Atomic Systems

On the MSTS version of the route, I believe signals were placed but lowered under the terrain. I think this is a compromise it would be worth looking at for future versions.

Yes, but unfortunately, when running this excellent route in OR all the signals placed under the terrain in MSTS pop back up again. It's a good idea to explore the burying of signals underground in TS'12. I know next to nothing about routebuilding in any sim, so perhaps some RW route guru might enlighten us whether this is possible.

It takes a lot of driving skill to keep a train safe on narrow gauge gradients and it's important to do some research to discover the sorts of maximum permitted tonnage involved. You might be surprised how relatively small that is. It is all part of the thrill of narrow gauge railways.

Cheers Bazza

FYI, G-Trax have temporarily suspended new orders until the backlog is cleared

Well it seems my hesitation in ordering was well justified then. I'll come back in a week or 2 and see what the lie of the land is then. Having seen reports last night of draconian 12 hour time limited links and people having problems downloading even within the 12 hour limit was a big red warning flag to me.

If people are paying for downloads then they should work straight away like Steam and the EA / Origin distribution networks. The download link I got from Origin this week for a product was good for 7 days - plenty of time to get it downloaded and backed up.

Time limited links are nothing new - Making Tracks and others mentioned above have used them effectively and with good customer service to re-enable them if issues have occurred but 12 hours is a bit extreme. At least let me come back tomorrow to download if my ISP bombs tonight. If my ISP bombs that is not the payware developer's fault but ultimately it means the link doesn't work and more effort is required to get it sorted out.

FoggyMorning wrote:I think "scripted" free roams may be the way to go with a "One engine in steam" policy and have the player hop between different services perhaps.

Haven't got the route yet as GTrax have temporarily suspended new orders due to volume of traffic

For info orders are now being accepted by GTrax again. Mine is now downloading with an estimated time of ~half an hour using Chrome (download size is 450MB). It took approx. 20mins between the Paypal payment being accepted and the download link appearing via email, and when it did it was marked as spam, so be sure to check your junk mail folders

...so, how's the route?

How's the route...?

Well I've only driven about a third of the way to just beyond the Animas Canyon (having been distracted by the Class 390). The first 45 minutes or so out of Durango are quite straight and flat, with an overall line speed of 20 MPH regretably I have to say pretty boring - I nearly nodded off. That's no fault of the route author of course as the prototype is exactly like that, remember from my own ride on the line years ago particularly on the return journey the incessant trundle back into Durango. We wanted our dinner!! This section of the route also seems to bear evidence of less scenery placement with little ground foliage in evidence, relying on terrain textures.

Above Rockwood and heading off above the Animas the contrast is stunning. Awe inspiring gorge with the train teetering high above the river on a narrow ledge. However at 2 miles in length with a 5 MPH speed restriction this also started to get a bit tedious and I must admit to going a bit faster than the posted speed to get through it. Obviously the real D&S impose the speed limit as they are concerned a. about rockfalls or b. they might kill someone walking this section of line but for simulation purposes 10 MPH would probably suffice.

There's quite a few custom items in the route, e.g. traffic lights and road signs for the area. As I already mentioned lack of signalling will mean scenario potential pretty much limited to one train in steam and I've also commented on the K27 physics.

Certainly worth getting though. Purely for personal use I will probably clone the route and change a few things to make it more user friendly, i.e. up the speed limits and install signals (rumours of standard gauging and electrifying so I can drive the Pendolino up there are purely hearsay, or some might say heresy!!).

Thanks for your feedback Vern I will be getting the route next week as my funds are a bit low at the moment.
The route reminds of my msts days with the Sumpter Valley.


Regards


John

bigvern wrote:Certainly worth getting though. Purely for personal use I will probably clone the route and change a few things to make it more user friendly, i.e. up the speed limits and install signals (rumours of standard gauging and electrifying so I can drive the Pendolino up there are purely hearsay, or some might say heresy!!).

Be sure that we will consider all customer feedback for the next version/update.
Signals burried underneath the ground to allow AI traffic are already on our list. The speedlimit on the High Line is also an issue we'll think about.

bigvern wrote:How's the route...?

Well I've only driven about a third of the way to just beyond the Animas Canyon (having been distracted by the Class 390). The first 45 minutes or so out of Durango are quite straight and flat, with an overall line speed of 20 MPH regretably I have to say pretty boring - I nearly nodded off. That's no fault of the route author of course as the prototype is exactly like that, remember from my own ride on the line years ago particularly on the return journey the incessant trundle back into Durango. We wanted our dinner!! This section of the route also seems to bear evidence of less scenery placement with little ground foliage in evidence, relying on terrain textures.

Above Rockwood and heading off above the Animas the contrast is stunning. Awe inspiring gorge with the train teetering high above the river on a narrow ledge. However at 2 miles in length with a 5 MPH speed restriction this also started to get a bit tedious and I must admit to going a bit faster than the posted speed to get through it. Obviously the real D&S impose the speed limit as they are concerned a. about rockfalls or b. they might kill someone walking this section of line but for simulation purposes 10 MPH would probably suffice.

There's quite a few custom items in the route, e.g. traffic lights and road signs for the area. As I already mentioned lack of signalling will mean scenario potential pretty much limited to one train in steam and I've also commented on the K27 physics.

Certainly worth getting though. Purely for personal use I will probably clone the route and change a few things to make it more user friendly, i.e. up the speed limits and install signals (rumours of standard gauging and electrifying so I can drive the Pendolino up there are purely hearsay, or some might say heresy!!).

Have only had a brief run so far which I spent just pottering about the yard at Durango so I can only comment on this section of the route which is very nicely done as the line runs through the town. I particularly like the way the mountains loom over you which creates quite a dramatic backdrop in itself. Hope to explore the more dramatic areas of the route this evening.

One thing I should point out to prospective buyers is that at present the K27 has no interior cab view and only a 2D exterior as it was ported from MS Train Sim. Not a major drawback for me and I believe it is something that will be addressed in a future update, but worth noting.

micaelcorleone wrote:

bigvern wrote:Certainly worth getting though. Purely for personal use I will probably clone the route and change a few things to make it more user friendly, i.e. up the speed limits and install signals (rumours of standard gauging and electrifying so I can drive the Pendolino up there are purely hearsay, or some might say heresy!!).

Be sure that we will consider all customer feedback for the next version/update.
Signals burried underneath the ground to allow AI traffic are already on our list. The speedlimit on the High Line is also an issue we'll think about.

That's good to hear, thank you.

Also, at the current exchange rate the minimum donation of $15 US works out at about £9.70, and from what I have seen so far it is well worth this amount. Once admin costs are covered, profits will go to the Durango RR Historical Society, so it's a worthy cause also I think

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j43 ... rPhoto.jpg
(taken from the Durango Observer )

I want to inform you that the Durango & Silverton route will recieve its first update soon (probably tomorrow).

Rolling-stock:
- Added a D&SNG open observation gondola by Larry Goss with dynamic numbering, passenger characters and a passenger view.
- Added 13 seated and standing characters to be used primarily as train passengers.

Changes:
- Added the observation gons to each consist in the "DtoS" series of scenarios and to the Free Roams.
- Added revised user manual; user manual, route information and loco information now also in German language.

Fixes:
- Fixed the "floating caboose" bug, which was caused by improper bounding box values.
- Fixed a stretch of bad trackwork and terrain mismatches between MP 487-488.

Here a pic of the new open observation gondola:
http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j43 ... -44-27.jpg


We will continue to release more updates in the future. Thank you all for supporting the project.

Thanks for the advance notice, I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for the update

I love the route looking forward to the updates


Regards


John

The update has now appeared, just downloaded and installed.
Once at the GTRAX Simulations website, you need to go to 'Support' tab, then 'Product Support', then the 'click here' under product update patches

Nick

Hi,

Well i have just installed the update as per instructions via the Package Manager and the Caboose is still floating above the track,

I have tried always , behind just the K27 and then the box wagons, when i separated the loco and the wagons the Caboose went onto the track, as i reversed to connect up again the Caboose was jumping up and down and ended up floating above the track again, so i don't know!!

I can't see how i have done anything different as i do installing anything else in RW,

So Mouse, have you installed any stock with the Caboose and how has it worked for you?

Cheers,

Roger.

valleyforge wrote:Well i have just installed the update as per instructions via the Package Manager and the Caboose is still floating above the track,

I have tried always , behind just the K27 and then the box wagons, when i separated the loco and the wagons the Caboose went onto the track, as i reversed to connect up again the Caboose was jumping up and down and ended up floating above the track again, so i don't know!!

Sorry for that. It seems that the wrong file went into the patch.
I've been ordered to tell you to redownload the patch. It should now include the caboose fix.