Competitive Route Building Registration

[BidMod]

Hi all,

Please would entrants post their names here or send me a message - there's a list of entrants at the foot of this post. Closing date will be the 31st July, at which date your entry must be available on the DLS (unless it's broken, in which case we'll think of something else ;)).

I think it is wise for entrants rather than to ensure only DLS assets are used, simply to provide the location of any non-DLS assets. If your layout has missing components, common sense should prevent people voting for it -> It's up to you.

BidMod.

FULL RULES

Open theme
No more than 15 boards including staging areas within this total (otherwise testing and opinion finding would take forever)(after the debate on the other thread, let's leave this as 15)
Must contain a railway (seems obvious, but I bet someone doesn't)
1 man (or woman) 1 layout; teams could prove complicated, so let's stick to individuals for the time being.
Must be uploaded to the DLS for easy access
Any non-DLS assets must have a link pointing to them. This rule won't be enforced, but I would encourage voters to vote against layouts that have missing assets.
1 username - 1 vote
Deadline for layouts to be 31st July 2007, to allow the best layouts to be developed
Session also to be uploaded to demonstrate the layout's potential and AI operation (though in the case of shunting layouts a simple interactive demonstration might be better - just upload something).
Compatbility is not guaranteed across all versions, so it is up to the developer to decide which version of TRS will be used. Common sense dictates that the ideal solution is to use the lowest version possible, however this is not always possible.
Somewhere in the description add the line "2007RBC" spelt letter for letter - this will allow people to search the DLS using that term to find all of the routes in the competition.
No Payware please - a discussion about this is for another thread I think.
All work must be your own.
Voting by open poll - will open August 1st and close August 31st.
Prize - 6 month free FCT.
Finally, Please engage some common sense!!!!CURRENT ENTRANTS

BidMod
Kelly88
GreatEastern
WileeCoyote (Eatibus Almost Anythingus :D)
butter
RooRocz
Rockster
axe1970
Jimmyp4
Tonnie Kram
Segy
rjl1993
sfrr & K4driver (team entrant, will share the prize)
Jivebunny
Moojgoo
philskene
GIGADevil
SystemtrainsPS: contact details here: http://bidmod.googlepages.com/contact.

[titaniclover]

hmmm sounds pretty cool!
i might do it........have to decide though....

[CoolMatty]

Is the 31st July deadline this year or next?
I guess you've decided on poll vote. I'll have a go anyway. If it isn't then I'll volunteer to be a judge in the 2004 category.

CoolMatty

[Kelly88]

OK
I'm in with this
Full Steam ahead; should take about 2 weeks to get a layout togeather
2 more for the session and testing
then the upload drag ?
As I said before will auran push these through the system quick ?
If it has to be up by end July; then there will need to be some time allowed for people to DL and evaluate all the entrys !!
how long after end july to vote and announce the winner ?

[BidMod]

Is the 31st July deadline this year or next?
I guess you've decided on poll vote. I'll have a go anyway. If it isn't then I'll volunteer to be a judge in the 2004 category.

CoolMatty

31st July this year. As for the voting, I think the open poll is the way forward. Perhaps the small screenshot acompanying the layouts to the DLS could be placed in the first post to remind users which layout is which.

OK
I'm in with this
Full Steam ahead; should take about 2 weeks to get a layout togeather
2 more for the session and testing
then the upload drag ?
As I said before will auran push these through the system quick ?
If it has to be up by end July; then there will need to be some time allowed for people to DL and evaluate all the entrys !!
how long after end july to vote and announce the winner ?

I forgot to put the date for the voting up :o but it should be 31st August.

I don't think Auran need to push these through the system particularly quick - it only takes a couple of days for the upload process anyway, but to be certain please upload three/four days before the deadline.

I'll correct the rules. I know it's bad practice to move the goalposts, but I copied, pasted and amended a bit hurriedly last night. I'm taking part in a shooting competition later, and needed to get a good night's sleep.

BidMod.

[GreatEastern]

Sounds like fun, will have to see what I can come up with.

Andy

[Alan_Yeomans]

We will give a 6 month free FCT to the winner, though open themed.

[jivebunny]

Questions:

- Will there be a full listing of the layouts posted here after the closing date for entries?

- Can we include more than one session? (i.e two different eras, although the route itself remains unchanged)

JB

[rockster]

Questions:

- Will there be a full listing of the layouts posted here after the closing date for entries?

- Can we include more than one session? (i.e two different eras, although the route itself remains unchanged)

JB

hi, im sure you could release as many sessions as you wish, just means one is essential to show the function of the route and of course that it actually works!

cheers

Gav

[WileeCoyote]

Excellent, let the layout wars begin (maniacal laughter), stupid question perhaps but how do I register?

WileeCoyote:D

[butter]

guess im in ! wow! a spelled somthin right!!!!!!!!!! XD

[BidMod]

Hi all,

As Rockster pointed out (not JB - sorry), the idea of the session is to demonstrate that the route has been thought out and is capable of functioning properly. It shows that consideration has been given to the AI, and also to the user of the layout.

Butter - reread your post carefully ;) (sorry, but theres a few daft posts today and I've resisted all morning to nit-pick - I had to blow eventually)

We will give a 6 month free FCT to the winner, though open themed.Thank you, Alan.

EDIT: To register, just post your name here - this is so I can see who is interested and when the poll is set up in a couple of months time we can just read names off this thread.

EDIT2: JB - I think that can easily be arranged.

Regards,
BidMod.

[butter]

western acsent...is it free theamed??? cause i got a sweet
route

[Gangsta_Boi]

Butter, if you carefully read the rules, this is a British themed compotition.

Sorry guys, i don't want to enter as i couldn't possibly make a route in that time :(

Thanks
Gangsta_Boi

[BidMod]

Butter, if you carefully read the rules, this is a British themed compotition.

Sorry guys, i don't want to enter as i couldn't possibly make a route in that time :(

Thanks
Gangsta_Boi

Actually, it's now open themed (one of the conditions of Auran offering the prize).

Why not enter even a small one-boarder? Something simple :)

BidMod.

[Gangsta_Boi]

Butter, i hadn't realised there was a rule change, i apologise :o

OK, enter my name please, will put the thinking cap on

Gangsta_Boi

[RooRocz]

Sounds fun, I'm entering.:D

[BidMod]

A promising start - I've added a list to my original post of people who are taking part so if anyone wants to check out the competition they're all listed together.

