Shinkansen / Bullet Train Mod (BTM) FAQ, Support, and Development

[ch0c0 13]

Originally posted by: plundere

I think choco make some BTM(or monorail) bridge and update bridges controller that will be better

quote>

its fairly easy to rescale the bridge.....

i'll speak with haljackey a bit later about how to manage the additional bridges.

[Haljackey 17,354]

Originally posted by: z1

I've done the testing, and Simulator Z works fine with a speed of 400 kph for the BTM network.  In one sample city, usage jumped by a factor of 20 on the BTM network, with no adverse effects on the rest of the city.  You can find the modified version of Simulator Z here.

If you wish to use this traffic simulator, simply download the zip file and replace your current traffic simulator with the BTM version.  If you are already using Simulator Z, the names will be identical except for the extra "BTM_" in the modified simulator.  The main effects of this modified simulator are that you will get increased use of the bullet train.  I would be interested in hearing additional details from those people who use this modified simulator.

If you use this modified simulator along with the HSR patch that allows both BTM and HSR at the same time, then both will have the speed of 400 kph.  This is unavoidable, as they both use the same underlying network.

quote>

Awesome!  Do you think this simulator can ever be included with the actual BTM file, so it automatically replaces the simulator to a BTM-compatible one?  I'd assume you'd need an installer to do that for you, however.

Nice work!  I will see how this affects usage in my cities!

Originally posted by: plundere

by the way, I fixed the 800 Bullet Train length in order to the automata don't "drift "quote>

Awesome!  Any plans on fixing the 500 train as well?  I can easily reupload the files.

Originally posted by: ch0c0

Originally posted by: plundere

I think choco make some BTM(or monorail) bridge and update bridges controller that will be better

quote>

its fairly easy to rescale the bridge.....

i'll speak with haljackey a bit later about how to manage the additional bridges.

quote>

Sure, just let me know what you plan to do and I will do what I can to help you out.  I'll be sure to give proper credit as well.

[plundere 30]

the last carriage of train automata will be drift if the carriage s3d length over 22.6M

I checked the 500 series train and it's carriage length less than 22.6M, I think it should not be drift

I add the night light for both trains, but I haven't test yet

BTM_Train.zip

[z1 566]

Originally posted by: haljackey

Awesome!  Do you think this simulator can ever be included with the actual BTM file, so it automatically replaces the simulator to a BTM-compatible one?  I'd assume you'd need an installer to do that for you, however.quote>

You're certainly welcome to include the simulator in any BTM file.  But you're right, for automatic selection, you would need an installer.

With the eight versions of Simulator Z that I just uploaded, there are now a total of sixteen versions.  Unfortunately, there's only one version of me.  If you're going to go the installer route, which I would recommend, you might want to consider a script that simply patches the monorail speed in the standard Simulator Z.  This would reduce maintenance issues considerably, and automatically ensure that the BTM version of Simulator Z was in sync with the main one.

Nice work!  I will see how this affects usage in my cities!quote>

I've done some additional tests since my last post.  The degree of usage increase seems to be very much related to the usage level at the old speed.  The greatest usage increase comes when there was very little usage before.  This makes sense, as the lack of usage typically was because the Sims had to go too far out of their way to use the network.  With the increased speed, it's worth their time to go out of their way.  And one thing you will also notice is that you will need high capacity stations for these lines, as the Sims really like to use them now!

[ch0c0 13]

anyone have an opinion on the default bridge included in the BTM? was thinking about fixing it....

[z1 566]

I have just released Simulator Z v1.1, which will be appearing in the next NAM.  You can read about it in the second post in the Traffic Simulator Z Development thread.  I've also created a special BTM version of this simulator, which is attached to this post.  One of the modification in Simulator Z v1.1 will have an effect on the BTM, in that it will tend to increase traffic on low-use sections of the network.  Also, if your BTM network is near capacity, moving to a higher capacity version of Simulator Z will also cause usage to increase throughout your network.  The amount of the increase depends on the layout of your city and the usage level of your BTM network.

The format of this file is the same as in the previous release.  This is actually the first new release of Simulator Z in five months, so additional releases are not expected in the near future.

