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

[Haljackey 17,326]

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.

[AJ8888 0]

just a quick question, is it still possible to use the monorails in u drive it missions? thanks.

[Haljackey 17,326]

AJ8888: Yes, but all monorail missions will now be using the BTM. Give it a try and if you have any problems please let me know and we can go on from there.

[JakeMD 107]

Great work on this! We really appreciate the time and effort put into this project.

[AJ8888 0]

just one more question, on the original upload on the stex, a blue/black coloured train is featured, yet i cannot find it anywhere. please, can you tell me where i can find it?

[Haljackey 17,326]

Originally posted by: AJ8888

just one more question, on the original upload on the stex, a blue/black coloured train is featured, yet i cannot find it anywhere. please, can you tell me where i can find it?quote>

All files, including the two train skins for the monorail, are currently being processed.  I hope they will be uploaded soon.  Good things come to those who wait! 

[Cornoosh 1]

Another one for you: I love the tracks but... I really don't like the train, I can't stand the Pinnochio-like nose of the train, so can I change the train and keep the tracks? 

[sim-fan192 4]

Hi Haljackey, I was watching a video of yours on youtube and I saw a glr train on one track and on the track next (seperate line) to it I saw a bullet train . As we all know you can't have two skins for the same network so that got me thinking, all I came up with was ....................... then I saw this. lol. Anyway I'm guessing that if you use HSR and BTM at the same time the bullet trains will be on the HSR, right?

[Haljackey 17,326]

Cornoosh: There are two BTM train skins being uploaded to the STEX right now. Choose whichever one you like. A monorail or HSR train skin will also work.

sim-fan192: I don't use HSR but you can use both together if you want.  The patch is currently being uploaded.  I'm not sure about the same train using the two networks because I have never tried it.

[AJ8888 0]

thank you! i love this mod, i just tried it!

[futurama2506sim 7]

Hey, where can I get this patch that allows both BTM and HSR to work at the same time?

[The Arrowz 3]

FINALLY! A use for the monorail I never liked the monorail because I thought it was unrealistic and ugly. Thanks for uploading this!!!

Out of curiosity, you mentioned that monorail stations work with this; would the monorail stations still have the monorail tracks or will those be replaced too? Thanks!

[Cornoosh 1]

Thanks a lot, you filled my day with sunlight

[Haljackey 17,326]

futurama2506sim:  You will be able to get it on the STEX.  Its also available for download on the sticky post of the SC4D HSRP thread here.

The Arrowz:  Indeed.  For the stations themselves, you may still see the monorail tacks, but in my experience its no biggie.

[warrior 169]

HalJackey, sorry I didn't make it on to MSN, had to go see my cousins.

Two things, is it just me or has the BTM not appeared on the STEX yet.

And the links right at the top of you first post are incorrect.

Jonathan

[z1 566]

Originally posted by: haljackey

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.

quote>

I'm sure no one will be surprised to hear that I agree with the choice of Simulator Z for use with the bullet train.  But I wanted to mention something that is at least as important as the speed and capacity settings of Simulator Z, if not more so.  Simulator Z has a special set of optimization specifically designed to improve monorail usage; this set of optimizations is present in no other traffic simulator.  As the bullet train mod is built upon the monorail network, these optimizations apply equally to it (as well as to HSR).

Many people know that in the traffic simulators, the various properties are interrelated in many different ways, and changing just one property can cause many unanticipated side effects.  Even the various speed limits are structured in such a way that changing one of them can have major unanticipated side effects on unrelated travel types.  However, in Simulator Z, it is safe to increase the speed of the monorail (and therefore the bullet train), at least to some extent, without causing problems elsewhere.  The main result of increasing the speed of the bullet train in Simulator Z would be to increase its usage; the higher its speed, the more Sims would go out of their way to use it.  It would take some experimentation to determine the ideal speed, but as I understand it, the old speed of the bullet train was 400 kph, and I think this is attainable.  What I would recommend doing is to start with the current speed of 250 kph, see how that works in a test city, and then increase the speed in increments of 50 kph and retest.  The only possible problem is that at high speeds, the Sims would like the bullet train so much that they would abandon their current modes of transportation more than is desirable.  I don't think this would happen at a speed of 400 kph, but this needs to be tested.

