.

paulz6 wrote:I quite like modern speedposts which allow for driving without aids.

Whats wrong with the old type of speed post. Shurly you can drive without the aids whith them.

Well you tend to have to know where they are and look for them! There are plenty of them still about though. Do you know when the old/new style posts where introduced? I suppose you could ask which type of old speedpost!

Does any body have any specs on 1500V DC Woodhead style gantries (or know where I can find them)? I intend building a set to UK track standards, providing a good range as I don't see a point in electrifying platforms! I will develop these to a future standard - ie, I'm not going to worry about the frame rate too much, because by the time I will get to put them to good use the hardware will be able to handle them. Of course good use of transparent textures should prevent the frame rate from being killed!
Also, I am going to have a go at developing Sheffield Victoria, so any good information here would be a good help too. Where I don't have hard facts, I'll make a perceptive guess from B&W photos (don't help know which colours to use!).
The aim is to produce good objects but not get hung up on unobtainable detail.
By the end of it, I should know if I am any good at scenery creation and/or texturing!

Yes! Am DEFINITELY interested in a GCR network one. Anyone that will make Nottingham Victoria gets my vote

A 70's/80's Sheffield Victoria, Nottingham Victoria and Leicester Central would probably have had trackwork very much unchanged from the steam days due to space limitations. A modern approach would probably have the same feel with the centre roads ripped up.
I would be very interested in other peoples thoughts on the 'what ifs' regarding track layouts and motive power/stock, time period, etc.

Great some old style GCR island platform stations would be great

A generic ex-GCR island platform could be done.... but what about the colours ?!
I've concentrated on photography between Barnetby and Cleethorpes (the real ex-GCR mainline!), Brocklesby Jc is a blast from the past!