Titaniclover, Jivebunny, Rockster and Alan - are you interested in taking part or not? Will add as required.

Regards,
BidMod.

[rockster]

A promising start - I've added a list to my original post of people who are taking part so if anyone wants to check out the competition they're all listed together.

Titaniclover, Jivebunny, Rockster and Alan - are you interested in taking part or not? Will add as required.

Regards,
BidMod.

hi, yeah i'll take part, problem is i am addicted to battlefield 2 at the momont so not doing much with trainz so will be a short layout i think

cheers

Gav

[tommylommykins]

Shame about the 15 board limit; I shan't be entering because of that.... It seriously limits the scope for prototypical routes.

[RooRocz]

About the baseboard limit... If I have a baseboard which has nothing on it but a staging area, like so:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/do_not_eat/StagingArea.jpg

Does it count as a baseboard? I'd think that only baseboards with scenery would count, as they are the only ones that really need close inspection.

[CoolMatty]

Shame about the 15 board limit; I shan't be entering because of that.... It seriously limits the scope for prototypical routes.

It doesn't have to be prototypical. Also you could use portals at the end of layouts to have somewhere to run to.

I'll enter but my time has seriously been cut due to work experience starting today for two weeks. I'll still have a go! I also thought that I'd put my name down before in an earlier post...

CoolMatty

[axe1970]

I am interested, but if the limit is 15 boards I am afraid that might not be realistically possible for myself. :)

15 boards is just enough for a Yard :) and maybe a little bit of countryside.

[rockster]

Shame about the 15 board limit; I shan't be entering because of that.... It seriously limits the scope for prototypical routes.

hi, i cant believe it is possible to create a layout that is more than 15 baseboards long and be worthy of entering into a competition, i always find that creating a scenario to prove that a route works as it should, can take weeks itself when Alister and co are let loose and do a great job of finding your faults for you.

cheers

Gav

[tommylommykins]

I didn't want to drag the subject further into this thread than my one post, but I feel compelled to reply.

Rockster: You'd be surprised; 15 baseboards equates to 10.8 km, or 6.7 miles. straight across. That is painfully small. I wouldn't imagine you could fit many British branch lines in that distance, let alone a relatively short American or Australian themed route. 6.7 miles is simply not enough for a prototypical route. The fact that you can lay portals down at the ends is beside the point. It's the shortness of the route.

CoolMatty: Note that the first rule is an 'open theme' If I wanted to, I ought to be able to construct a prototypical railway if I wanted. That rule is contradicted by the 15-board limit, which means I [b]cannot[b] choose any theme I want and model it well.

I suggest we count up the no. of boards on some of our downloaded/default routes:
Rosworth Vale, Clichfield II and Tidewater are ones which I've just counted. Each of them comes up to more than 200 boards each! I feel that even with that many boards per route, we will still have time to go over all, if not most of them well enough.

[rockster]

I didn't want to drag the subject further into this thread than my one post, but I feel compelled to reply.

Rockster: You'd be surprised; 15 baseboards equates to 10.8 km, or 6.7 miles. straight across. That is painfully small. I wouldn't imagine you could fit many British branch lines in that distance, let alone a relatively short American or Australian themed route. 6.7 miles is simply not enough for a prototypical route. The fact that you can lay portals down at the ends is beside the point. It's the shortness of the route.

hi i dont disagree with your point, but i dont think it possible to create a longer layout in the time allowed, not to a good standard at least, and im sure a proto-typical layout would need researching meaning less time to build

cheers

Gav

[tommylommykins]

That would be for the judges to decide at judging, not before judging.

[CoolMatty]

CoolMatty: Note that the first rule is an 'open theme' If I wanted to, I ought to be able to construct a prototypical railway if I wanted. That rule is contradicted by the 15-board limit, which means I [b]cannot[b] choose any theme I want and model it well.


I wasn't saying you can't create a prototypical route, I was suggesting maybe a fictional route. I'm sorry if I caused offence.

CoolMatty

[BidMod]

The KWVLR would fit, although I concede you would need to straighten it out to get it under the limit.

Myself, I've decided on modelling a (fictional) tramway, with a railway to support it, so I don't think that I'll trouble the board limit.

Perhaps you could suggest a better value? Alan has said elsewhere that the previous competition didn't even allow 15, but I'm happy to extend it if competitors can agree (not to 200 mind).

[Jimmyp4]

I'd like to join. I will be designing a Subway system (altough I may already have one)

[Tonnie_Kram]

i gif t a shot to, mine will not be to big couse i dont have the time to build big.

[djpip]

I may be interested !

[RooRocz]

Shame about the 15 board limit; I shan't be entering because of that.... It seriously limits the scope for prototypical routes.

John Allen crammed the Gorre and Daphetid (http://www.gdlines.com/) into a space little over one baseboard according to Trainz HO scale measurements. If that can be done with one, it should be amazing what can be done with 15.

[Kelly88]

I have already started my entry
I have almosy finished the draft of the main center point
Small station & Goods Yard plus approches each side
Have only used 3 boards so far so it can be done

I would sooner have a small number of boards well detailed than many boards with miles of open green spaces !

[philskene]

Guys --

I'm not entering the competition, but I'm interested in the comments that:
a. The number of baseboards is too small, and
b. The time to construct the route is too short.

For anybody interested, here is a seven baseboard layout that has enormous operating interest, packs a mighty punch in a small space and maintains good frame rates:

http://www.users.on.net/~pskene/PortSwitchingCo%201a.zip

All the track and structures are in place, and terra-forming complete; all that remains to do is texturing and foliage.

I started the layout this Monday, but work and family commitments only let me work on it evenings.

All the assets needed by the layout are on the Download Station. Those who have my "Yard Switching Company" will have almost all of the assets already.

To install, unzip the file and place the resulting folder in Program Files/Auran/TRS2004/World/Custom/maps. Well, that's for TRS2004 users anyway. I suspect that CMP might install it in the correct place automatically?

It is a long weekend here in Australia, but I probably wont have time to finish the layout until the week after next.

In the meantime, feedback and comments are most welcome.

