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

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

hey haljackey, forget the last messeges, but do u know when u can drag a road in a BAT that has a road inablement, is there a mod for hat, because the road in the airport in ur building a city from scratch videos, that road is not showing up, can u help me?

???

 

[Haljackey 17,302]

Ahhh that made my day! 

 

 

Sadly, I do not know a solution to your issue. Maybe try plopping your building on perfectly level ground and see if that helps?

[Talla 2XLC 36]

How did you get this totally nice looking Fences below your Rails, i really would like to have them .

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

How did you get this totally nice looking Fences below your Rails, i really would like to have them .

Included in the new NAM.

[Talla 2XLC 36]

 

How did you get this totally nice looking Fences below your Rails, i really would like to have them .

Included in the new NAM.

 

 

 

I have the newest Version of it (31.2) but they dont look like this. I have the Bullettrain/HSR Mod installed, do they conflict with the textures?

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

 

I have the newest Version of it (31.2) but they dont look like this. I have the Bullettrain/HSR Mod installed, do they conflict with the textures?

The BTM and HSR work fine together. Maybe you did not install the fences when installling the NAM. Sadly, that'll require reinstallation for you to install the fences.

[Talla 2XLC 36]

After reinstalling it i finally got it to work, should not choose the option "install everything" in the future

[mini04 0]

How do i get the bullet train slope mod to work

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

How do i get the bullet train slope mod to work

Try adding Z's to the filename. E.g: 'Z___Bullet_Train_Slope_Mod'.

[Priyon 16]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but is there any skin of those two BTM trains (500n and 800n) to replace the usual passenger heavy rail?

[diego6677 6]

 

UPDATE: A Updated Bullet Train Mod Is Included In NAM 31. Select 'Custom Install'  To Find It!   Bullet Train FAQ

There are 5 BTM files in total:

-BTM version 1 and 2.  Install one of these mods.  (Required)

-BTM train textures 500în and 800în. Install one of these mods to replace the default monorail train with a custom bullet train.  (Suggested)

-BTM HSR patch.  Only install this if you want to use the BTM with the HSR mod.  (Optional)

 

Screenshots of the BTM shown with other networks:

Version 1 with the 800în train

Version 2 with the 500în train

 

BTM used with HSR with and without the BTM HSR patch

(Version 1 on the left, version 2 on the right)

 

Table Of Contents:

1. What is it?

2. So if APTX created the BTM then why did you upload it?

3. Why are there two versions?

4. Why are there no stations included?

5. Why did my monorail network turn into the BTM? Can I still use the monorail with the BTM installed?

6. Why are monorail textures sometimes appearing along my bullet train tracks?

7. Can I use HSR with the BTM installed?

8. This "bullet train" mod doesn't seem any faster than my monorail network. What gives?

9. Why can't I drag the BTM over hilly terrain?

10. Who can I thank for uploading this mod?

11. What does the future of the BTM hold?

 

 

What is it?

[top]

The Bullet Train Mod (BTM), also known as the Shinkansen Mod, is a modification to the monorail network created by APTX. The Bullet Train mod completely replaces the monorail network in SC4, unlike the High Speed Rail (HSR) mod.

 

 

So if APTX created the BTM then why did you upload it?

[top]

The mod has been unavailable for download because APTX’s site has been down for some time. It was later re-released on another site, but this mod is no longer available for download there either. I tried to reach APTX to ask him about uploading it to the STEX but I never received a reply. I then contacted ST about the possibility of uploading it to the STEX and Dirk and the STEX Staff were nice enough to give me the green light to upload the BTM to the STEX as long as credit was given to APTX. I’d like to thank them for the opportunity to host one of the most popular hard-to-find mods on this exchange.

 

 

Why are there two versions?

[top]

There are two versions of the mod to let you, the user, use the texture you like. The first version has a thinner track and a more basic appearance, whereas the second version has a thicker, bulkier appearence.

 

 

Why are there no stations included?

[top]

Think of it like this, did you get any stations included when you downloaded the NAM?  We all like to use different stations so the option of what to use is up to you. While there are not many BTM stations in the SC4 community, the BTM is fully compatible with monorail and HSR stations. Perhaps now that this mod is hosted on the STEX more stations will be made.

Here are some links to a few known true BTM stations:

• Bullet Train Mod Station
• Tokyo Station (Also connects to El-rail)
• Sjinuya Station (Make sure you download both links, Westside and Eastside)

Why did my monorail network turn into the BTM? Can I still use the monorail with the BTM installed?

[top]

The Bullet Train Mod completely replaces the monorail network in SC4, unlike the High Speed Rail (HSR) mod. If you are going to use the BTM, then you will have to sacrifice your monorail network. If you had monorails before downloading this mod, they will automatically change into the BTM.

 

Why are monorail textures sometimes appearing along my bullet train tracks?

