MRL II

[N5VAV]

Hi All.
I've seen a few comments regarding updating MRL. We've talked about that, and basicially it took over 2 years to make the original, and updating it would take almost as long, plus would have to find tons of new content that works with 2012.

So, I'm working on the MRL II - DEM version. It is much more accurate, and will be 2012 compatible with multiplayer, good content, etc.

Most of the trackage is in, so scenery is next.

I wanted to post a few screenies of the big Laurel, MT yard. Only a few yard structures, but you all can see how it is coming.

Before completion, I may post an early public ALPHA version just for everyone to play on while it is finished up. Would anyone like that?

Enjoy the screenies:


Laurel Yard - Looking West

Laurel Yard - Looking East

Besides working on the MRL II, also working on the Southern California project as well as Sandpatch, so multiple irons in the fire!

Thanks!

 

[n8phu]

Very nice sir!

Any thoughts on extending the route the whole way to Sandpoint?

Also, I sent you a PM

 

[enginewhistle]

That looks great so far!! It's looking alot more accurate then before!

 

[N5VAV]

Hello N8PHU!
Possibly to Sandpoint...
First thing is this half - Jones Junction to Livingston.

Then will work Livingston to Helena and release that....
THEN, will merge the 2 together to make it a whole for release.

Thing is, if I do Jones Jct. to Livingston as one release, it may be another 2 years! (or more). We'll see how the progress goes, and then decide how to progress. If you have a DEM out to Sandpoint, I'd love to include it!

Enginewhistle -
Yes, it is far more accurate, especially the distances - no "artistic compression" with the DEM! Plus, the trackcharts, videos, and much improved Google Earth since 2004 have all made it easier to get things as close as TRAINZ will allow.

 

[n8phu]

I have something for Sandpoint......... I also Think I have Spokane to Sandpoint..... Let me look and get back to ya....

EDIT: Here is the main website page for the MRL:

http://www.montanarail.com/index.php

Additionally Jeff, you might find the PDF map interesting...

http://www.montanarail.com/station_list.php

In addition, the equipment diagrams might be handy for someone making content for the route, Car building and reskinning wise....

http://www.montanarail.com/equip_type.php

And if you click on the BNSF equipment link, you can find car diagrams with some artwork....

http://www.bnsf.com/customers/equipment/

This website will be very helpful, his home terminal is Sheridan WY for the BNSF on the Big Horn Sub and he makes trips up the MRL into Laurel.... very nice photo essays... second link is for the Big Horn sub map.... some of it might look familiar.

http://krugtales.50megs.com/


http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/map/map.htm

 

[n8phu]

I checked, there is no current DEM map from Helena to Sandpoint.....

I did find the Spokane Wa to Sandpoint ID map on the DLS, MRL has trackage rights from Sandpoint to Spokane....

KUID2: 2300:1010111:1

Might be time to learn how to use a recent acquisition I made this year.

If anyone is interested in going from Laurel MT to Sheridan WY (Part of the BigHorn Sub), Fishlipsatwork has dems on the DLS:

Billings - Laurel MT to Hardin WY

KUID: 59012:100232

Hardin WY -Sheridan WY

KUID: 59012:100253

Sheridan - Immediate area and coal mine

KUID: 59012:100230

 

[N5VAV]

More MRL Screen Shots Of Progress

Here are a few more shots.

Here, the tracks cross the Yellowstone River at East Billings.
That is I-90 paralleing the tracks.

Some tight clearances along the Yellowstone River near Youngs Point:

First big town West of Laurel is Columbus, MT.:

Will keep everyone updated as scenery continues to go in.

Yes, that is invisible track in the roads... can currently drive from Billings to Columbus.

 

[n8phu]

Hmmm, I see SD45s, SD40-2s and SD70ACes rumbling across that bridge.... Maybe even SP&S 700 on its fan trip outage....

 

[JIb228]

I cant wait! But if you do put up an alpha, can I as if the industries will be set up and if so will they function?

 

[ben1987]

Something new on MRL2? more pics?

 

[jhuravitch]

Here are a few more shots.

Here, the tracks cross the Yellowstone River at East Billings.
That is I-90 paralleing the tracks.

Wow! Great Job! Looks almost exactly like the real thing (I travel I-90 all the time through Billings and even up to Bozeman). Thanks for making a DEM version. Keep up the great work!

 

[N5VAV]

As I'm working on the MRL II, I keep finding NICE things I'd like to include in the route, but they are NOT on the DLS!!! If MRL II is to be a multiplayer route, it all has to be on the DLS.
ARGH.
Same with the Southern California Route. It is pretty well sceniced from San Bernadino to Victorville, and am having to leave out a lot of neat stuff. THe Tehachapi area is done, same thing.

I'm still surprised more people do not use multiplayer.... I'm planning to make all the TPR stuff multiplayer if at all possible, but I need more stuff on DLS!!!

 

[GN1996]

I do not know much about content creation, but I do know enough to make basic models with Blender. If you could provide me with a list and links to the nice content, I will see if I can create a suitable replacement. I would really like to see this route get completed and used, thus making me willing to learn more of Blender to assist you in this venture. I see in your OP, you mentioned an early Alpha version. I would definitely be interested in that.

Regards,

GN

 

[JIb228]

On top of what GN says. Davesnow has some fantastic content that is on the DLS. And Mcguirals Ultra tress on the DLS are really good too.


Im trying out some new stuff, to try and get people back into MP. There are a few things I think are needed for a good MP route and sessions. And Im trying to work them all out.

 

[logybear]

I'm sorry to tell you this, I've been living in Laurel all my life and the bridges are incorrect. and any chance on making a 30's - 50's era.

 

[GN1996]

I'm sorry to tell you this, I've been living in Laurel all my life and the bridges are incorrect. and any chance on making a 30's - 50's era.

Odds are that Jeff hasn't found accurate bridges yet or those are just temporary. Remember, this route is still very early in creation and has a long way to go yet.

 

[N5VAV]

Hi Loggy Bear. I've used the bridges that look and operate the best in TRAINZ, which are mostly the YARN and AASHTO bridges and roads. If someone can create some of the bridges exactly to match, I'll use them. My main concern is to have the bridges in as close to possible configuration as possible, even if they are not of the exact type. BUT, any help on buildings, roads, etc from a Laurel resident like yourself is VERY WELCOME! You can help "proof" the route to get it as close to possible, but probably not perfect.

 

[jonwray]

Not intending to huge bump or anything like that, but I'm just wondering how the route is progressing.

 

[jmehl77]

Truly a work of art, the dem will really make a big difference!