Atomic Systems

Loaded question, that I'm probably going to regret asking:

Hypothetically, if someone was to develop an engine, EMU or DMU for Australia, what would be the most popular / wished-for item?

Secondary question : apart from NZTS, is there a dedicated forum in Australia for Train Simulator?

Supplemental question: exactly how big do we think the user base is for this game in Australia?

It would seem sensible to provide stock for existing routes.

My collection contains:-

Bell to Lithgow and Zigzag (UKTS 26601), by Vern Moorhouse, of which Vern says: This route represents the western extent of the Sydney outer suburban service on the New South Wales West mainline. The double track electrified section runs for approx 18km from Bell to Lithgow. Much of this section is in tunnel through a portion of the route known as "Ten Tunnels". The Zigzag Railway preserves part of the original more tortuous alignment through the hills.

Good Charelton to Grapewood (UKTS 22461) "a short Australian route based off of the Tumulla banks route, located in New South Wales", by Ben BlairL

Hopetown "Hopetown is an Australian shunting route included with the Up the Junction shunter pack. Unlike any other Train Simulator routes, Hopetown uses broad gauge track specifically for the F Class diesel shunter. "

Kalgoorlie, a Steam Workshop route aka 'Kolyanobbing to Forrest', of which the author says: "Centres around Kalgoorlie but around 300km worth or mainline. Will eventually reach Koolyanobbing in the West and Forrest in the East, which is around 750km in distance. Completion: 35%. The route is not complete and is 'as is'. Work will be done time to time to complete it. There is around 200km worth or driving or more on this but you won't see scenery on the whole lot. It is thoroughly an outback type of route."

NSW: Tumulla Banks - Perthville to Newbridge (UKTS 30795) of which the author, Ben BlairL again, says "this route replicates the steep grades of the Tumulla Banks between the towns of Georges Plains and Wimbledon, New South Wales. The Railworks version of this route runs between Perthville and Newbridge, set loosely in the late 1950s. "

Old Coast LIne, a Steam Workshop route of which the author "Bradillo" says: "A fantasy route with aussie style scenery. Set in the modern day era,this route has a bit of everything.(citys-rural farm land-mountainess grades etc). The route is designed to be a challenge for the train operator with its nasty 3% grades and harsh curves."

Victorian Desert Route (UKTS 22457) "a short fictional Australian route, running from the town of New Springs to a fictional station in Sydney", by Ben BlairL

Whiteman Park, by Vern Moorhouse, of which Vern says: "Whiteman Park is located in Perth Western Australia and hosts the Bennett Brook Railway, a 6km narrow gauge line centred on Village Junction which has a loop circuit plus a branch line to Mussel Pool. The Perth Electric Tramway also have a heritage operation here, with a 4km tram line linking Village Jn to Mussel Pool, which follows a different route to the ng railway. Both the railway and tramway are included in my route." This route is on Trainsim.com.

I don't know whether that helps...

Kind regards,

John M

That's a good starting point - it at least lets me know that there IS an Australian community making stuff.

I doubt you will find any real Australian stuff for TS2017. Whereas there was a very active Australian community building routes for MSTS, there is virtually nothing available for TS2017 at all. The complexity of modelling for TS2017 means that it is much more difficult for amateur modellers to make suitable stock, and unless DTG actually provide a route, then the professional modellers will not be interested as they would not sell enough.

Mike

Well that's sort of my point. I'm wondering if I can spur some interest by making something that would kick-start the Australian scene.

Hi there Chris,

Well I would certainly be interested. The problem would be having an appropriate Australian route to run the stock on.

Check out my sig. The railcar pictured is a diesel unit that were affectionately called "Red Hens". They ran the suburban lines in and around Adelaide for many, many years.

Cheers,
Trevor

I built the Blue-Mountains route for MSTS a long time ago, probably around 2003, but even then there were a lot of Australian NSW govt. railways stock items, especially Sydney area items, and even gum trees etc which could be used in scenery.

Unfortunately there are none of these items available now, so to build something like the Blue-Mountains line, not only would you need to lay the track, but design your own signals, stations, vegetation and rolling-stock just for a start.

With regard to a wishlist of locos and rolling stock i must admit a little bias when i say a VR R class steamer would hit the spot.. but then who isnt biased towards their own state/ country?
If a steam locomotive is out of the question then something like a VR S class diesel would be nice too

Would love a NSWGR route - 'candy' livery 44s, 48s, 45s Alco thrash!