Hayling Island Branch for TS18 (to modern standards)

[sem34090]

Hi All,

I recently came across this excellent piece of 3D modelling work, but there seems to have been no update since July:
https://www.trainsimdev.com/forum/viewt ... ?f=9&t=831

So, I basically ask: Is there a version of the Havant - Hayling Island branch being worked on at present to modern TS standards? I appreciate that there is a basic representation of the branch available, but that was designed for Rail Simulator back in 2007/2008, and unfortunately it just looks incredibly dated when running the stunning VW terrier down it! Not a criticism of it still being available, indeed, it's still nice to muck around with every once in a while. Just needs updating, that's all.

If no new version is being worked on, then is there anywhere that the fantastic model of Langstone Viaduct is available? As mentioned in the topic linked to above, the bridge is the major stumbling block to creating a new version of the route, but it has now been done properly. Being fairly short, it's a route I'd be willing to have a go at, and it might be good practice for my other (Possibly far too ambitious!) backdating and route-building projects. Besides, it would also be (besides the bit of PDL that goes to Warblington!) it would be the closest modelled route to my current location, and certainly the closest period for some time yet (assuming the modern 'Southern Lines project hasn't stalled).

Finally, on a different note, does anyone have any idea when the next possibility may arise to buy the JT Mid Hants Railway route for a more reasonable price than £20, given the apparent age of the route (Judging by the common JT use of default assets), as I'd like the LSWR assets, and I'd also like to upgrade that route to modern TS standards, and bring it as close to the current MHR as I can.

All the best,

[alpend]

Hi

I dont know who the chap is over on trainsimdev or what progress he has made. However, I have been working on my own version of the Hayling Island route for quite a while now. I remember travelling on the line as a child and I walked and cycled the route soon after its closure. Progress is slow but steady as I am trying to be as accurate as possible. I dont have the skills to create bespoke models so have resorted to reskinning and resizing existing assets, or building up structures from basic components. The track, stations, bridges etc are all done (except Havant) and I am currently working on the general scenery, then there are the fine details. Some pictures can be seen at https://imgur.com/a/7Qo90

Al

[sean53]

Now that's nice

[sem34090]

Hi Alpend,

I haven't had a look yet (The system I'm currently using blocks all image hosting sites, (presumably because most of them - unfortunately - contain questionable material) however the route sounds fantastic. This is my point: you don't have to be an asset builder to build a stunning route! I'm trying to get to grips with asset building, but have made little progress. What annoys me is when some people, and I'm including mostly payware here, almost exclusively use the old default assets or only the old station assets pack (still good, but not perfect). JT get a lot of bad press here, but some DTG routes are as bad or worse. Western Lines of Scotland is a fantastic route, but I can't help feeling that with a £24.99 price tag it should at least have a few more custom assets, it'd just lift it that bit more. People are saying that TS models can't be taken over to TSW, but I distinctly saw quite a few old Kuju churches (The ones that look a bit weird and are too big) on the new Reading - Paddington route.

Equally, it's nice when a route has limited payware requirements, and even freeware requirements. NG routes, for example will often need more than one: Corris and something else, that's fair enough. Finally, I think it'd be useful if route-builders could note roughly what each requirement is used for, i.e. track, scenery, stock, important structures or minor structures. If it's minor structures, then I can probably modify the route and avoid payware I don't really want.

If you've lost my point (I've waffled and ranted too much again!), then it's basically that I think Alpend is being creative with what's available to make something fantastic. Another excellent example of this is on the workshop, where someone has created Gosport station using only concrete blocks, curves and plates! It looks like a custom asset, yet is just made up of what's available.

Looking forward to this,

sem34090

[Stone75]

Hi All,

I recently came across this excellent piece of 3D modelling work, but there seems to have been no update since July:
https://www.trainsimdev.com/forum/viewt ... ?f=9&t=831

The work in the link is mine and is not a 3D model. It is a mixture of bridge support base, various resized fenceposts, a deck made of a wooden crossing and some handrails. I do apologise for no updates. It is often the case that my real life work gets in the way and I lose focus on a project. Now there is a version being worked on with much better progress its not a problem. I look forward to seeing it develop

steve.

[alpend]

Hi Steve

I'm glad you have made contact as I had wanted to ask about your progress - I am not a member of the inner circle at trainsimdev. I had started my version of the route before I became aware of yours. Like you, I spent hours building Langston bridge from other parts - I think the only real difference is the reskinning I did. My main bridge structure is built up from individual wooden sleepers resized to suit. The handrails are from resized wooden fence posts, the deck is resized sleeper walkway, the plinths are Northern Warriors Bridge supports (mostly submerged). The swing bridge and basic signal cabin are reskins of Neal Cunningham assets and the cabin walls are from reskinned billboards. The electricity pilon is actually two assets from radiomaster (russian freeware) and the smaller high voltage line poles are built up from reskinned, resized oil drums and metal fence posts. I will press on with developing the route but am not about to announce a finish date as it all depends on time and other commitments.

