TrainSimDev.com

Some videos to help with placing of items:
Straights and Curves:
http://www.youtube.com/v/-oXZAfO5XQY

MidPoints:
http://www.youtube.com/v/qoD3M6TpdDw

And here is a manual I have started on:


Also just started work on the auto tensioner masts for the Mk3a cantilever. They are the 1st part of the four mast overlaps.

Auto tensioner which makes up the first mast of a 4 mast overlap section

Really wonderful modelling Jim !! - thanks for going to so much trouble with all the tutorials.

Is this a suitable method for point rodding and telegraph poles and lines ?

Cheers
Paul

I thought I should give this thread a boost(er). Here is a 6 min video showing off the Mk3a Cantilever I have created. Pretty much got everything I wanted done for the Cantilever and learnt a lot in the process:
http://www.youtube.com/v/mMDyT0TYp_g

Summary of features (so far):

• Each asset has 4 different reaches (distance between nearest rail and stanchion / post)
• Each asset has 2 lods. A very detailed close up LOD and a much more easy on the PC 2nd LOD.
• Ambient occlusion map used on most of the model
• Insulators with specular effect as lights shines off the ceramic surface
• Correct stagger modelled for curves (38cm) and straights (23cm)
• Single and double track auto placement tools
• Mid points (each wire run length is approx 1 mile, a mid point anchors the wires so that friction with the pantograph does not drag the wire forwards or backwards)
• Overlaps (Leading out of the old wire and leading in the new wire)
• Boosters (usually at every other overlap which means approx. every 2 miles there will be a booster to smooth the supply)

There are a few things I can think of that I have not created but I would say that as far as Cantilever Mk3a goes the vast majority is ready to go. I plan to release the source as well as the assets for those that want it or wish to improve / change for themselves.

Now I need to move onto headspan, portal and semi-portal. I think these will be easier to do than the Cantilever (or at least I hope so!).

Hi Jim, Incredible what you have achieved here. Well done.
Ruth

That's an incredible level of detail, well done for sticking at it Jim and making something brilliant.

Thanks Pete. Yeh I have enjoyed it. Been coming back to it off and on and sorting out the blueprints and working round the limitations of the auto OHE placement tools has taken at least as long as creating the model.

Looking forward to getting Headspan, portal and semi-portal finished off and releasing a full pack for everyone to use in any route.

Jim