[top]

Like all mods, the BTM is a beta and a work in progress. Some textures may not have been made yet and as a result, the BTM will show monorail textures. However this is rare and usually occurs when trying to make an abnormal junction or overpassing a new network that does not have BTM-compatible textures (such as when a new RHW mod is installed). 

 

 

Can I use HSR with the BTM installed?

[top]

Yes. However you will need to download a patch made by warrior that will allow both networks to function.

-You may have to redraw your BTM network if you install this patch.

 

 

This “bullet train” mod doesn’t seem any faster than my monorail network. What gives? 

[top]

The BTM originally contained its own traffic simulator, which increased the speed and capacities of the monorail network.  This simulator is now outdated and incompatible with the current NAM Simulators. After lengthy discussions, the NAM team suggests that Simulator “Z” is the best simulator to use with this mod, on any level, because it increases the speed and capacity of this network.

 

 

Why can't I drag the BTM over hilly terrain?

[top]

A slope mod is included witht the BTM, which will automatically give the mod a realistic slope when dragged over uneven terrain.  In the more hilly or mountainous areas, the BTM may not drag because the slope of the terrain is too great for a bullet train network.  An easy fix to this is to level out some of the terrain around your bullet train network or make a tunnel.  If you drag the BTM from one side of the hilly section to the other, you may get lucky as the mod may automatically cut a properly sloped section through the terrain.  The slope has to be smooth, we don't want these bullet trains built on jagged  terrain, imagine how bumpy it would be for the passengers

 

Who can I thank for uploading this mod? 

[top]

APTX: Creator of version 1 and 2 of the BTM, 2 train skins, a custom BTM simulator (increased the speed of the monorail network) and other modifications.

Warrior: Made the mod compatible with the HSR mod and the NAM. He also created several textures, fixes and modifications to the mod, and provided technical assistance with the assembly of the mod uploaded to the STEX.

Haljackey: Included documentation, assembled the mod, provided pictures and this FAQ for the BTM upload. Lobbied to get the mod hosted on a public exchange and make it compatible with the NAM.

Tarkus: Provided technical assistance for the BTM simulator to make it compatible with the NAM simulators and provided various technical support.

Dirk and the STEX staff: For allowing this wonderful mod to be hosted on the STEX.

 

 

What does the future of the BTM hold? 

[top]

It’s uncertain what will become of the BTM down the road. With its release on the STEX, it may become more popular and stations, patches and new versions of the mod may be made. Only time will tell for sure.

 

If you would like to ask any questions that were not covered in the FAQ, or want to post a comment, please do so below.

 

 

Hello.  please excuse me for this - I am new to this whole bullet train stuff.  I don't know what is the difference between HSR and Bullet train other than different type of train.  Obviously, I'm newbie to this NAM/HSRP/bullet train.  Plus this FAQ is 5 years old so I don't know if this FAQ is still applicable or no longer relevant now.....

 

1.) I tried to read this FAQ few times but I don't get it clearly.  Also, there are missing screenshots in above (original) post so I don't know what I am supposing to look at.  I would appreciate it if anyone could upload those missing screenshots so it could make sense to me, picture-wise - please?

 

2.)  I notice that in the original post, it said that updated bullet train mod is included in the NAM 31.  I have got NAM32.

 

Which mod is included in NAM32?  There were two BTM mods prior to NAM 31 so I would like to know which for our reference, please.

 

3.) Let me check again - If I want to use HSR train and Bullet train at the same time on my HSR/bullet train network, I must install that BTM-HSR patch even though I got NAM32, correct?

 

Thank you for clarifying as it's much appreciated, and I'm sorely apologising if I ask obvious questions - it is just that this FAQ wasn't a bit clear and I'm a bit confused with railway system in NAM32.  (I understand so far:  GLR is same thing as el-train/light rail.  Subway = subway/tube/underground. Rail = normal railway.  Monorail = monorail like those airport terminal transfer trains at some airports around the world.   Tram is same thing as GLR? why would there be two systems for "GLR?"??).

 

Thank you again.

 

Diego

[Compdude787 916]

The Bullet Train Mod is still included with NAM 32. If you don't have it in your game, re-run the NAM installer, do a custom install, and make sure the Bullet Train Mod is checked. The HSR can coexist with the Bullet Train Mod since the HSR uses starter pieces. You shouldn't even need the BTM patch or whatever. That's completely out of date and the Bullet Train Mod was completely redone when it was integrated into NAM 31.

