Atomic Systems

OrpheusRocker wrote:Although I can't wait to get stuck into this, I'm watching what might happen with the LUA capabilities of TS2014 and thinking that some super scenarios might be incoming (if only I had the skills ).
Jimmy, could you please whet my appetite with a sneak preview of one of the documents you mentioned?
Cheers,
Andy

You're quite right, with TS2014 not too far away, it is definitely worth waiting to see what the 'new' scenario capabilities are before developing this side any further. However, I'll bet my bottom dollar that there'll be nothing that will enhance the sense of a realistic career or being part of a network such as BR. RSC have historically shown no inclination to go down this road, they seem solely focussed on attracting 'gamers' as opposed to 'simmers', so whatever the new scenarios may entail, there will almost certainly be scope to create our own realistic virtual BR outside of the actual driving part.

jimmyshand wrote:Might well be worth waiting to see what TS2014 has to offer in terms of scenario editing before making any concrete plans.

You're a bit 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' there, waiting to see what TS2014 brings has it's merits but thats a month away and then there'll be a learning process involved for any interesting scenario enhancements; ploughing on now could mean that in a months time any work is undone because changes to the game break it, or render it obsolete.
Whilst interest is high, is it worth doing a fairly simple testing scenario? As you've indicated, cloning and editing an existing scenario wouldn't be too hard a job for you and would give folk a chance to evaluate how it works and whether there need to be any little tweaks etc. A case of 'strike whilst the iron is hot'

gptech wrote:

jimmyshand wrote:Might well be worth waiting to see what TS2014 has to offer in terms of scenario editing before making any concrete plans.

You're a bit 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' there, waiting to see what TS2014 brings has it's merits but thats a month away and then there'll be a learning process involved for any interesting scenario enhancements; ploughing on now could mean that in a months time any work is undone because changes to the game break it, or render it obsolete.
Whilst interest is high, is it worth doing a fairly simple testing scenario? As you've indicated, cloning and editing an existing scenario wouldn't be too hard a job for you and would give folk a chance to evaluate how it works and whether there need to be any little tweaks etc. A case of 'strike whilst the iron is hot'

If there's one lesson to be learned from RSC then it's don't strike whilst the iron is hot, rush out a half baked product and expect it to get a good reception. This is a project that is a matter of days into its conception so there's a heck of a lot of groundwork to do yet before it's ready for a public outing. If this was a software development program then it's barely in discovery phase. We've got the whole of discovery, alpha and beta to run yet before it's ready.

Good news is when this is ready it will be completely free for people to use and will probably get people using stock and scenarios they've paid good money for that they ordinarily wouldn't bother with. I know for me personally, my Railworks journey is crying out for something like this. So often I find myself staring at the start screen completely devoid of inspiration on what scenario to run and not really fancying anything. What better way to solve this problem than to have a virtual BR system decide for you and issue you with all appropriate orders and documentation to boot?

OrpheusRocker wrote:Although I can't wait to get stuck into this, I'm watching what might happen with the LUA capabilities of TS2014 and thinking that some super scenarios might be incoming (if only I had the skills ).
Jimmy, could you please whet my appetite with a sneak preview of one of the documents you mentioned?
Cheers,
Andy

Check your private message box, I've got a sample I might be able to send you!

Quick update:

Documentation is coming along nicely. I've had some superb help from some chaps already who have given a supply of quality, authentic BR forms and documents. I've also had some help from another forum member in getting the forms into an editable digital format and several are now ready for use in the virtual BR. Currently we've got route knowledge sign off cards, certificate of competence forms (for signing off on traction types etc), incident report forms and authentic "Intercity" headed paper for creating rosters and general correspondence etc. All the documents are old original BR forms that have been digitally scanned and converted to editable electronic documents in Microsoft Word complete with original faded buff colouring!

At the rate this is progressing we will have a fully functional virtual depot office before too long!