Phil

[segy]

I would like to enter the competition. However I build to the limit of my PC which is devoted to Trainz and is a core-duo 6600 and 8800GTX with a 3DMark06 of over 10,000. I wonder how many voters will even be able to run the route?

Segy

[RooRocz]

I would like to enter the competition. However I build to the limit of my PC which is devoted to Trainz and is a core-duo 6600 and 8800GTX with a 3DMark06 of over 10,000. I wonder how many voters will even be able to run the route?

Segy


Not me! I've got a GeForce 6150 LE; which can hardly display two or three high-detail models at once.

I need a new graphics card...but I can't afford one...:(

[BidMod]

I would like to enter the competition. However I build to the limit of my PC which is devoted to Trainz and is a core-duo 6600 and 8800GTX with a 3DMark06 of over 10,000. I wonder how many voters will even be able to run the route?

Segy

I'll add your name anyway - maybe you'll have a fit of lo-graphic designing :)

BidMod

[Kelly88]

I would like to enter the competition. However I build to the limit of my PC which is devoted to Trainz and is a core-duo 6600 and 8800GTX with a 3DMark06 of over 10,000. I wonder how many voters will even be able to run the route?

Segy

nothing to stop you just making a small layout/Route and lowering your specs a bit, just for the hell of it, you never know, could be fun and complete new outlook on life :)

[rjl1993]

Count me in please:D

Ryan

[CoolMatty]

You don't seem to have done it yet BidMod so I will. Here is a place for taster screens for the comp:

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=11392

Hope to see some there! ;) You'll see some from me later

Matt

[BidMod]

You don't seem to have done it yet BidMod so I will. Here is a place for taster screens for the comp:

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=11392

Hope to see some there! ;) You'll see some from me later

Matt

Err, Someone didn't read the name of the thread starter ;)

Ryan - I'll add your name. Will there be any custom stock for this route? :D

[CoolMatty]

Err, Someone didn't read the name of the thread starter ;)


I know the title but it might be a qicker way for entrants to find and place an area for screenshots.

Matt

[rjl1993]

Ryan - I'll add your name. Will there be any custom stock for this route? :D

Maybe:D no there won't be:rolleyes:

Ryan

[jivebunny]

Quick question re: the board limit. Is it no more than 15 boards with track on or 15 boards as an absolute total?

JB

[CoolMatty]

Another question that wasn't answered was is it 15 boards total or 15 boards excluding ones with portals and no scenery?

Matt

[BidMod]

Hi all,

Sorry I've been neglecting you guys, but I've been busy - I've just sat through 3hrs of General Studies (tinpot subject :() and I'm working towards the real exams I've got left (I'm about half way through).

Anyway - The 15 board limit is a limit but not a target, so you can enter fewer if desired. I think if we said 15 boards containing scenary is fairest, meaning it is possible to have a seperate board containing portals or a Trainz equivalent of the casette used in model railways. The disadvantage is that they are difficult to hide so well.

Good luck,
BidMod :)

[CoolMatty]

Thanks BidMod. I've been busy so I'm gonna cut my route down a bit. Oh, something else. I have the UKTS Britomart and would like to use it in the session. However you can only get by registration to the site. Am I still allowed to use it? Also the download queues can be quite long...

Matt

[BidMod]

Oh, something else. I have the UKTS Britomart and would like to use it in the session. However you can only get by registration to the site. Am I still allowed to use it? Also the download queues can be quite long...

Matt

I'm not a fan of UKTS, but I can see why people use the site and I would allow it since it's within the rules (on a technicality) - however be warned that many people (myself included I'm afraid) won't have the patience to get things from sites which require registration. If there is an alternative, this is probably better.

One final thing from me for now - Some people have asked whether they can judge - the results will be from an open poll, so no judges unless there is a tie (we'll cross that bridge when we come to it).

BidMod.

[CoolMatty]

Right I've taken out the Britomart. It'll probably be included in another session released not part of the comp. Thanks BidMod. I'll go tend to the route now...

Matt

[Moojgoo]

I'll join the competition!

[philskene]

Count me in too.

The route is named "PortSwitchingCo".

Phil

Edit:

See here:

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=11631

[Kelly88]

Hi all,

Sorry I've been neglecting you guys, but I've been busy - I've just sat through 3hrs of General Studies (tinpot subject :() and I'm working towards the real exams I've got left (I'm about half way through).

Anyway - The 15 board limit is a limit but not a target, so you can enter fewer if desired. I think if we said 15 boards containing scenary is fairest, meaning it is possible to have a seperate board containing portals or a Trainz equivalent of the casette used in model railways. The disadvantage is that they are difficult to hide so well.

Good luck,
BidMod :)

Now this is getting silly
(a) it was stated that no more than 15 boards
now you say extra boards that are not part of the layout like a staging area is ok,
So if I put up a 15 board populated route with a 25 board staging area that would also be OK :confused:
You say that it would look silly because you cant hide the staging area from the route, thats wrong you can
I have one thats only 5 boards but has a staging area that runs on auto thats 25 boards away from the route, and no way can you see this from the route, this is none by using portals on and off the route and staging area, the 25 boards hold 16 different consists in each direction 32 consists in total that circulate the route according to a time table
IT WORKS

(b) It was stated no published routes, well there is not much difference in the published 'Yard switching Route" and the so called new ' Port Switching Route' so what percentage on newness is required I have a nice one on the DLS I could use, just change a couple of industys and the name of the stations, move a few houses around and presto, a new layout

Seems at the moment each time someone else wants to join the goal posts get moved to accomadate them

so lets have a set of rules published and aftrewards no changes

[CoolMatty]

Kelly88 has a point there. Maybe if we just stuck to the rule published at the START of the thread then it would be better. If people are rereleasing a route that is slightly changed it is putting people like me at a disadvantage because we have not published a route and the published routes have had alot of work put behind them the first time!

@philskene, is your new route different to the Yard Switching route or is it the same layout that has been changed slightly? This isn't ment to be nasty it is just a question raised by Kelly88.

Matt

[philskene]

Hi Kelly88 --

" ... well there is not much difference in the published 'Yard switching Route" and the so called new ' Port Switching Route' ... "

Hmmm. That's quite an assertion!!! For starters one runs east-west and the other runs north-south. And we all know that base boards can't be rotated, don't we?