[philforhockey51 4,211]

Hello.      Hoping someone can clear something up for me. I'd like to add just the bullet train to my cities. I've tried the NAM but it was simply too much for my machine and maybe even for me. I've been able to put together a happy little plugins folder(yes a Bob Ross ref.) without over pushing it, none of the other files like HSR or other transit mods, unless the bridge height one counts. From having read all the descriptions of the BTM files and all the posts on this Topic thread.(yes even all the umm...imposing off topic requests) I think I pieced together a possibility for me . If I download one of the BTM versions, the train skin/skins, and the above mentioned Simulator Z(I'll have to read the thread again to get the right one but I know its up there somewhere)then I should be able to have a working Bullet Train. Would I need any other files? Would this simple plan work for my simple need/want? Would the Simulator (I'll have to dig some more reading up on this) be effected by the lack of the rest of NAM? Would you ask another would question if it was your fourth would question? I guess I would.

 

Thank You

Phil

[rsc204 21,808]

I believe the NAM is required for the BTM to work, I don't know when it was first included in the NAM, but it's perhaps possible to run one of the older versions if you can find it that might be more acceptable for your machine?

There would be no official support if you did this, and you may encounter issues which were fixed in newer releases, but that's about your only option if NAM 32 doesn't work.

If you previously installed NAM 32, did the installer run the custom controller? I'd imagine a custom NAM install with just the BTM would be reasonably small, although I don't know in practice what the minimum install you can get with NAM 32 is.

[philforhockey51 4,211]

Thank You for the reply.

 

Yeah the "machine" gets complicated, let me simply state it's first major problem: It's a MacBook Pro running Windows. lol (Some old programs I have to run for work forced that situation)

 

I'm thinking the same thing, try to play around with the NAM download but what is the minimum? I initially went for it all and that didn't work out to well then thought about varied items but wasn't sure what would be putting it over the top. Happily settled at curves for roads, roundabouts, and the bullet train. At minimum the bullet train would be nice, which led me here, maybe I should chase this through NAM forum or something?  

[rsc204 21,808]

Certainly the NAM team themselves would be more likely to know such intricacies of their mod than anyone else. The custom controller should only install what is required, provided it runs during the install without error. I'm guessing there may be some things that get installed for everyone though.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

For the controller compiler to work you have to have a complete Java compiler not just the JRE.

[philforhockey51 4,211]

Thanks for the info  Java....Homer Simpson style "D'OH"    Seems like I'm just gonna need to get myself a new rig to play on, that will give me the freedom to enjoy all these wonderful mods.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

if you get a new box of tricks, beware of Intel GPUs.

[vicvipe 0]

Hi, I have a problem when I try to draw a bullet train line over any RHW network where the monorail textures always show up instead. I believe I've seen people successfully make crossings like that so I was wondering if maybe there was a problem with my configuration or something like that. Any ideas? Or does the mod simply not support such thing?

 

I've tried adding "zzz__" to the BTM folder's name, which apparently solved similar issues people had with other networks but it didn't work.

 

I'm using the latest version of the NAM (and the optional BTM that comes with it), and here's a picture so you can see what my problem is.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Tarkus 6,932]

There is no solution, unfortunately.  The Bullet Train got finished up right before NAM 31 and was designed to pre-NAM 31 RHW specs.  The amount of work required to update the BTM to current RHW specs is insane.  A couple of us started on it at various points, but stopped upon realizing how much farther we still had to go.

 

-Tarkus

[vicvipe 0]

Oh, that's a shame

 

I believe the high speed rail works so I could use that instead, so it's not that big of a deal. Thanks for the help though! 

[philforhockey51 4,211]

I would just like to say Thank You to rsc204 and A Nonny Moose for the help, a little tweaking and a custom install of NAM 32 and I'm good to go. Thanks for the tips.

[rsc204 21,808]

The latest update of the BTM can currently be found here:

The main missing parts are finalising Catenary support for RHW, but otherwise it's pretty complete in terms of NAM coverage (as of version 48). Note this version of the BTM mod was designed by Moonlight originally, not ATPX who's older BTM mod is quite different in terms of it's style.

[rsc204 21,808]

Been working again on the Shinkansen Bridges, due to some issues that I've seen with the originals. Eixample on Discord sent me a bug report about this over a year back, visual glitches occurring around the bridges.

As far as I can tell, there are no errors with the models which were incorporated into the NAM build 35 or something. However, I have also seen the same glitches, which are usually followed by a CTD.

It does appear to be a graphics problem and so much as I can make out, because the glitch can not be reliably replicated, perhaps the models are simply too complex for such a basic game. The base ML models for his Shinkansen and Japan El Rail were already highly detailed, so merging them together with a complex bridge piece may just be too much?

Whilst looking into the problem, I did find a way to further optimise the modding of the bridge pieces quite considerably, in some cases half the file size of before. Since doing this for one bridge, I was not able to trigger the issue again, but I fear the possibility of it can not be completely mitigated against. However I have done the best I could to ensure there are no errors in the data and reduce their size as much as possible. Whilst in the process, I converted the last remaining NAM Monorail bridge to Shinkansen style too: