what route do you want to see made

[saddletank]

Isle of Man is next on the agenda after WHR for me...

Chris

Well done that man! Of those on the list that would be my choice. Will it be a commercial deal via Spooners or a freeware project? I should think a commercial version would sell well, esp if you pitched it back in time when all the lines were open - between the wars maybe.

[pitleyfalley]

Martin,

Was toying with the idea of about 1946... the year after the change into Indian Red, so would enable running in both Dark Green and the Indian Red livery, would also allow both coloured sets of coaches, and possibly some of the old 4 wheelers lying around with a bit of artistic lisence. As for the routes, it would be the whole lot, Douglas to Peel Ramsey and Port Erin with the branch down to Foxdale.

Steam wise, all engines except Tynwald and the Manx Northern's Ramsey and Northern would be possible, although im not sure you'd want to include all of them! Maybe a couple from each 'group' but certainly a nice mix of styles and liveries. I certainly like the idea of it.

The next question is gauge? Truescale wouldnt be allowed commerically, which leaves making 4ft 81/2 gauge track look liike 3ft gauge track (methinks about 1.2 scale?). This would be nice, chunkier than normal default but not as bulky as x2 scale. As for commercial vs freeware, i havnt thought about it really. Ill see when we get WHR out and about.

Terrain wise, it would need x1.2 DEM data, which could prove interesting, however if x2 scale is possible there is no reason why x1.6 scale isnt.

The final result would be 46 miles or so of railway network, all in 3ft gauge, with their own unique engines and stock. Quite a system.

All thoughts, suggestions, and wishes gladly accepted.

Chris

[BruceB]

I thought I should perhaps comment here!

Chris and I have been talking about the Isle and Man Railways for quite a while now - mainly because while my project was allways going to be WHR, Chris would really really really (really!) would like to do the IoM Network. Its only fair that I return the favour and assist with this project.

One of the reasons for setting up Spooners TS was to develop friends and contacts who would prove useful and helpful in the long run and without a doubt we have certainly done that. I appriate that not everyone currently working on WHR will want to work on the IoM which is perfectly fine, but Chris and I will both no doubt be working on this route at some stage.

Obviously, we are a little busy at the moment with the WHR, and while it will be "finished" boxed and sold, I intend to continue providing support and updates for it, both technical and also new features, as they appear on the real railway. This will be a solo endeavour, so will not draw anyone else back from doing what they want to do.

I freely admit that I'm not "up to speed" on the Isle of Man Railways, and know very little about them myself, but as Chris has advanced knowledge of the network, and the fact that I am keen to learn more, I have agreed to support what will be "his" project. After building Southwold for Jur (FadedGlory) and WHR for me, I think it really is Chris' turn to build something for himself!

Martin mentioned "commerical or freeware" well I have my own ideas and Chris has his - we shall have to do some more talking first, it is very early days for this one

Plus of course there is the question - will we still be playing MSTS this time next year, and if not, what will we playing...

Muse upon it further, I shall return!

Bruce

[MuzTrem]

I think the 1960's/early Ailsa era would be best as that's the era most people remember and the last period you could include the Peel and Ramsey lines. Anyway whatever the era I think it will certainly be a great route, good luck!

[davvydo]

the manx tanks are quite big though in real life for 3 foot gauge.

standard size to me would be better i think

[timbgray64]

Got to be the Romney, I'm a volunteer driver at the weekends, would also love to drive the line from the comfort of home and not have to worry about cleaning & disposing the loco

[MuzTrem]

I don't have the courage to build a route yet but when I get Trainsim modeller I'll have a go at some RHDR stock.

[davidaward]

Well guess where i'm going in the summer!

Chris/Bruce if you need any specific Manx photos let me know!

Also i'd love to help in any way if needed on the project within my capabilities like repainting manx peacocks to represent the many ones there (of the different types that is I know not all are the same!) or activity writing.........but i know thats probably a while off!

[pitleyfalley]

Many thanks for the offer, ill be back on the island for a week or two in the summer, and maybe next month, though not sure about that one yet.

Plans are being hatched in the world of SPTS, all will be revealed once we have a definitive plan.

Chris

[tdstead]

Just too hard a choice to make, I just like narrow gauge, the more narrow the better.

Tom

[timbgray64]

Is anybody actually building the Romney ?

[MuzTrem]

I wish someone would, we really need a decent 15" gauge route. Nice as Lakeside and Sutton is, it dosn't have much activity potential.

[timbgray64]

If anyone is thinking of building the Romney, and you need any info/photos taken etc. then PM me (i'm there most weekends)

Tim

[robert159]

i think it would be realy cool if someone were to do the romney route. ive wanted a version of it on my pc since i got msts.

[Tonysmedley]

please say which route you want to see made. the route builders might see this !!!!!!

Leek and Manifold, Please