Changing the speed of the monorail (and therefore the bullet train) in Simulator Z is trivial; in the property "Max speed by Network for monorail," the number 250 just needs to be changed to the desired speed.  Of course, if this modified version of Simulator Z is to be distributed with the Bullet Train Mod, modified copies of all eight versions of the simulator need to be included.

[AJ8888 0]

i am lucky! i downloaded it the 1st time it was on the stex, and before it was being processed

i have it now!

but, i have a strange error to report. this may be an error that is not your fault, but i found the original site this was on and downloaded the bullet train skin. when i had built a network, i tried to do a u drive it mission. the game froze up on me. this is prob not that fault of the mad, but seeing that you have uploaded it and have loads of info, is there anything i have or have not done right?

thanks!

PS i assume that the peices featured in the above picture are to be added?

i would love to add a connection to the subway or rail!

[Haljackey 17,326]

Originally posted by: warrior

Two things, is it just me or has the BTM not appeared on the STEX yet.

And the links right at the top of you first post are incorrect.quote>

Yes it seems I uploaded the files when the STEX was down for some cleaning.  Since 6.0 went live, you could only see the latest 30 uploads or so and then would have to search for the rest of the content.  I'd assume they are fixing it, and that's what's probably making the BTM files take so long to process.  They are up there, but are in transition.

Oh, and thanks for letting me know about the links error.  They are fixed now. 

Originally posted by: z1

The only possible problem is that at high speeds, the Sims would like the bullet train so much that they would abandon their current modes of transportation more than is desirable.  I don't think this would happen at a speed of 400 kph, but this needs to be tested.quote>

Exactly, this is is a game.  Even though speeds in excess of 400km/h are realistic, are they really what's best for the game?  The key component of this mod is to have fun with it, and to provide a more useful network than the monorail.

If you'd like to do some testing be my guest!  I've been using BTM with Sim Z on low ever since Sim Z existed and I can say it works perfectly fine.  (I've used the BTM for years).

Originally posted by: AJ8888

but, i have a strange error to report. this may be an error that is not your fault, but i found the original site this was on and downloaded the bullet train skin. when i had built a network, i tried to do a u drive it mission. the game froze up on me. this is prob not that fault of the mad, but seeing that you have uploaded it and have loads of info, is there anything i have or have not done right?

thanks!

PS i assume that the peices featured in the above picture are to be added?

i would love to add a connection to the subway or rail!

quote>

Well, like I said, the BTM is an older file and a constant work in progress.  The file is beta, just like any other mod.  If you have old BTM files, I highly suggest you remove them because these files have been modified and updated to make it more up to date with mods such as the NAM.  

Those transitions that you speak of are not part of the BTM, they are just other downloads.  You can find them at various excahnges throughout the SC4 community.

[AJ8888 0]

the files that are in fault are not of the BTM but from the same user as a skin for any HSRP.

by the way, i cannot find any of the addons, can you help?

all i can find here, is the BTM version 1 and 2 (both being processed)

the HSRP for mac and windows, addtitional trains and dependancies, and that is all.

i have looked around a few other sites, and they hold no add ons.

where did you find them?

[warrior 169]

The addons I think you are talking about are the ones I made that convert monorail over NAM networks (such as RHW, and GLR) to BTM over NAM networks.

Also it replaces the high monorail pieces with high BTM. Basically changes a lot of the NAM pieces that have monorail in them to match BTM.

They aren't available at any site, as Haljackey got them directly from me.

Jonathan

[Haljackey 17,326]

All right, all the BTM files are now on the STEX. Be sure to read the description to make sure you are installing everything properly.

This is now the support thread for the BTM. Post any problems and issues you have here. Be sure to read the FAQ as well.