Yes, they are both industry based, use a similar tool kit of assets, are highly interactive, involve a short line provider and small in size (and hey, I also hope that they are entertaining); but I sincerely hope that you will change your mind when you compare both routes.

Phil

Edit: And yes, let's keep to the original published rules.

[axe1970]

Ok, Well I am going to give it ago, but I am still working on my old route that I have been building for several years ;) This might be a nice diversion. haha....

Ok I have already gone over the 15 board limit. I have added 2 extra boards for portals and Iportal. If that disqualifies me then so be it. :)

I have built a few layouts/routes with less than 15 boards, but those days a numbered:cool: (evil Grin)

My route will be called Sandy Creek to Bongo Creek. It will be a Aussie theme and only include inbuilt assets.... ( I think )

Regards

[Kelly88]

Hi Kelly88 --

" ... well there is not much difference in the published 'Yard switching Route" and the so called new ' Port Switching Route' ... "

Hmmm. That's quite an assertion!!! For starters one runs east-west and the other runs north-south. And we all know that base boards can't be rotated, don't we?

Yes, they are both industry based, use a similar tool kit of assets, are highly interactive, involve a short line provider and small in size (and hey, I also hope that they are entertaining); but I sincerely hope that you will change your mind when you compare both routes.

Phil

Edit: And yes, let's keep to the original published rules.

Hi Phil
For me your route doent cause any problems , I have your Yard Switching Route and find it very good, it was just that in 1 post you say count me in, and in the same breath say its finished and uploaded,, I had a quick look at your pics and track plan, and realy did not see much difference between the 2, but then again I never put them side by side, maybe I just jumped a bit too quick here, sorry for that, but I was a bit perturbed about the constant changes to the rules, some by Bitmod and 1 in particule by Auran ( open theam) but then they are putting up the prize so to this end maybe they have the right; but origianly this was a UK layout, and there is another comp going for American/Austrailian style ?
Mybe I could also do American /Austrailian ( there is more rolling stock/loco available ) but the problem is I know nothing about your side of the World, signals and so forth, I tried once or twice along this line but they never seemed to look right; still thats life;I say American/Austrailian because the layout looks USA Style to me more than Aussi even thou you come from down under

anyway good luck
Mike

[jivebunny]

Hi Bidmod,

Just want to check you received my e-mail asking for my name to be put down :) I know we all have lives outside of this place so no worries if you just haven't got round to it, just thought i'd check.

Cheers,

JB (who agrees we should just keep the rules as they are. It might even be worth editing your original post so that there's only one set of rules in there)

[BidMod]

Hi all,

JB - I got your email, and have added you to the list, along with the other people who I've overlooked. These are the most important exams I've sat to date, and I hope people understand that they'll always take priority over TRS, hence the slightly scatter-brained approach :o.

Now this is getting silly
(a) it was stated that no more than 15 boards
now you say extra boards that are not part of the layout like a staging area is ok,
So if I put up a 15 board populated route with a 25 board staging area that would also be OK :confused:
You say that it would look silly because you cant hide the staging area from the route, thats wrong you can
I have one thats only 5 boards but has a staging area that runs on auto thats 25 boards away from the route, and no way can you see this from the route, this is none by using portals on and off the route and staging area, the 25 boards hold 16 different consists in each direction 32 consists in total that circulate the route according to a time table
IT WORKS

(b) It was stated no published routes, well there is not much difference in the published 'Yard switching Route" and the so called new ' Port Switching Route' so what percentage on newness is required I have a nice one on the DLS I could use, just change a couple of industys and the name of the stations, move a few houses around and presto, a new layout

Seems at the moment each time someone else wants to join the goal posts get moved to accomadate them

so lets have a set of rules published and aftrewards no changes

I think this isn't a fault with the rules as such, more a difference in interpretation. Perhaps if we allowed a maximum number of staging boards (I have two boards in mind), you'd agree on this? I know we're again moving the posts (I've already apologised for this earlier), and I did create a thread previous to try and establish a working set of rules. It got overlooked, but people were still interested in the competition, and it is only now that people are exploring the limits of the rules and how they can be adapated to create a good route. Certainly, when "staging area" was posted, I only envisaged a board at each end to contain a portal or casette.

However I have to accept that you (and the others who've pointed this out) are right that the rules shouldn't change - even if we're only actually debating two aspects.

As for the percentage of newness - What the rules already show is that all work must be your own, so you can't take a route by someone else and change a few things (or even many things) then brand it as your own (the original creator wouldn't like this anyway). The problem is that a "newness percentage" is actually very difficult to gauge. We can't just say "it's a bit similar so we won't allow it", but at the same time we can't allow entries that are based heavily on another route. I think this is where rule #16 (use some common sense) kicks in - if you feel the work is a redevelopment of route, don't enter it, and if someone else does then don't vote for it. I'd happily accept defeat on this point if anyone can quantify newness, but it's tricky.

All the best,
BidMod.

[Kelly88]

Hi all,

JB - I got your email, and have added you to the list, along with the other people who I've overlooked. These are the most important exams I've sat to date, and I hope people understand that they'll always take priority over TRS, hence the slightly scatter-brained approach :o.



I think this isn't a fault with the rules as such, more a difference in interpretation. Perhaps if we allowed a maximum number of staging boards (I have two boards in mind), you'd agree on this? I know we're again moving the posts (I've already apologised for this earlier), and I did create a thread previous to try and establish a working set of rules. It got overlooked, but people were still interested in the competition, and it is only now that people are exploring the limits of the rules and how they can be adapated to create a good route. Certainly, when "staging area" was posted, I only envisaged a board at each end to contain a portal or casette.

However I have to accept that you (and the others who've pointed this out) are right that the rules shouldn't change - even if we're only actually debating two aspects.

As for the percentage of newness - What the rules already show is that all work must be your own, so you can't take a route by someone else and change a few things (or even many things) then brand it as your own (the original creator wouldn't like this anyway). The problem is that a "newness percentage" is actually very difficult to gauge. We can't just say "it's a bit similar so we won't allow it", but at the same time we can't allow entries that are based heavily on another route. I think this is where rule #16 (use some common sense) kicks in - if you feel the work is a redevelopment of route, don't enter it, and if someone else does then don't vote for it. I'd happily accept defeat on this point if anyone can quantify newness, but it's tricky.