I've also taken a look at the original Shinkansen simulator for the BTM.  It turns out that it's just the vanilla Maxis simulator with the speed of the monorail network increased.

Traffic_Simulator_Z_BTM_v1_1.zip

[galees 0]

Hi guys

I just replaced HSRP with BTM and ive got a problem when i drag over roads,railways or avenues the BTM texture does not appear only the monorail one does.

[CaptCity 4,867]

Originally posted by: galeesI just replaced HSRP with BTM and ive got a problem when i drag over roads,railways or avenues the BTM texture does not appear only the monorail one does.quote>

Might check out my post here. Try adding the 'ZZZ' to the BTM folder name first. I had the same issue, but putting the 'ZZZ's on the folder name helped. Once you get that worked out, you might notice the differences in the pieces. That's where the file switching comes in. Let us know how it goes...

CaptCity

[Haljackey 17,354]

Here's a screenshot of version 3, which is in development:

Problem is, the supports look nothing like the ones plundere posted.

Any idea what might be causing this?  I removed all my plugins to try it out, but I still get the same problem.

I also noticed you provided gantries for rail and STR networks.  Those could be a seperate download since they do not apply to the BTM.

[plundere 30]

that's my fault, the supports texture (0x0b97dbca FSH) has been changed in my game, but not add into the BTM mod

I merged the FSH into Elevated_Networks_Support_Props.dat, you can download the attachment to replace original one

Elevated_Networks_Support_Props.zip

[z1 566]

After doing extensive testing of the new RTMT SAM stations (which have not yet been released), I made a minor modification to Simulator Z that increases the effectiveness of buses on streets.  Nothing else was changed.  The new version of Simulator Z, modified for the BTM, can be found at the bottom of this post.

Traffic_Simulator_Z_BTM_v1_1a.zip

[earwax_man 18]

When will BTM version 3 roughly be released?

Oh, and I want to switch my BTM network from ver. 1 to ver. 2; how would I do this?

( I'm not bumping, this just seems like the best place to ask this question )

[tankus_666 0]

Hi,

I have tried both versions of the BTM and i have also downloaded the GSR mod to go along with it i am using the lastest version of NAM with the Z simulator (as requested) with the left hand plugin version seeing im in the UK.

everytime i have tried to install either of the BTM files in game all i see is the rail tracks without the proper texture and they also seem to be missing their Support beams?

i removed all folders and plugins apart from the NAM and BTM files and stil no change. . .is there a way to fix this because i have been trying to get this amazing mod to work~!!

if u have an idea could you please msg me so i can try ur ideas thanks!

[CaptCity 4,867]

tankus_666...

Thought I would pass this on in case you haven't been able to get the BTM to work yet. First, if your are using both the BTM mod and the High Speed Rail (HSR) mod, be sure you have the patch that is required. Then what I found to work was to rename the BTM folder with a couple of 'z's in front like this:   zzz_BTM  This way it will load after NAM. After doing this, all seemed to work for me.

Hope this helps... If not, let us know...

CaptCity

[timpotte 0]

Ok I have done a few searches and you guys have the coolest looking networks. Here is my problem. I have downloaded NAM BTM and a few other things and just can not get the right combination of things.

Here is what I want. Faster monorail. Better path to work. Raised monorail to go over the elevated freeway. What are the plugins or patches I need to make this work. You guys seem way advance for this NOB. Can I just get a list. I put the NAM in and my monorail stopped carrying passangers. So that can not be right. Please help this lost NOB.

Thanks

[z1 566]

The NAM installation defaults to the Maxis traffic simulator, which is the worst simulator available. If you're using BTM, you need to download and install the Simulator Z version that's modified for BTM. If you want monorail (which can't coexist with BTM), rerun the NAM installation, rerun the NAM installation and pick the version of Simulator Z you want on the page after the license agreement. In either case, you will get faster monorail (or BTM) and better paths to work.

For monorail over elevated highway, it's built into the NAM. Just drag your monorail over the elevated highway, and if you have enough room, it will automatically rise up and cross the highway.

[timpotte 0]

Ask and you shall receive. This answers alot of questions. Long living game and I really understand why. Addicted to it now....

