how to build a route

[jow104]

I have heard mention of members using ordance survey maps (which are out of copyright) what are they doing with these maps scanning them and placing the map on screen and using as a backdrop?
Or what have you?
A brief presume would be interesting.
John engine mad

[southcoasttrains]

When I had many attempts doing my route I used the OS map but guessed the lenght of track needed and the direction.

The OS maps are in KM's or 1 sq = 1 km2 so it's easy,
Not sure about people using them as backdrops?

[saddletank]

There are a couple of freeware tools around - TSTools and TSTF. Both have dedicated forums on this site. Both use a map as a basis to register co-ordinates on, or Lat & Long and you then trace the contour data to create real elevation info, and trace the track to make a marker file. The elevation data is converted into heights within MSTS route editor and you have the basic terain for your route. I have used TSTF and can thoroughly recommend it although you do need to put in a fair amount of work but the end result is excellent as you get real (and thus totally believable) terrain.

If you scan in a modern OS map then you run into sticky copyright laws if you plan to distribute the route, but if you use an OS map over 50 years old there is no longer a copyright issue. Check out the OS copyright link on the top left of this sites main page. There are usually old OS maps from the 1950s around in bookshops and reprints can be obtained from the OS direct. If you do a search online I think there are a few online sources of old maps too.

[jow104]

I thought there must be something out there
John engine mad