New Passenger Rail Arrives!

[BigRedFish 24]

I'll take a look at the GNER.  I have a passenger request thread going here:

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=49485

 

I do follow that thread, and update the first post with progress reports every few days.  I haven't been as chatty as usual lately, because my plate is brimming over with new projects and old ones to improve.  I'm in Less talk, more do! mode.

 

A while back you asked how I do these so quickly.  The answer is, standard parts.  I have built up a library of doors, windows, basic car shapes, and so on, so I can assemble the skins in a cut/paste assembly-line fashion (just like the real car manufacturers do!).  Then it's just a matter of searching the model railroad fan sites for images of the car, so I can get the unique paint and detail correct.  Sometimes there are schematic diagrams out there which are very useful, since I'm really art challenged and do these in a CAD/CAM sort of way!

 

Since most N American railcars are made by a small number of manufacturers (Budd, Pullman, or Bombardier mostly) and are variations on standard designs, once I've made the first model and skin for a new car type, the different road names can be made very rapidly. 

 

[BigRedFish 24]

Apologies for the double-post - different topic than before.

 

Updated GO Transit set is now on the STEX.

You can find it, and all my mods on the STEX, by searching for BRF or clicking the link below:

https://www.simtropolis.com/lots/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=all&Str=BRF

 

Or jump directly to the GO Set:

https://www.simtropolis.com/lots/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=Prop&Str=BRF%20GO%20Transit%20Passenger%20Train%20Set

 

Changes:

* Fixed slight mis-alignment of texture on engine nose.

*  Fixed scale of car ends to match the prototype. 

*  Fixed rough edges on cars. 

* Added  extra coach car and locomotive.

* Added extra bonus 30th Anniversary coach car.

 

[kassarc16 4]

I wouldn't worry about the double post, an hour between them.

 

Keep up the good work.

[BigRedFish 24]

A while back someone asked for Atlanta's MARTA trains.

 

Atlanta MARTA El-Sub-Passenger Matched Set is now on the STEX:

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/lots/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=Prop&Str=BRF%20Atlanta%20MARTA%20ElSubPassenger%20Rail%20Set

 

I did some research, and found that the MARTA trains are the same basic type as the DC Metro trains.  They're almost the same, except for the paint and sign placement.  And MARTA has slightly narrower doors it seems.  So please don't savage me too much in the comments/ratings for the similarity, I'm just trying to be realistic.  

 

Oh, the MARTA trains are tapered at the ends, and use a different cab configuration than the DC trains do.  I altered the S3D model somewhat to accomplish this.  I chose the rainbow-front scheme, not the black-front scheme, as I think it looks better in the game, and helps distinguish it more from the DC set.

 

 

[frogface 354]

oops sorry if i posted it in the wrong thread.. i thought this one was that thread when i posted it  oops.

 

umm thanx anyway for looking into it anyway!

good luck anyway

[Corlian 2]

I used to be totally uninterested in passenger trains, but you've inspired me to put in a whole regionwide infrastructure, pretty much just because of the California Amtrak trains.

 

But I've always loves subways and elevated rail, and those MARTA cars are going in as replacements as soon as I get home. =)

 

So...thanks.

[Gemika 6]

BRF All these trains are amazing wondeful jobs on them Its to bad we can only use one set at a time. Keep up the excellent work!

GE

[BigRedFish 24]

Date:5/15/2004 6:42:37 AM
Author:Gemika

BRF All these trains are amazing wondeful jobs on them Its to bad we can only use one set at a time. Keep up the excellent work!

GE

quote>

With passenger rail you can use more than one set at a time, although the result will be randomly mixed trains, same as with freight.  Many of my sets released in this thread, and the Amtrak California set on the STEX, have some files with names that end in Extra.  Those are additional to the Maxis equipment, and you can use them in any combination.  One of the images packaged with the Amtrak California set is an in-game photo of both paint schemes in a single train.

For example, use:

RHPCarsMarta_BRF_Original.dat,

RHPCarsAmtrakSufrliner_BRF_Extra(number).dat, and

RH PCarsAmtrakCalifornia_BRF_Extra(number).dat

to get a mixture of MARTA, and the two A.C. schemes on passenger rail.

Same goes for locomotives, use one Original and as many extra as you like.

I just got this working for elevated rail, so soon you'll be able to mix those too.  Theoretically it should also work with subways but since you can't see them most of the time I don't bother too much with them. 

[Dark Avatar 8]

Hi BigRedFish,

    Um i was wondering when are you going to release the Singapore MRT on the exchange...just give me a rough estimate if you can.

[BigRedFish 24]

Updated MARTA and DC-Metro trains are on the STEX.