[plundere 30]

I've done the HD cantanery props above BTM

Thanks ehbk2006's make the HD cantanery props especially

original:

used HD-Cantanery-props

[Haljackey 17,354]

Awesome job plundere and ehbk2006! The HD props look so much better!

Perhaps the rail/STR chantries can be a separate download from the BTM since its not for the monorail network. I think it would confuse some people to see modifications to their rail network when they only want to see it applied to their monorail network. But I'm sure that's something that can be fixed down the road.

I'm planning on reuploading some BTM files with patches sometime next week (yes I gave a date ) that will fix the reported problems some members are having. Some of the files between version 1 and 2 will be swapped, and I will put a few "zzz"s on the filename to make sure it loads after any conflicting mods people have in their plugins.

The progress on version 3 is looking good! I'm also liking how the BTM simulator Z is working out. Keep up the good work!

[Xyloxadoria 1,098]

I found a error with your cantries its not that major but it might cause a train wreck or two.

Also i have relased another BTM station.

You can get it here

[plundere 30]

Originally posted by: Xyloxadoria

I found a error with your cantries its not that major but it might cause a train wreck or two.

Also i have relased another BTM station.

You can get it here

quote>

because the support and the catenary combined in one S3D file

In my version, the original supports has been removed, and add new support prop  and new catenary prop with T21 exemplar

[plundere 30]

haljackey:

if the Bullet_Train_Mod_&_Rail_Catenaries_Mod separate release, some T21 exemplar of BTM x rail overpass will be duplicated, it will result in catenary random appear on BTM x rail tiles

but that's tiny bug, however, do it as you wish

[ch0c0 13]

hmmmm....may be a minor side effect. it would be nice to separate the mods per network, and we may find a solution down the road.

sometimes tough to keep all possible combinations of mods working 100% correctly given the way the game engine works......but this has been great work plundere!

[kuehmary 0]

If I use BTM and GHSR, are my GHSR supposed to look different? My GHSR has cantanery props (I think that is what they are called) every other tile.

[Dexist 0]

why does the el rail change too?

i have btm version 2 installed and my el rail has changed. it just look like the btm now... without the catanteries

is there any el rail < > BTM  connection?

or any BTM <> glr

[chris0101 8]

Out of curiosity, would it be possible to make double decker BTM puzzle pieces, kind of like what they have for the elevated rail?

It would be a great space saving feature not currently present in NAM, especially in big cities, where you've got to demolish buildings just to squeeze in the the BTM tracks underneath.

[JayStimson 211]

This is a really great mod and I like it much better than the latest HSRP version. Maybe in part because I really never liked the Maxis monorail so having a nice replacement works for me.

The only suggestion I have has to do with the supports (a bit pale in texture and bit weak looking).

I made a simple overhanging prop to use in game so the support columns are on a solid footing. Here's a pic.

It's not the greatest solution but I'm sure you get the idea.

The other detail I noticed is that the cantaneries (I think that's what you call them) aren't visible in-game when viewed from one of the 4 perspectives. I'm guessing that were made a simple planes and so have no thickness causing this issue.

Otherwise, this is a great mod and I really appreciate all the work that went into it.

[refriedbussy 7]

Hey haljackey, i was wondering if there was anything that i can do to help yall. i am not good at programming nor modding, but i could do a .txt with steps for downloading and such.

also, subscribe to meh on youtube!!!!! mmolay

[chris0101 8]

Originally posted by: Dexist

why does the el rail change too?

i have btm version 2 installed and my el rail has changed. it just look like the btm now... without the catanteries

is there any el rail < > BTM  connection?

or any BTM <> glr

quote>

Looks like a bug as the 2 are incompatible. Still, I would imagine that elevated rail to BTM may be possible. If HSRP to subway can be done, then BTM to subway could be done as well (if it hasn't already been done).

[djvandrake 3]

I can't get the bridge to show up?

 

I have version 2 installed for BTM and I get the default bridges.  I did download the additional monorail bridges for the wonderful suspension bridge from the NAM (version June 2009). Are those overriding the BTM bridge shown above?  Any suggestions?

I saw in a post somewhere that I can't find now a grouping of bridges for the BTM.  Does anyone know if those are available?

Thanks,