A final screenshot for 2018 from me. Back to TANE because the computer wont handle the release build of 19.
A busy afternoon at Thirroul as peak hour trains make their stops.
Happy New Year everyone.
A beautiful screenshot Aaron. When I see a railway station detailed basically with exactly what you'd see in real life, as you've done mate; or a landscape layout with the right balance of colour such as what Graeme can produce (great stuff); then I begin to question myself, as to how much detail I should incorporate into my own layouts. Have I been putting in too much. I have focused on street fronts and looked for typical Aussie shops; then knocked up models of them.
I dunno, I must be getting old. For the past week I've been attempting to embed tram lines into about 20 different road splines, then ripped them up, to use texture surfaces instead.
Sydney does not give you a flat surface to work on and so track spline heights vary considerably with road spline heights, and then they create shadows where you don't want them. Intersections need a flat area for road splines to attach - not adjustable, so they become inappropriate in a number of areas. Why hasn't someone created adjustable intersections for hilly surfaces?
Road splines do provide a 'quick' finished article with footpaths and road markings in place, whereas using textures, although they are more flexible and look better, require more time and effort to get the exact width of the road to suit all the extras such as paths, catenary poles and telegraph poles, etc.
I think I've just about answered my own questions. I've always worked on the basis,... Complete what you are doing - If it doesn't look right - Do it again. I'd better get started, lol.
Here's a few shots along Military Road Neutral Bay, where I used to work part-time as drink waiter at the Music Hall Theatre Restaurant way back in the 50s.
This section I've used a Boulevard spline and a B-R intersection. Tram tracks embedded are fairly easy on flat surfaces.
The 'Cop Shop' handy for any disturbances going on across the road. On Google Earth today, all has gone and been replaced.
Neutral Bay Junction, Wycombe Road tram stop.
This was the tricky part. A steep hill leading up from the wharf, then making a right turn. up another hill at a T intersection. This means a texture for all hilly areas.
Another area using a texture and a road marking spline is at George St Nth where the road widens. Textures allow lots of flexibility.
Best wishes guys and a Happy New Year.
Cheers,
Roy