Ding Ding! Blackpool Tramways makes a return!

[MikeTrams]

Well I have to say that The MSTS version was great success from what I remember, which lead too many other Tram routes such as the Manchester Met and Crich! And I spent a lot of my time having a play on it! With some fantastic Tram models and route builders and asset builders, they managed to put together some different but truly amazing in my view! Sadly not many of them are around these days, though I see few of them posting now and then! But they have left a big mark on UKTS and they shouldn't be forgotten! Thanks to all who took part back then!

Since playing Railworks something I really missed was the Trams! And I have always wanted to bring Blackpool Back to life! About a month ago I contacted BigVern, who I know would be the man to do it, and make a start! I would do it myself, however I'm busy with my own things at the moment and wouldn't be able to dedicate 100%, without it being done really slowly! Though I'd be happy to help out!

Anyway progress has started on the route, I'll leave it up to Vern to upload pictures and post updates as I'll say something wrong. Hehe!

We need you!

Yes, we do! Well any help would be great! Especially assets! There some very unique buildings and using the default ones may not be very appropriate! It will be free project! So any community help would be amazing! Or if anyone wants to build any Trams, that would be a great help! I think currently it will just be the standard route and like the MSTS version do the illuminations after this release. If anyone wants to take part, get involved in anyway, let me or Vern (BigVern) know! A PM or something. Like I said any help would be amazing!

Currently I got 4 Balloon Trams finished, 4 different styles, ready to be reskinned! I think there finished, big improvement from the last version!

Few features:

In Cab sounds
Switching seats
Cab view
Improved night lighting
Improved textures
Improved sounds
Conductor Bell, when doors close
Improved simulation



When I get round to them, it will be the RailCoaches next!

Cheers,
Mike

[Will]

Nice work Mike. Very busy aren't we sir!

Good luck to you and all involved.

[MikeTrams]

Just to let you know the route I used for the screenshot isn't the route...It's just some mock up I've used for assets!

Cheers,
Mike

[bigvern]

Just to echo Mike's announcement... This is a route I have been wanting to do for some time but put off by the lack of trams to run on it. Mike's committment has now encouraged me to go ahead and make a start on the project.

We are looking to capture the overall feel of the prototype rather than any specific time period and 100% accuracy as it would take months if not years to model the seafront in exact detail. The intention will be to reflect the tramway in the last years of its "classic" status, that is to say prior to the light rail mods and the new depot at Starr Gate.

We really want to involve the community in this so if you can contribute anything that will go into the route, it will be most welcome. We are fortunate in that RW already offers a fair quantity of generic housing which will fit with the suburban areas the line passes through (the route will be using IOW and Phorum Peninsula assets) but that still leaves a whole host of guest houses, amusement palaces, souvenir shops, piers and - the biggest challenge - the Pleasure Beach, to represent in the route.

So as Mike says, if you feel able to help with the 3D modelling, drop myself or Mike a PM.

[stephenholmes]

Very nice work
Kind regards Stephen

[partyspiritz]

Mike I can build in Sketch up and there are a few people who would put the buildings into RW I also have a friend who lives at Knott End if I need any photos he would happy to get.



Regards



John

[bigvern]

We are lucky (or maybe not!) in that since I did the MSTS version we now have Google Street View which makes it easy to see where things are and try to match the resources available to fit that.

So John, yes anything - even if it's just a shelter or toilet block on the promenade, it will find a home in the route.

Just a quick progress update as it's a bit early for screenshots - all the terrain is done plus most of the sea/sand along the promenade section. Track is laid from Starr Gate to Thornton Gate, excluding the depot area as that is pending whether or not we get a specific 3D model for the two buildings or whether a default structure is used (the one I did for the MSTS route is really too basic for this version).

One issue which is occupying Mike and my thoughts is how to do the promenade. Some sort of lofted section is required, but this needs to have variants. At the Starr Gate end the promenade is around 5m above sea level rising to around 8 or 9m by the Tower and North Pier. North of the Metropole the promenade is actually tiered on two or three levels, until the line slews inland and descends off the cliffs towards Cleveleys. In addition to the basic prom pieces, sections will also be required for beach access (ramps and steps) etc.

So again any ideas or construction offers gratefully received.

[tomhas2]

Excelent News i definatly cant wait for this route as i live in the Cleveleys / Thornton Gate area.
Im sure you will do the route justice and do a smashing job on it.
Look forward to seeing some shots in the near future

Cheers Tom.

[MikeTrams]

Mike I can build in Sketch up and there are a few people who would put the buildings into RW I also have a friend who lives at Knott End if I need any photos he would happy to get.



Regards



John

Hey John!

I'll leave it up to Vern what and what not to build, I think anything in the Blackpool area would be okay for now...Leaving Feetwood untill last? If you want to do something I can set you a task if you like?

Also:



Something I just put together!

Cheers,
mike

[partyspiritz]

Mike there are 2 towers I will pm you modelers details

Also there is a model of the Big One

Regards


John

[Easilyconfused]

All sounds very encouraging.

Just a quick reminder guys - Matt can provide a private forum space and / or file hosting if you want it so you can have discussions out of the public gaze and move files around easily.

If you want it just drop Matt a line. If he doesn't get back to you then let me know and I will give him a little nudge - he is a busy man.

It has been done before and is being done now for a couple of projects. Server space is not an issue currently so just ask if you need it.

[darkdj]

I'd like to throw in my two pence and say that I would like to help out, possibly with the scenario creation/testing side of things, Mike. I greatly enjoy your products, and this one will definitely be on my want list, seeing as I have travelled on these lovely trams before in Blackpool! Aaah, memories...

Cheers,

Dark.

[partyspiritz]

I was a DJ at the Palace nightclub or should I say discothèque on the prom. Now there is a building to build.

Regards



John

[tomhas2]

Also if any photos are required Mike its only a 2 minuite walk away to the line from my house i can get shots of places if needed , also will this be set in the era of the older tram stops or for the
renewal of the tramway as they are building all new crossing with lights for the trams to cross without stopping and now with the easy access stops so u dont need to climb up them

Although the trams are not running through cleveleys where i live at the moment i can get shots of just the line and areas so u have ideas of what the places look like just PM me if any shots are wanted
im glad to help

Cheers Tom

[bigvern]

I'll have a chat with Mike about a little sub forum for those directly involved and advise as necessary.

The Tower and Big One look like being just the thing, though the base on the rollercoaster would probably have to go as it looks as if it is taken from Google or similar.

As regards testing, well it's a bit early for that as I only cut the first stages of the route over the last couple of days. The priority at the moment is organising, getting the basics of the route fleshed out and getting stuck in to the 3D work and placement.