Al

[sem34090]

Hi Alpend

I was going to ask about the SR style 'assets'. Shame there's no way to group assets to form new assets. That way, you could assemble, say, the bridge, then group it together to for a single asset.

I look forward to seeing more progress! Would you mind if I asked you to keep us up to date here?

All the best,

sem34090

[alpend]

The only way you could import a cobbled together structure like the langston bridge into another route is to rename the scenery tile its on to an unused scenery tile in the destination route, then pick up the whole lot via block copy/move and shift it all to where you want it. Re the 'tired' old assets - there is a lot you can do by reskinning them - check out the reskinned assets from the APStation pack that Keith Moss used in his routes. It doesnt take much to 'Southernise' an existing asset - green doors/window frames, then add a few green with white lettering signs - Ladies, Gents, Waiting room etc. There aint no limits really
Al

[sem34090]

Hi Alpend,

I must admit that the reskinned assets in WLoS are effective, but custom assets would be better.

I still love what you're doing with the Hayling route. Out of curiosity, how long do you reckon until release, and do you have a list of requirements?

All the best,

sem34090

[alpend]

To be honest I may never publish the route - its a bit like my old 00 layout, I can spend hours tinkering with one small area of it, just for my own amusement, but it never was really finished. In TS, whilst I very much enjoy the research, track laying and modelling of the actual railway infrastructure, I very quickly get bored when it comes to modelling the surrounding countryside. Laying out roads, houses, trees and bushes etc just doesn't have the same attraction for me. The Hayling line is only four and a half miles long, how some guys can model tens or hundreds of miles of country is beyond me - my hat off to them. I will continue to work on the route and may well publish it, but to set a target date would change the whole thing from a pleasant hobby into a chore.

[sem34090]

Hi Alpend,

May I ask then if it would be possible for you to maybe just complete near-track scenery, at your own pace, then upload with the addition of [WIP] to the filename to indicate that the route isn't finished. I for one would be happy to download the route and complete the scenery myself! Those who aren't don't have to download it. Maybe, with your permission, I could download it, finish it, then upload a new version of the route with you getting full credit for the original route (only crediting myself for my work), of course, as it would be your route.

I guess I just really want to try this route! Sorry if I sound like I'm trying to rush you, it's not intentional, and much like yourself my route building is for enjoyment, though I normally intend to upload at some stage.

All the best,

sem34090

[sem34090]

Also, may I add I get the model railway thing! Four layouts here... none of them finished (they never will be!).

What I actually wanted to say was that I think I've found a possible source of LBSCR Lower-Quadrant signals. I don't know how prevalent they were on the Hayling line, but I've found that LNWR signals do a good job at deputising, be they the (cream) Chaddock Engineering ones or the ALGB ones.

All the best,

sem34090

[alpend]

As built the Hayling Line was completely LBSCR signalled. After grouping the signals were slowly replaced with SR UQ Rail built post types. At closure there was only one LBSCR LQ wooden post type left on the route, the platform 1 up starter at Hayling Island station. The date of my route is c.1955-60 so I have used M Brintons excellent Southern UQ Signals throughout. The single LBSCR LQ type is represented using a Yelland GWR 25ft post with a 4ft arm. The actual branch signals are all working ok, I have yet to figure out how to signal the Main line station at Havant. There was a combination of colour lights, semaphores and ground type shunting signals used there.

Al

[sem34090]

Hi (Again...!) Alpend,

Glad to hear the signalling has been done, and a nice idea for the LBSC LQ! As I said, personally I think LNWR signals are the closest likeness, but anything (until someone makes some LBSCR LQ Signals!) will be a compromise. For Havant, stick with the semaphores you're using, then maybe Mr Yelland's Early Colour Light (I think it's his!) pack could be used to represent SR Colour Lights.

My personal choice for SR Signals are the ALGB Lattice ones, and (along with the LNWR ones) I've just resignalled the 'Norford Branch' route with them, but unfortunately the rail-post ones don't work. I do have the Mark Brinton packs, and do use them occasionally when it is necessary to include Shunting Disks, Ground Frames, LSWR Lower-Quadrant or any Rail-Post signals. As far as I know, the only source for the LSWR LQ's is from the UKTS/SSS 'Southampton - Weymouth' route.

Another resignalling project I'm currently undertaking is the DC-Lines sections of 'Leafy Suburbs' from 2-Aspect colour-light to (slightly) more prototypical searchlights, courtesy of the backdated Oxford-Paddington Route. The GWR Colour-Lights were very different to the LMS ones, and operated differently too, but they look much closer than the old KUJU ones did! But that's off topic, so I'll leave it there...

All the best,

sem34090

[alpend]

I got inspired after that last exchange of messages and development of the Hayling Branch has continued apace. Some more pictures here:https://imgur.com/a/03pPM