Lastly, enjoy!

All the best,

-Haljackey

[wes.janson 6]

Originally posted by: warrior

The addons I think you are talking about are the ones I made that convert monorail over NAM networks (such as RHW, and GLR) to BTM over NAM networks.

Also it replaces the high monorail pieces with high BTM. Basically changes a lot of the NAM pieces that have monorail in them to match BTM.

They aren't available at any site, as Haljackey got them directly from me.

Jonathanquote>

Jonathan: Any chance of you releasing those addons? I never thought I'd need the double height pieces until I saw them in GTR

[Haljackey 17,326]

Originally posted by: wes.janson

Originally posted by: warrior

The addons I think you are talking about are the ones I made that convert monorail over NAM networks (such as RHW, and GLR) to BTM over NAM networks.

Also it replaces the high monorail pieces with high BTM. Basically changes a lot of the NAM pieces that have monorail in them to match BTM.

They aren't available at any site, as Haljackey got them directly from me.

Jonathanquote>

Jonathan: Any chance of you releasing those addons? I never thought I'd need the double height pieces until I saw them in GTR

quote>

They are all included with the BTM uploads.  These have updated and modified the BTM to make it compatible with the NAM and the HSR.

-I got them directly from Jonathan, then put them into the uploads.

[wes.janson 6]

Well.. I guess I best get to downloading then shouldn't I?

Thanks a bunch for putting these up! 

[CaptCity 4,794]

Great work on this mod and getting it ready for use once again. Thanks to all involved. I did have a quick question...

I fully understand that all textures may not exist at this time, and the BTM x GLR is probably one of them, correct? It seems to me that the original mod by APTX had this issue which is understandable as I think his mod came out before the GLR was implimented. My question, though is this; wasn't there a patch that supplied this piece made later on? And if so, any idea where it might be, and would it even work with the current versions of everything involved? I may very well be imagining this or getting it confused with something else. Just wondered if anyone had any idea.

Thanks

CaptCity

Edit: Need to amend the above... Realizing I installed BTM Version 2, I went back and tried Version 1. That particular crossing piece does exist with the proper texture. It just seems to be Version 2 that the piece still shows the monorail over GLR. Knew I was probably confused...

[kripikpisang 1]

Have anyone had the station for this mod???

I'd appreciate if you give the link.

thx b4.....

[Haljackey 17,326]

CaptCity:  I think Jonathan (Warrior) included some patches for GLR in this mod.  They might not cover everything, however.  I'm sure he can give you a better response than I can. 

Originally posted by: kripikpisang

Have anyone had the station for this mod???

I'd appreciate if you give the link.

thx b4.....quote>

Sure, I can link you to a couple that I know of, these were all made by APTX and still have working links.

Tokyo Station (my favorite BTM station)

-Also connects to El-rail.

Sjinuya Station

-There are two links there.  Make sure you download both Westside and Eastside.

Keep watching the STEX for BTM stations as well.  I know for a fact at least one will be coming. 

[plundere 30]

Hi Haljackey

There are some pics of the Shinkansen MOD that I modified

like your release, it will replaces the monorail network completely (include overpass through RHW, STR, and NAM puzzle piece)

If you interest in the mod that I modified, I can send you when I go home next week

[Xyloxadoria 1,099]

Keep watching the STEX for BTM stations as well.  I know for a fact at least one will be coming. 

quote>

It came and you can get it here.

Heres a pic:

And, It didnt break the stex

[Haljackey 17,326]

Originally posted by: plundere

Hi Haljackey

There are some pics of the Shinkansen MOD that I modified

like your release, it will replaces the monorail network completely (include overpass through RHW, STR, and NAM puzzle piece)

If you interest in the mod that I modified, I can send you when I go home next weekquote>

Sweet!  That would be awesome!  This could very be the start of BTM version 3!

Oh and here are the pics you attached, properly resized:

---

Oh and Xylo, that station looks sweet!  We finally have a smaller true BTM station!  Nice job!