I'm now looking for anyone who might be able to help on the scenario side of things? I'm reasonably skilled in scenario creation but I wouldn't say I'm an expert or particularly quick. The first step is to decide on which route to base the virtual BR when we kick it off? For anyone who is interested in joining then I'd appreciate some thoughts on what route would be most popular. I'm thinking perhaps London to Brighton as it offers plenty of scope for different kinds of operations and 'career' progression such as depot shunting, EMU services, Gatwick Express and loco hauled passenger & freight etc. Or would people prefer a default route like Ox to Padd? There is also the possibility of using the upcoming GEML which looks like it might offer a wide array of operational variety and traction as well as being super up-to-date?

Have you considered Retro's Central Route?

jimmyshand wrote:Quick update:

Documentation is coming along nicely. I've had some superb help from some chaps already who have given a supply of quality, authentic BR forms and documents. I've also had some help from another forum member in getting the forms into an editable digital format and several are now ready for use in the virtual BR. Currently we've got route knowledge sign off cards, certificate of competence forms (for signing off on traction types etc), incident report forms and authentic "Intercity" headed paper for creating rosters and general correspondence etc. All the documents are old original BR forms that have been digitally scanned and converted to editable electronic documents in Microsoft Word complete with original faded buff colouring!

At the rate this is progressing we will have a fully functional virtual depot office before too long!

I'm now looking for anyone who might be able to help on the scenario side of things? I'm reasonably skilled in scenario creation but I wouldn't say I'm an expert or particularly quick. The first step is to decide on which route to base the virtual BR when we kick it off? For anyone who is interested in joining then I'd appreciate some thoughts on what route would be most popular. I'm thinking perhaps London to Brighton as it offers plenty of scope for different kinds of operations and 'career' progression such as depot shunting, EMU services, Gatwick Express and loco hauled passenger & freight etc. Or would people prefer a default route like Ox to Padd? There is also the possibility of using the upcoming GEML which looks like it might offer a wide array of operational variety and traction as well as being super up-to-date?

Sounds great, Jimmy, well done to all involved!

London to Brighton could be good - a route with start and end, but will scenarios be OK, has the SBHH issue in editor mode been properly sorted?

I assume as its virtual BR, WLOS would not be so suitable?

Jimmy my preference would be for Ox to Padd as there is plenty of scope for all the activities you wish to cover from Shunter turns, freight turns, stopping passenger turns and long distance passenger turns, you've got Old Oak Common,Acton, Southall, Reading, Didcot and Oxford depots, finally you could even push the boat out and cover the Didcot PS meal break man turn.
It's also one of the oldest routes about so a large percentage of users should have it, and from my own perspective I've got quite a few WTTs that cover the line.
Simon

SouthernElectric wrote:Jimmy my preference would be for Ox to Padd as there is plenty of scope for all the activities you wish to cover from Shunter turns, freight turns, stopping passenger turns and long distance passenger turns, you've got Old Oak Common,Acton, Southall, Reading, Didcot and Oxford depots, finally you could even push the boat out and cover the Didcot PS meal break man turn.
It's also one of the oldest routes about so a large percentage of users should have it, and from my own perspective I've got quite a few WTTs that cover the line.
Simon

I must admit Jimmy, I agree with Simon and I would prefer Ox Padd at this time. But, you are the boss and I will drive wherever you decide to set up the empire - even if that means obtaining Gat-Ex 3rd rail stuff

Maybe a vote should be set upon a separate thread?

I think L-B would be absolutely perfect for this initiative, maybe even Edinburgh - Glasgow on a lesser scale.

Another reason for Ox to Padd is the track layout is set in an earlier period than London to Brighton and as a result has far more freight facilities, you try running a Ripple Lane to Salfords aviation spirit train, the nearest run round point is Gatwick as there is no facility to set back at Salfords, given you do have Crawley, Purley and the Ardingly branch but with the GWMLs connection to the North London line it gives a larger scope for inter-regional freight services.
Simon