All the best,
BidMod.

You are still running round the issue
Is it to be 15 boards including the stageing area
OR 15 boards for the route + 2 for staging
making 17 boards
now if its the 17 option does that mean if someone makes a route of 10 boards can he then use the other 7 for staging

now me I have tried hard to make a good route on 15 boards this includes the ports at each end hidden in tunnels and 2 extra boars would have been nice, but at the time the option did not exist; infact as far as I can see still does not exist

For me it should be 15 boards maximum END OF STORY , use them as you wish but not pass that point

as for the Switching route I have not looked any more at this let him put it in others will desided if it qualifys or not in the vote ( or let Alan make the desision )


OK so I dug out the 2 routes Yards Switching/Port Switching and set the maps (Track Plans ) up togeather
For me its a diffrent route ; the general layout is much the same with different industrys and changes to track and scenery
but the changes are big enough to warant calling it a new route
so for me I am happy for him that he could produce a route so quick and get it up on the DLS ( maybe Alan can get him a job at Auran, productivity would double)

anyway for me this question is closed ( sorry to the man for looking at him sideways but good luck )



rgds
mike

[GIGADevil]

I'll join the competition!:)

[philskene]

Mike --

Thanks.

Phil

[Moojgoo]

My route's name is "Manefesto", I just couldn't think of anything else. It's completely fictional.

[BidMod]

Hi again,
as for the Switching route I have not looked any more at this let him put it in others will desided if it qualifys or not in the vote ( or let Alan make the desision )


OK so I dug out the 2 routes Yards Switching/Port Switching and set the maps (Track Plans ) up togeather
For me its a diffrent route ; the general layout is much the same with different industrys and changes to track and scenery
but the changes are big enough to warant calling it a new route
so for me I am happy for him that he could produce a route so quick and get it up on the DLS ( maybe Alan can get him a job at Auran, productivity would double)

anyway for me this question is closed ( sorry to the man for looking at him sideways but good luck )



rgds
mike

Thanks for taking the time to do that. I suggest we go with what you say, unless anyone has any objections?


You are still running round the issue
Is it to be 15 boards including the stageing area
OR 15 boards for the route + 2 for staging
making 17 boards
now if its the 17 option does that mean if someone makes a route of 10 boards can he then use the other 7 for staging

now me I have tried hard to make a good route on 15 boards this includes the ports at each end hidden in tunnels and 2 extra boars would have been nice, but at the time the option did not exist; infact as far as I can see still does not exist

For me it should be 15 boards maximum END OF STORY , use them as you wish but not pass that point

I think this might rattle on. I can't really see how having a large number of staging boards is an advantage, but personally, I'd allow a route with 7 staging boards and 10 scenic boards - it might open up a new way to enjoy Trainz (or it could just be an example to demonstrate a point ;)). I have to admit I am not wanting to face your point head-on in case someone comes up with a brilliant counter-arguement.

Does anyone else have an opinion on this - one from the people offering the FCT might be nice? [this isn't just to see if someone gives the "right answer" - this is just to see what different people say]

What I will point out though, is that someone asked if they could use a 16 (scenic) board layout - this would be pushing the rules, and then someone else might say "well 17 boards is only one more than that other guy" and so on. I think we do need a fixed point to work with.

BidMod.

PS - I'll add new entrants in a minute or two.

[WileeCoyote]

I posted your route competition rules in the German section and it seemed to go over well, but I haven't seen anyone sign up to do it:(

WileeCoyote:D

[CoolMatty]

The origianl idea and set of roule you put up at the start (new ones not the quoted ones) should be stuck to. After all, philskene has already done his and he's stuck to the rules laid out at the begging

Matt

[Kelly88]

Hi again,


Thanks for taking the time to do that. I suggest we go with what you say, unless anyone has any objections?



I think this might rattle on. I can't really see how having a large number of staging boards is an advantage, but personally, I'd allow a route with 7 staging boards and 10 scenic boards - it might open up a new way to enjoy Trainz (or it could just be an example to demonstrate a point ;)). I have to admit I am not wanting to face your point head-on in case someone comes up with a brilliant counter-arguement.

Does anyone else have an opinion on this - one from the people offering the FCT might be nice? [this isn't just to see if someone gives the "right answer" - this is just to see what different people say]

What I will point out though, is that someone asked if they could use a 16 (scenic) board layout - this would be pushing the rules, and then someone else might say "well 17 boards is only one more than that other guy" and so on. I think we do need a fixed point to work with.

BidMod.

PS - I'll add new entrants in a minute or two.

Exactly
So the rule is as follows

You can only use 15 boards total in the submitted route
you can use them how you like split between the acual sinic part and staging areas but the total of boards will not pass 15

[rockster]

this is starting to sound like a scene from monty pyton lol :D

cheers

Gav

[BidMod]

So the rule is as follows

You can only use 15 boards total in the submitted route
you can use them how you like split between the acual sinic part and staging areas but the total of boards will not pass 15

Agreed (you should be in politics with such persuasive powers). I shall add an addition to the rules to clarify this. Apologies to anyone who has added extra boards as staging areas.

this is starting to sound like a scene from monty pyton lol :D

Also agreed ;)

Good luck.
BidMod.

EDIT: Thanks anyway, WileeCoyote.

[Jimmyp4]

Take me off the list. My mom bought me a new computer (thread in Survayors and operators), so I will lose all my files (and to re-install trainz I have to wait until Michal goes to Denver to get my game back). So I'm Out.

[jivebunny]

BidMod, fine by me I was waiting for the outcome before adding extra boards so no problems there. Glad we're all agreed :)

JB

[Alan_Yeomans]

Im gonna request we change the BB limit to 12... :D :D :D (j/k)


Just in regards to the deadline of 31st July, 2007. I wouldn't want anyone excluded due to DLS issues, server failure, failed upload or whatever. Bidmod, you will have to allow some flexibility here depending on the circumstances.

I may have to disqulify myself as I probably wont meet rule #3...

Also, the forum poll's gives a maximum of 10 poll options

Alan

[bnsf50]

Why not just use a portal for a staging point?

[Kelly88]

Why not just use a portal for a staging point?