 

I noticed that sometimes the last car of a train would be dragged around curves rather than following the track.  This is because the game can't handle train cars being too long.  I shortened the models slightly to fix it, nothing too noticeable but it works better now.  You can sometimes see a quick jerk on the last car as it goes around an outside curve, but it's quick enough to not matter as much.  It was either that or make the cars silly-short.

 

While I was at it I also improved the night-lighting on both models to reflect the yellow-orange lighting on those trains, and better match other game structures.  I also narrowed the doors on the DC trains a bit to look a little more realistic.

 

Dark_Avatar: Singapore's about 2-3 weeks away.

 

 

 

[BigRedFish 24]

Amtrak Metroliners are now on the STEX.

 

This is a complete ground-up rewrite of my Metroliner set.  The models and skins are vastly improved compared to the beta I released in this forum.  They also now have night-lighting.

 

This is the biggest set I've made to date.  I have included extra cars and locomotives, and paint options galore in this one.  Due to the sheer size of it (over 500K), I have broken it into two parts for easier downloading and maintenance.

 

The base (part 1) contains Metroliner cab cars (engines) and Amfleet 1 coaches in Amtrak's Phase 3 paint scheme for El, Subway, and Passenger Rail.  I included both original-replacement files, and add-on extra files for all of them so you can mix and match with other sets if you want to.

 

Part 2 contains more of the same, except the cars are in Phase 4 paint, and the cabs are in Phase 1 paint (it's an anachronism, but it looks really good in-game).  Again, you can mix and match.

 

There are a total of 18 files, with 9 in each part.  The extra car sets contain four coaches each, all with unique night lighting for variety.

 

Part 1 is here: https://www.simtropolis.com/lots/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=Prop&Str=BRF%20Amtrak%20MetrolinerAmfleet%20ElSubPassenger%20Set%20part%201

 

Part 2 is here: https://www.simtropolis.com/lots/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=Prop&Str=BRF%20Amtrak%20MetrolinerAmfleet%20ElSubPassenger%20Set%20part%202

 

Have fun, and All Aboard Amtrak™!

 

[Dark Avatar 8]

GREAT.Keep up with the good work.Looking forward to it.

[+Guest]

It looks good.I like it.

[pekeboo01 3]

Hey BRF,
I have been following your progress here and must say you are surely adding to my collection. A big thank you.
On a lighter note you should have a thread called Riding the rails with BRF.

Also was wondering if you would consider doing a fantasy passenger series in bright colors of some kind. Nothing specific in mind, just a thought really. *giggles* Would like to have the Boo Blazer RR. Or even funnier Boos Clues RR. Have fun at any rate!

[trainmanr5 0]

Here in South Eastern Pa, I see a wide variety of passenger and freight trains in the area. I see Amtrak's Acela trains on the North East Corridor, and I also see NJT trains whenever I'm in New Jersey.

I mostly see Septa transit trains. Has anyone heard of SEPTA transit trains? The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority? They are the commuter trains local to me. They run throughout the Philadelphia area, controlling all subways, el trains, trolleys, busses, and regional passenger rail lines. Anyone in or near the Philadelphia area has seen these commuter trains. My dear friend Big Red Fish, if I post some pictures, could you look into making Septa trains for the passenger lines? Most of all, I want them as sub/el trains, because those are the only sub way trains I know that are local to me. It would be great to see these trains on my tracks.

By the way, your Amtrak trains are now running without a hitch in my games. I love them! Great Job! I'll need to post a picture of them running.

trainmanr5

[joexcooldude 1]

Yeah, ive heard of SEPTA. They have a station walking distance from me. Anyway, I request the Acela Regional train sets on the NE Corridor. No, this does not mean The Acela (which would be cool too), but the trains before them (AEM7 Electric Locomotive + Amfleet). However, I would prefer the normal AEM7 Electric locomotive to be replaced by the E60 Electric locomotive. Trainman, if you have any pics, please post them.

[trainmanr5 0]

Septa Pictures UPDATED 5/26/04!!!
Sorry that the pictures weren't able to be seen before. I had trouble getting the pictures in properly. Here are some NEW pictures.


This is Septa; the transit in Philadelphia. On the rails, Septa runs regular regional commuter trains as well as high speed AEM-7 pulled express trains for rush hour. Septa also has busses, el trains, subways and even trolley routs in the city.



(Above)Though they are rarely seen during the day, Septa uses its highs speed AEM-7s for the packed p.m. rush hour trains.



(above) Septa's el train runs in the city.



(above) Septa's busses run throughout the Philadelphia area and it's suburbs.

