Ye'll hev hed yerr tea - New activity for West Highland

micksasse · Post by **micksasse** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 10:31 pm

Evenin' all.

Have just uploaded part 1 of what's to be a little series of moderately challenging (but, I hope, feasible!) activities for West Highland Stage 2. Obviously the file's awaiting approval at the moment, but once you've had a go I'd be grateful for any feedback (provided it doesn't involve Tourette's Syndrome...).

In particular, do, of course, let me know of any difficulties - I do hope that there aren't any, and in that respect many thanks again to Ian Morgan and Robert Slater for beta-testing the activity for me.

I'd also be interested to know if you do manage to arrive in time for your tea and scone - without turning off derailments!

Hope yous enjoy it, anyway.

Cheers

rdawes · Post by **rdawes** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 8:18 pm

Hi Mick,

I downloaded and installed all of the required stock last night and hope to give it a run tonight.

Bob

Optrex · Post by **Optrex** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 9:37 pm

Damn that Mrs McSporran's punctuality... Arrival at Fort William at 17:00:10 with 5 gallons of diesel left. Well I guess I'll just have to go hungry this evening...!

Great activity Mick, I enjoyed that immensely.

ianm42 · Post by **ianm42** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:32 am

I thought I had plenty of fuel about half way there, but then used about 10 gallons getting up one hill. It is very alarming having to watch it disappear like that

micksasse · Post by **micksasse** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 8:45 pm

Thanks for the comments - glad you've enjoyed. 17:00 is good going, Optrex - especially to have 5 gallons left; almost makes up for the lack of a cuppa!

PS if it's any consolation you'd have had no time to drink it due to the demands of Part 2 and the Strategic Reserve! (that's loco' reserve, not tea) - Watch this space.........

Optrex · Post by **Optrex** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 10:31 pm

Good grief! Don't tell me I have to make it to Mallaig with only 2-and-a-half cups of diesel and a strong tail wind! Waaaaaaah!

Seriously though, it was an interesting activity - the fuel restriction really makes you think about the driving technique rather than just opening up the power to 100% all the time, and watching the fuel gauge drop down was a bit worrying. But I'd imagine it's not entirely far-fetched, stranger things have no doubt happened in real life.

Plus I'm trying to make an effort now to thank people for their hard work... I've yet to finish constructing an activity myself (**** AE crashes and oddities), and I appreciate the hard work everyone puts in.

Mike

Lad491 · Post by **Lad491** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 7:25 am

I would imagine a few thank you's would be welcome. I've currently uploaded 11 activities for the L2B line and have only had 5 people comment, despite over 1500 downloads now. To those 5 i inturn offer my thanks - since their comments are the only way i know if what i am doing is worthwhile or a waste of time.

I personally think a quick "thanks it was great", or "thanks but it was rubbish" takes very little time - especially if people are regular visitors here and is a simple courtesy and reward for the hard work many people put in here for free for the benefit of others.

micksasse · Post by **micksasse** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 8:18 pm

Exactly so - when people make comments like the above it makes it worthwhile!

Mike: no, fuel is one thing that won't be a problem in part 2...

rdawes · Post by **rdawes** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 2:27 am

Whooee,

I just made it to Fort William at 16:58 with 1 gallon left. Coasted the last part to save fuel. I used the locomotive brake (not the train brake) to control the speed on the down-grades and a lot of sand to get started quickly.

I only had one of the white outs but the save recovered it. Nice pop-ups!

Screw the tea and scone, I'm going for a single malt now!

Guess I won't be fit to drive for a while.

Great activity, Mick.

Bob

Lad491 · Post by **Lad491** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 6:28 am

Can someone tell me where i can get the West Highland Stage 2 route?
Ive searched for it here without success. Do I have to buy it and if so, from where please?

fairlie · Post by **fairlie** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 6:53 am

http://www.trainsim.org.uk

I Don't have it yet, this activity sounds superb

Optrex · Post by **Optrex** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 8:35 am

By the way - I do hope that everyone remembered to toot their horns for the friendly cat at Gorton loop...?

sddsddean · Post by **sddsddean** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 11:06 am

I had to do a quick sprint to the tea shop as I got in at 1659:30 with 5 gallons left! When you send off for this route Lad491, you get 3 other routes on the CD as well and all for only Â£3. Value for money in my book.

Simon

micksasse · Post by **micksasse** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 11:23 am

rdawes wrote:Whooee,

I just made it to Fort William at 16:58 with 1 gallon left. Coasted the last part to save fuel. I used the locomotive brake (not the train brake) to control the speed on the down-grades and a lot of sand to get started quickly.

I only had one of the white outs but the save recovered it. Nice pop-ups!

Screw the tea and scone, I'm going for a single malt now!

Guess I won't be fit to drive for a while.

Great activity, Mick.

Bob

I'm impressed - top marks for technique! Sorry though, single-malt's right out of the question: you've got work to do! Maybe a quick Laphroaig at Mallaig though...

Mike, you're quite right: as much as I admire all aspects of Vern's routes, it's definitely the use of cats which sets them apart! (Actually, that gives me an idea for an activity strand.........)

Simon, absolutely: the other stuff on the CD is also really worthwhile: the old Far North route may be one of the first, but it's still a very enjoyable drive - as you say, damn good for three quid.

PS Can I make a confession? The fuel restriction was actually a bit of an afterthought and it's pure chance I got the amount in the tank about right!!

Lad491 · Post by **Lad491** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 3:43 pm

Ive got the CD - your right about value for money.
Can someone repeat the file ID's i need for this activity and stock please.
I dont seem to be able to track them down.

Hope i can get them installed ok - ive not managed one from here yet