Most people ( me including ) would do this, but the staging potential is not so good as having a few boards with track to hold consists, this way you have more control on the timing they enter the route, and the order they do so;

[Kelly88]

Im gonna request we change the BB limit to 12... :D :D :D (j/k)


Just in regards to the deadline of 31st July, 2007. I wouldn't want anyone excluded due to DLS issues, server failure, failed upload or whatever. Bidmod, you will have to allow some flexibility here depending on the circumstances.

I may have to disqulify myself as I probably wont meet rule #3...

Also, the forum poll's gives a maximum of 10 poll options

Alan

Down boy :cool:
You should be slaving over TC anyway :rolleyes:

[Kelly88]

[quote=BidMod;117467]Agreed (you should be in politics with such persuasive powers).


Comes from 40 years as Capt. on merchant ships
Judge-Jury & Executioner :D :D
Try getting 20 muliti national crew members to work togeather
doing something they dont whant to do :rolleyes:

[rockster]

Take me off the list. My mom bought me a new computer (thread in Survayors and operators), so I will lose all my files (and to re-install trainz I have to wait until Michal goes to Denver to get my game back). So I'm Out.


hi, you could put your old hard drive in to your new PC, then you could still run the game, i have trainz installed on an external drive, and have no prblems running on my laptop.

you would need to set the drive up as a slave to your new hard drive, then through 'my computer' find the folder on your old drive and start the trainz.exe file

some trainz users advise using a hard drive separate to the operating system anyway

cheers

Gav

[Jimmyp4]

Qoute:hi, you could put your old hard drive in to your new PC, then you could still run the game, i have trainz installed on an external drive, and have no prblems running on my laptop.

you would need to set the drive up as a slave to your new hard drive, then through 'my computer' find the folder on your old drive and start the trainz.exe file

some trainz users advise using a hard drive separate to the operating system anyway

cheers
__________________________________________________ ________________
I can't do that (the old computer is going to my sister).

[Kelly88]

Buy a med size HD to install in the old computer and reinstal Wibdow and any other software she wants then put the one with Trainz in your new one as slave ; should only be a few bucks for a 8 gig drive

[Jimmyp4]

NOW YOU TELL ME!
I though the problem couldn't be fixed so pulled everything off the hard drive (Trainz was taking up 3/4 of the whole thing with an 800GB add on!).

But there is good news, my mom told me she found a Train game at a store near here, she didn't really have any information the first time. The second time she came back with a name! Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006! So my friend Michal is keeping TRS2004 and I get TRS2006! (So all is not lost!)

[Moojgoo]

Lucky you, Jim:) (and WHAT KIND OF AN ADDON IS 800GB?), but I will have to withdraw from the contest, because I bought a 1-year FCT ticket and the prize is a 6-month FCT! :( Pretty stupid of me, huh?:o

[Kelly88]

Lucky you, Jim:) (and WHAT KIND OF AN ADDON IS 800GB?), but I will have to withdraw from the contest, because I bought a 1-year FCT ticket and the prize is a 6-month FCT! :( Pretty stupid of me, huh?:o

No need to stop because of that
if you win the prize it can stay on line untill your otherone is expired
It only starts from the date you activate it :D

[Jimmyp4]

Qoute: (and WHAT KIND OF AN ADDON IS 800GB?)
One of those back-up hard drives that been reprogramed to a hard drive.

[Gangsta_Boi]

Looking grim at this end, I seem to have lost intrest in my route, but wether it starts kicking and screaming, I plan to release it in time for the judging, but it maybe minus a senario.

I seem to have dug my grave via payware, as now I am used to the quality, i dont seem to be able to find any stock suitable to my period (2000- onwards)

Any ideas ?

Gangsta_Boi

[Alan_Yeomans]

Looking grim at this end, I seem to have lost intrest in my route, but wether it starts kicking and screaming, I plan to release it in time for the judging, but it maybe minus a senario.

I seem to have dug my grave via payware, as now I am used to the quality, i dont seem to be able to find any stock suitable to my period (2000- onwards)

Any ideas ?

Gangsta_Boi

Its a layout competition, not a session competition. :)

If you have to, make 2 sessions, one with your preffered payware loco's and one plain blank one for the comp.

[Moojgoo]

No need to stop because of that
if you win the prize it can stay on line untill your otherone is expired
It only starts from the date you activate it :D

Oh yeah, I forgot, but that means the prize is useless to me until June 23, 2008. Ah, what the heck, I'll rejoin.

[Gangsta_Boi]

Its a layout competition, not a session competition. :)

If you have to, make 2 sessions, one with your preffered payware loco's and one plain blank one for the comp.

Ahhh, thats cleared things up :D

Now, to get back into the route building ...

Gangsta_Boi

[Kelly88]

So My Entry (Map) has just been sent up to the DLS for approval
2007RBC Rowhedge

It is a freelance British Rail Steam Theam
contains 1 small station (Rowhedge that has a small Yard/Dock)

The sessions will follow tomorrow
there are 2 sessions

the first is passive and shows 1 hours activity between 10:00 & 11:00
in the morning
During this hour there are 14 movements at the station
1 a down goods train arrivs and breaks out 10 wagons from the middle of the consit; a small shunter picks them up and takes them away to be loaded ( 3 coal/3general goods/4 cattle)
towards the end the up goods arrives and the shunter puts the now loaded wagons in the train.

during this time there are numerous trains ( stopping/through and goods) passing up and down the line.

2 This is the same scene except you drive the shunter and have to pick up the wagons from the down goods load them and get them ready for putting back when the up goods arrives

as they arrive on the down line they have to be rearranged so that the order is reversed for the return trip

I have loaded this today into a clean install of 2006 ( no service pack) and all content required wzs found at the DLS so there should be no problems as far as the map is concerned

I still have to check that all the locos and rolling stock are available before sending up the sessions

[Alan_Yeomans]

How may entires do we have on the DLS so far?
Counting Kelly88's thats 2?

Deadline for layouts is 31st July 2007, so still another month to get your entries in! :)

[Kelly88]

How may entires do we have on the DLS so far?
Counting Kelly88's thats 2?

Deadline for layouts is 31st July 2007, so still another month to get your entries in! :)


So have just sent up the 2 sessions
But now have a small problem

I have to go to england tomorrow and will be away for 4/6 weeks
I will have my laptop with me but not sure if I will get Internet connection
so will not be able to follow them through the system
Would hate to see them not entered just because they are sitting in Aurans waiting room :'(

[Moojgoo]

Unless you're going camping, or if you use Dial-up, I don't think you'll have to worry.