(above)

In the background of this picture is the Philadelphia skyline. Septa's Silverliners (like the one in the picture) are most commonly used, and they usually come in trains of 2, 4 or 6 cars.(rarely 3, 5, or more than 6 silverliners.). AEM-7's pull only the crowded p.m. rush hour trains.

BRF, please check this out. I'd love to have septa's sub ways/el trains to replace the one in the game. It would be neat if you could make their silver regional trains or their express AEM-7 pulled passenger train also.

trainmanr5

[hymewales 13]

BRF,

I just wanted to thank you for these great passenger train sets. They help spruce up my cities. Keep up the great work! My favorite has to be the MARTA, but I am biased since I used to live just south of Atlanta until moving out west. Again, great work!

[BigRedFish 24]

SEPTA looks do-able.  That one with the hump on its back (first picture, left side) might be a challenge (but then, that hump could also be the key to old-school Pullman cars!).  The one on the right looks pretty straightforward. 

 

At the moment I'm busily re-touching models, to fix some scale issues - the locomotives were a little tall compared to the cars.  I didn't notice it so much with the double-deck cars, but then I started working on single-deck.  The locos are too tall, all around.  Bummer.  Each one means I have to check about 150 points in 3D space, one at a time, by hand.  Grr, argh.

 

And thanks for the kind words hymewales.  Glad to know people are enjoying these.  If you have half as much fun with them as I have with Trolca's freight, then it's all worth it.

 

[Trolca 15]

Date:5/22/2004 7:17:04 PM
Author:BigRedFish

At the moment I'm busily re-touching models, to fix some scale issues - the locomotives were a little tall compared to the cars.  I didn't notice it so much with the double-deck cars, but then I started working on single-deck.  The locos are too tall, all around.  Bummer.  Each one means I have to check about 150 points in 3D space, one at a time, by hand.  Grr, argh.

quote>

 

If you're using the iLive Reader, you can use the technique with Excel to speed up the process.

 

[BigRedFish 24]

Trolca: The Excel trick has been a lifesaver!  Now, on to less pleasant subjects:

 

BRF Bug Alerts!

 

First Car of Subway Train Does Not Render Properly in Underground View

Products Affected: All BRF replacement subway trains

Severity: High

Reported by: ThePhoenix77

 

Problem: The files RHSubway*_BRF_Original.dat that were included in the Trolca Transit, Amtrak Metroliner, DC Metro, and MARTA sets are missing the exemplar that describes the lead car.  As a result, the first car of a subway train will appear as a rectangular box in misaligned paint, or else flicker intermittently.  Game performance may be affected.  Additionally, once the replacement subway file is installed, Maxis passenger cars and engines may be incorrectly drawn.

 

BRF is currently testing re-packaged files to eliminate this problem.  The fixes will be applied as updates to all affected files on the STEX. 

 

Action: The files RHSubway*.dat are defective, and should be deleted immediately.  Updated files to correct this problem will be numbered as Version 3.

 

 

Passenger Locomotives and Cars are Out Of Scale with Each Other

Products Affected: Amtrak California, GO Transit, Trolca Transit

Severity: Low

Reported by: BRF

 

Problem: Passenger locomotives are slightly too wide and too tall relative to the cars.  For example, the top of the GO Transit locomotive should approximately line up with the car roof at its edge, not at its middle.

 

BRF is currently testing modified locomotive models to eliminate this problem.  The changes will be applied as updates to all affected files on the STEX. 

 

Action: No action required.  Updates to correct this problem and other bugs found to-date will be numbered as Version 3.

 

 

Passenger Cars Running Too Close Together

Products Affected: MARTA, DC Metro, Trolca Transit sets

Severity: Low

Reported by: BRF

 

Problem: Passenger cars are running slightly too close together.

 

BRF has corrected this in the master file set.  The changes will be applied as updates to all affected files on the STEX. 

 

Action: No action required.  Updates to correct this problem and other bugs found to-date will be numbered as Version 3.

 

 

 

All BRF sets are currently being individually reviewed to correct these errors.  Updates will be posted on the STEX and numbered Version 3.

 

Thank you for your support, and thank you for riding BRF.

 

[bueschern 6]

I'm a big fan of the amtrak metroliner cars. i appreciate the recent updates, but i preferred when the engines and cars were a seperate .dat file, so that i could mix and match (i.e., use trolca's phase3 engine with your phase 3 cars).

[BigRedFish 24]

Date:5/24/2004 6:01:07 PM
Author:bueschern

I'm a big fan of the amtrak metroliner cars.  i appreciate the recent updates, but i preferred when the engines and cars were a seperate .dat file, so that i could mix and match (i.e., use trolca's phase3 engine with your phase 3 cars).

quote>

People were getting overwhelmed by the complexity of the packaging so I decided to split the Metroliner set from the Amfleet set, and simplify things a bit.  

