Why Do Routes need other routes

[bigvern]

Responding to the OP.

1. Basically because there are so few default objects included compared to MSTS or Trainz.

2. At least until recently a relative lack of freeware objects to include in a route.

3. Complications over distribution of Item 2 or sending potential route users on an Internet scavenger hunt.

4. More complex 3D building and texturing requirements. RW isn't very kind when it comes to the textured "boxes" we could get away with in MSTS via TSM, which means learning 3D Canvas, Blender or Max (latter if you're a rich dude).

So in the face of that it was easier for us route builders just to use suitable items from add-on routes, easily obtainable as DLC. You only need to buy it once and you have the items for every route which uses them. A few gentle suggestions have been pointed at RSC about making the IOW route - probably the most common source of additional assests - core content, but they have resolutely declined to do so (thus far).

[jp4712]

No bias at all there, Darren? (Michael, Darren made the Bristol - Exeter route: so a bit of an in-joke!).

Michael, if your budget is limited, why don't you give us some thoughts on what you like? I mean do you prefer steam era, modern era? Long freight or passenger runs, or shunting and branchline ambling? North, South, East, West? The geographical coverage is improving so we're getting to the point now where you can get something from your local area.

You mention Bristol - Exeter and Falmouth branch - both are excellent, B-E is modern day and you can take an HST thrash down the main line; or Falmouth, great for pick-up goods or branch line local. And with the Falmouth branch there's a freeware variant here you can get once you have the payware route, a sort of 'community hyper-realistic' version that really adds a lot - for example, I know of no other sims that actually simulates the fireman picking up the single line token!

No pressure, just enjoy your hobby and I'm sure folks here will help you get the most from your purchase.

Paul

Falmouth GWR - Route [9901853 bytes] - FalmouthGWR_Route.zip File ID: 25964 Date: 04 Jul 2011 - 1930 Downloads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lUxM5tLqSc

[paulz6]

I try to keep payware requirements to a minimum, but the IOW does provide lots of new housing and bungalows for modern route building, and the UK LED signal set has so much better functionality than the default stuff.

With nobkins UKTS freeware packs though, there is some comfort that freeware items are not going to be suddenly withdrawn, so I am watching these developments with interest. This development may lead to more freeware routes independent of payware requirements.

[bdy26]

IOW is particularly useful in terms of scenery assets. It was also the first route to use 3D track which is why a lot of people have gone for it.

The other more practical reason is that if you do you payware items and then change your mind its not all that easy to take the items out. Routebuilding is such a long process, and the more information you get about a route the greater the tempation to include assets from X Y or Z payware. The more freeware items we have available, the less payware dependencies there will need to be. The UKTS Freeware packs have been brilliant in this respect, and also in that anything donated can be reskinned which makes it considerably easier to get the local stone walls, houses etc.

Generally, most routebuilders do try and keep the payware dependencies down but some payware is incredibly useful. Generally, I'd always try and limit myself to 1 payware dependency, but the GWR route im plotting id love to use both Falmouth (bridges) and China Clay for export (signal boxes and scenery).

B

[jp4712]

the GWR route im plotting

You get back in your box, Mr 26! No defecting to the Great Way Round until I'm happily puffing between Penrith and Keswick. And it'll be gruel and water for you unless you promise to extend over Stainmore...

Paul

[msey0002]

I must confess to being one of those people who use as much payware as they can afford to make their work more realistic . However, I make no apologies for this, as I make what little content I do make to satisfy my own wants which are currently lacking in the sim .

[briyeo1950]

Excuse me, no joking allowed, the Mods will be on to you

[michaelhendle]

Hi,

The era I'm most interested in is the period from 1956-66,that way you can run steam loco's along side 1st generation diesel,including class 47,Favourite Loco's Spam Cans,M7 tank loco,and A1-A4 and B1 diesels Class 24/5 and Class 40 45/6.

Area either the Southern or ECML,and the Falmouth Branch caught my eye as it was a short line to learn on.

Hope that helps

Mike

[briyeo1950]

You will need this fine freeware Q1 then Mike made by Karma99, available from DPSimulation

http://www.dpsimulation.org.uk/page_2370067.html

[msey0002]

What Brian said .

And this!

http://uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php? ... leid=27182

[simuk]

I try to keep payware requirements to a minimum, but the IOW does provide lots of new housing and bungalows for modern route building, and the UK LED signal set has so much better functionality than the default stuff.

I'd personally like to see the UK LED signal pack and some other basic but much-used assets included in Core in RailWorks 3.

[spikeyorks]

Hi,

The era I'm most interested in is the period from 1956-66,that way you can run steam loco's along side 1st generation diesel,including class 47,Favourite Loco's Spam Cans,M7 tank loco,and A1-A4 and B1 diesels Class 24/5 and Class 40 45/6.

Area either the Southern or ECML,and the Falmouth Branch caught my eye as it was a short line to learn on.

Hope that helps

Mike

Mike possibly the best bit if advice that I could give you is to do nothing now other than to have a good look at the payware library and to make a big list of everything you would like in order of preference. Whilst you are doing this then save up your pennies week by week and wait for the next Steam sale. Whilst no one can promise you anything there is a very good chance that there will be one at either Thanksgiving or Christmas or Both.

If you keep an eye on Steam and if you keep an eye on the forums here then either you will spot the sale yourself or someone here will spot it and will open a thread. (Earlier on in the year someone even spotted an alternative legitimate site that you could download from at half price).

By keeping your eyes peeled you might be able to buy everything you want at a greatly reduced rate just by timing your purchases. I bought Falmouth and a lot of other goodies with discounts of up to 75% (as did a lot of other forum members). Now that sort of discount makes everything good value.

Regards

[sad27]

Hi,

This problem is not a problem of Railworks, only for the route builders I thinks, they have to make a choice;

-only use the standard assets: boring!
-use everthing they have: expensive!
-make everthing themselves: where to get the time! (RW is demands much more of a route builder, so much is possible for a creative mind)
-only use freeware: almost impossible to find back all the downloads, or to much to load and render.

I think that RW just needs time. The choice of quality freeware will increase over the years.
Also routes only demand other stuff when used in tracks,signals or rolling stock. Other assets can be missed or replaced by other ones, just adapt the route.

SAD

[whittaker]

Hello mike

my Blyth &Tyne route doesn't require any payware and only requires a handfull of files to install.


joe

[danny3]

I know that with the route that I made (fictional NSE, but called East Kent Branch Line as part of the 2nd route building challenge) I used the WCML for the signals and the third rail, but then used a lot of the assets from the route but then found that Portsmouth Direct line also had a lot more of the assets useful for the Southeast / 3rd rail areas, even though my route is fairly fictional. Although while I've seen lots of good assets in other routes I have to fight myself not to use them mainly because of the issue with cost unfortunately but then again this was my second real route that I've done and can't really change that now without ripping out most of the route which I don't really want to do! (even though its not that long it would still take a long time!)

Although on the bright side to using those routes I can include the 450 and class 86 within the scenarios as well as the buffered hst packs, but then again I haven't really touched the route in a few weeks because of well ... work! In my case though I've only used the payware because of the assets like I'm sure most people have done. Then again that is if I ever finish my small route