[Kelly88]

Unless you're going camping, or if you use Dial-up, I don't think you'll have to worry.


well much the same
Going sailing

[Alan_Yeomans]

So have just sent up the 2 sessions
But now have a small problem

I have to go to england tomorrow and will be away for 4/6 weeks
I will have my laptop with me but not sure if I will get Internet connection
so will not be able to follow them through the system
Would hate to see them not entered just because they are sitting in Aurans waiting room :'(

They just got approved so should be on the DLS in 6 hours from this post.

[Kelly88]

They just got approved so should be on the DLS in 6 hours from this post.


Cheers Alan
Nice to know it whent ok because I recived the usual failure E-Mails for all of them

This quite suprised me because the passed through CMP here without error; and I put them in a clean install of 2006 no problem

anyway I leave this morning 11:00 flight and not sure hw long will be gone
min 4 and maybe 6 weeks

just look and the route hes been taken 2 times already but not the sessions

[Gangsta_Boi]

Im on my 5th layout :o And this is by far going to visually look goog (IMHO) but as for operability, i'll work that out later

Thanks,
Gangsta_Boi

[Gangsta_Boi]

I'm sorry, but I'm pulling out if the competition.

I have lost all hope with any of my routes, and have found myself hopelessly addicted to Test Drive Unlimited.

Good luck with the competition guys,
Gangsta_Boi

[systemtrains]

Sure, I'll enter. :D

-systemtrains-

[Moojgoo]

You only have 20 days to make a route then.

[BidMod]

Hi all,

Apologies for disappearing for a month - real life caught up. I'll be gone again for a few weeks shortly, but I'll not tell you the exact dates. Unfortunately, the deadline will just be inside these dates, so my own entry will be out on either Wednesday or Thursday. I've gone through a few layouts as well now, but I have confidence in this one - just have to adjust the AI to function correctly - I'll post a message about this elsewhere shortly.

In the mean time, I'll adjust the entry list to reflect everything that's happened recently.

I have a question for you - would it be considered hypocrytical if I was to host the layout on my own webspace, but create a link to it from the DLS. To gather all of the components, you'd then need to drag/drop it into the download pane in CMP.

Good luck all,
BidMod. :)

[segy]

Hi Bigmod

Your proposal seems OK to me and thanks for organizing this competition.

Have uploaded my entry - Crewe - awaiting approval.
See more info at http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=11777

I realize people who don't have powerful machines can't run it but what the heck - I'll take the chance.

Cheers
Segy

[Moojgoo]

Nevermind, BidMod, I reread your post.

[RooRocz]

Here are the offsite dependencies needed for my route:

at Trainz Pro Routes (http://www.trainzproroutes.org/store/index.php?productID=335)

Abutment A 1track,<kuid:9000:37015>
Abutment A 2track,<kuid:9000:37016>
Abutment D 1track,<kuid:9000:37029>
Bridge A 1track,<kuid:9000:37011>
Bridge A 2track,<kuid:9000:37021>
Bridge B 1track Flexy,<kuid:9000:37041>
Bridge C 1track,<kuid:9000:37019>
Bridge C 2track,<kuid:9000:37023>
All are contained in the pack above.

at fehrer-trainzscenery.wz.cz (http://fehrer-trainzscenery.wz.cz/scenery.htm)
Administrativa2,<kuid:81871:28025>
Is contained in the pack CSD_naklad2

at Trainz Luvr (http://trainz.luvr.net/projects-view.php?pid=732&tab=f)

White Running Board 3rd Rail 30.48m/100ft,<kuid:61015:37035>
Is contained in the pack I linked to.

at TrainZone (http://www.trainzone.co.nz/murch_down.htm)

Oak 1,<kuid:52597:22661>
Oak 2,<kuid:52597:22662>

search for Trees by Jarmo Puntanen in the page.

and

Bare Bridge 56,<kuid:44700:38035>

search for kuid 44700a in the page.

The following I cannot find anywhere:
Oak_16b,<kuid:145747:22041>
Oak_24b,<kuid:145747:22040>
Oak_32b,<kuid:145747:22039>
Pihta 03 17m,<kuid:52597:22303>
Platform,<kuid:169269:40012>

but I don't think I used them that much.

[CoolMatty]

Sorry, but I'll have to pull out aswell. My internet has been down for ages and I've had too much going on at the moment. I'll still work on the routeand release it but it won't be part of the competition. Sorry about this but good luck to everyone.

Matt

[BidMod]

As you wish coolmatty, I'll adjust the list. Good luck with the finished route though.

Also, the forum poll's gives a maximum of 10 poll options

I think as there are now only 18 entries, could you create two polls of nine, lasting for two weeks, then perhaps a single poll for the top two from each heat lasting for two further weeks? Perhaps there are some more suggestions on the best way to do this, or should more (or fewer) people pass through each heat?

BidMod.

[axe1970]

I have just uploaded my entry. "Sandy River to Bongo Creek 2007RBC".

This is the first route I have uploaded since TRS2004, so I am not sure how it is going to go. I have also made the route 17 boards long, with 2 boards either side for portals. So if it is disqualified so be it.

Australian themed route.

I have included 2 basic sessions with another one on the way.
Steam Dayz: Takes you to the past when steam ruled to rails. Watch out for rolling stock from all over Australia. :) and maybe a special suprise ;)

Coal Duties: Watch the Frieghtcorp NSW 90 Class Locos preform some duties out on the Sandybanks line.

When the competion is finished I am going to release a larger version. Spred it out a bit :)

Regards

[BidMod]

I have just uploaded my entry. "Sandy River to Bongo Creek 2007RBC".

This is the first route I have uploaded since TRS2004, so I am not sure how it is going to go. I have also made the route 17 boards long, with 2 boards either side for portals. So if it is disqualified so be it.

---

I think I might become unpopular if I didn't suggest you tried to shave boards off to make it 15.

Feel free to release both versions though.
BidMod.

[axe1970]

I think I might become unpopular if I didn't suggest you tried to shave boards off to make it 15.

Feel free to release both versions though.
BidMod.