Don't worry, those stand-alone Amfleet cars will be back in a few days.  I'll be re-releasing them as part of an Amtrak single-deck car set.  It will have the Phase 3 and 4 Amfleet coaches, plus an AmCafe car and some Heritage and Horizon fleet cars (I'm just finishing them up now) and perhaps a Viewliner sleeper or two.

Viewliners are strictly Phase 4, I think I'll make the Heritage cars in Phase 3, and some Horizons in Phase 4. What do you think for the baggage, an old Phase 1 shorty?  Or just Phase 3 all the way (except Viewliners)?

 

[trainmanr5 0]

Date: 5/22/2004 7:17:04 PM
Author:

SEPTA looks do-able. That one with the hump on its back (first picture, left side) might be a challenge (but then, that hump could also be the key to old-school Pullman cars!). The one on the right looks pretty straightforward.

quote>

Big Red Fish,
The humps on the backs of the Silverliners are the air conditioning systems! But I'm glad that you're going to look into this. I updated the pictures in my previous post, so check em out! Thanks for listening to my request, and I hope you can make these trains. If you need help along the way, I've got plenty of pictures for you to refer to!

Thankyou!
trainmanr5

Some of the older Siverliners are similar to the one in the picture below. Though they aren't seen often, they don't have humps on their backs. Some are so old, they still read Pennsylvania Railroad on the side.



The newer models which are replacing the older ones look like the one below. They are seen much more often.

[Jarmst4571 0]

BFR,

Baggage cars in phase 3 should work very nicely.

[Fairlane500 8]

BRF-

 

If humped passenger cars are created, you may be able to make this train that runs near me. It is called the Spirit of Washington Diner Train, and it runs about twenty miles daily from Renton, Washington to a winery and back.

(It just happens to be an F-Unit)

Good luck with your great work.

 

-Fairlane

[BigRedFish 24]

Thanks for the feedback!   Phase 3 baggage it is, then.

 

I have a whole bunch of new cars (and a new locomotive model) in testing right now, I'm down to adjusting the night-lighting, checking to make sure things look good in the game, stuff like that.  

 

When I re-packaged the Metroliner set, I took away some functionality from the cars.  So I bumped the Amtrak single-deck set to the top of the stack. 

 

These pictures were recently taken by a SimTrainspotter near the BRF Riverside Yard: 

 

Amtrak Phase 5 Genesis locomotive followed by a Heritage Baggage, Horizon Coach, and Amfleet-II Coach.

 

A Heritage Diner rolls by its stationary cousin.  (Argh!  Pixellation!)

 

A sun-faded Pepsi Can locomotive (all-new model!) pulls a Phase 3 Heritage Coach, followed by a Phase 4 AmCafe car. 

 

Taken from the roof of the Miller building, this shows a Genesis locomotive pulling a Heritage Baggage, a Viewliner Sleeper, a Heritage Coach, and an AmCafe.  All phase 4 except the baggage car. That's just so Amtrak!

 

Feedback welcome.  I think the Heritage cars need the brightness and contrast taken down. Also I might make the stripes on the Phase 3 Heritage equipment wider.  It's funny how different models can look in-game, versus in the Reader.

 

 

[burwellian 16]

Do my eyes decieve me or do those engines look too tall for the carridges in your last post BRF...

[Kurtisb 1]

Hi all!

I am an Amtrak fan...therefor I have tons of knowlege on this topic but, introduction aside... I disagree, the engines (like the one shown, P42 Genesis) is about 1-2 feet taller than the heritage baggage. (the standard on most Amtrak trains) In fact the baggage car is about a half foot taller than the passenger cars (except the Viewliner (single level sleeper, and the heritage diner, and the Dorm-Lounge crew sleeper).

Good day!
Kurtisb - The Nut With an Attitude

[trainmanr5 0]

Hey Big Red Fish,
I love your new Amtrak ideas, and I am espicially glad that you included viewliners and baggage cars. Plus, I like how you mixed the paint schemes up a bit! That's how the real Amtrak trains run!

Below is a beautiful picture of how your earlier Amtrak set looks in my game. I just wanted to show how your hard work is so apreciated! You are very amazing! Now that it's working, I see how it is so much better than the game's default train. The realism of your trains is like a breath of fresh air!



That's how the earlier set you made looks. I can't wait to download your new set! And I'm looking foward to the Septa project.


Hooray!!!
I think I finally figured out how to properly insert pictures! The Septa pictures are now visible in my previous posts above. Please check them out everybody!

trainmanr5