Initially you did say that that would have been ok, and I had already created 75% of the route/layout. So I thought what the heck.

Regards

[BidMod]

Initially you did say that that would have been ok, and I had already created 75% of the route/layout. So I thought what the heck.

Regards

Yes, I apologise for that.

BidMod.

[BidMod]

I've uploaded my route, but the time needed for the DLS process may mean that I won't be able to amend and resubmit if it doesn't work, or more likely CMP has inserted the wrong details and it appears with the locomotives (this has happened a lot recently).

In this eventuality, the route and session can be found here:
http://bidmod.googlepages.com/BM-RailMuseum.cdp

Good luck everyone,
BidMod.

Edit: to my knowledge there are no non-DLS dependencies, but I am checking this as I type.

[BidMod]

I think as there are now only 18 entries, could you create two polls of nine, lasting for two weeks, then perhaps a single poll for the top two from each heat lasting for two further weeks? Perhaps there are some more suggestions on the best way to do this, or should more (or fewer) people pass through each heat?

BidMod.

I'm afraid this will be my last post for a couple of weeks, but it is looking like there will be fewer than 10 entries on the DLS unless they are submitted NOW!!!

Please could the relevent supermod set up a voting thread on the relevent date - I'd be really grateful. :D There's only need to be one though :(

Could I also remind people to add the tag RBC2007 or 2007RBC to their description or title fields please.

There are no non-DLS dependencies on my entry that are not built in :)

Regards,
BidMod

[Alan_Yeomans]

Please could the relevent supermod set up a voting thread on the relevent date - I'd be really grateful. :D

noted. :) .......

[Moojgoo]

Sorry, but unless the end date is changed, I will have to pull out of the competition. My route is not quite finished, and 2 days is not enough time for me. If you could just PLEASE push back the release date to, perhaps the same date as the US competition, I could stay in. Otherwise, I'll have to release my route later as seperate to the competition. By 2 days I mean I'm 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. In other words, I'm GMT+5.

[Alan_Yeomans]

I have just uploaded my entry. "Sandy River to Bongo Creek 2007RBC".

This is the first route I have uploaded since TRS2004, so I am not sure how it is going to go. I have also made the route 17 boards long, with 2 boards either side for portals. So if it is disqualified so be it.


no probs, good luck.

[Alan_Yeomans]

Sorry, but unless the end date is changed, I will have to pull out of the competition. My route is not quite finished, and 2 days is not enough time for me. If you could just PLEASE push back the release date to, perhaps the same date as the US competition, I could stay in. Otherwise, I'll have to release my route later as seperate to the competition. By 2 days I mean I'm 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. In other words, I'm GMT+5.

How much extra time you need?
Will the end of the week work?

[Alan_Yeomans]

So, officially we have these layouts?

Sandy River to Bongo Creek 2007RBC
-axe1970

Penguinville East 2007RBC
-RooRocz

Rowhedge 2007RBC
-Kelly88

PortSwitchingCo 1a 2007RBC
-philskene

Crewe 2007RBC
- Segy

TBA
-Bidmod

TBC
-Moojgoo


Let me know if ive missed any, please.
You can search the DLS for '2007RBC' to locate them all.

Alan

[axe1970]

Thanks Alan,

I noted on checking my layout/route that no discription appeared, even though it shows in "Driver", and Surveyor, even in the discription in CMP. After the comp is finished I will release a fixed version.

Regards

AXE

[Alan_Yeomans]

Thanks Alan,

I noted on checking my layout/route that no discription appeared, even though it shows in "Driver", and Surveyor, even in the discription in CMP. After the comp is finished I will release a fixed version.

Regards

AXE

That is one of the few things I can change. I know you are going to do an updated vers after anyway, but we can easily get the description on this layout so when people are judjing, they have something to read.

Let me know what description to put in it.

I can't download til its quiter, later in the week.

Alan

[Moojgoo]

How much extra time you need?
Will the end of the week work?

Yes, please.

[Alan_Yeomans]

Yes, please.

Give us an update on Friday. Good Luck.

Everyone, Voting will get started soon. :)

[axe1970]

Let me know what description to put in it.

I can't download til its quiter, later in the week.

Alan

Cool.
Alan I hope this is suitable for you to add into my discription for Kuid 1970:1015


Sandy River to Bongo Creek 2007RBC.
Competition Route 2007


Australian themed route.
Fictional, but protypical like.
15 boards plus 2 extra boards for portals.
Interactive industries included.
ProtoLars Industry used.
Includes items only available on the DLS. However most items are Built-in.
Tested with TRS2006
Extended Version coming soon.

Regards

Axe

[Alan_Yeomans]

@ Axe - DLS Asset Description updated. Cheers.

[axe1970]

thanks Alan.

[Moojgoo]

Appears I'll have to pull out of the comp. Tommorrow's the end and I just can't finish in time. Plus I need to create two things for it and need extra time to do that. One is a Harry Potter billboard (own model, not a reskin), and a literal train lifter. BILLBOARD'S DONE! And a reminder: I'm GMT +7.

[Alan_Yeomans]

Appears I'll have to pull out of the comp. Tommorrow's the end and I just can't finish in time. Plus I need to create two things for it and need extra time to do that. One is a Harry Potter billboard (own model, not a reskin), and a literal train lifter. BILLBOARD'S DONE! And a reminder: I'm GMT +7.

Thanks moojgoo, we cant extend any further for you.

Guys, voting is underway.

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=14235

Good Luck everyone.

[hogger1961]

Bummer, I missed it.:'( Must be spending too much time in that stupid truck. Oh well. When is the next one and how many boards do we get to use?
Cheers, Hogger

[BidMod]

Hi all,

Thanks to those who entered, and well done. I'm back after my brief break, and I'll catch up on the other entries later in the week.

The conformation email from the DLS tells me that there are two missing assets:

The "Open Day Ladder" by GDS (kuid:181684:656823) - available from http://www.trs-uk.com/
"Prechod_Becon_2" by Stelerp (kuid:77641:24156) - I don't know where this came from. I suspect it was in one of the packages I downloaded when obtaining the parts for Westhaven Trams. I'll do some more research to try and find it. EDIT: found in this extremely useful pack: http://www.trainzpedro.cz/sosni.php?id=292

BidMod.