Range Control Towers

leeferr

thanks for the memories
I've got some ideas about modeling rail operations on a Military Post which will involve some rail located adjacent to some firing ranges. I'm in the process of developing some range facility content and here's some shots of three different Range Control Towers that I'm working on. The first is a 15 ft high open platform tower. The second is a 15 ft high enclosed tower and the third is a 30 ft high enclosed tower.
Other content will include a variety of targets, both fixed and animated.

15fttower.jpg


15ftopentower.jpg


30fttower.jpg
 
A lot of views, but no comments. That's okay though. I realize that there's probably not much interest, but I'm planning on modeling a Military Base with the rail operations associated with it, so I'm in the process of creating my content for it.
Below are some shots of some range content that I've developed and will be uploading soon if anyone is interested.

bleacher_spline_screen.jpg


pistol_range_screen.jpg


pop-up_soldier_2_screen.jpg


Record_Fire_Range_screen.jpg


target_house_screen.jpg


target_wall_spline_screen.jpg


turning_target_2_screen.jpg


I also have a Range Flag, Field Latrine, Fixed Targets and Known Distance Range created.
 
I'll take this when you're done, it can be a place to use all the rail cannons and stuff. As long as it is less than 2 mb. I have dial-up. *Snif*
 
I'll take this when you're done, it can be a place to use all the rail cannons and stuff. As long as it is less than 2 mb. I have dial-up. *Snif*

I haven't checked the sizes yet, but I'm fairly sure that each one is less than 2MB. The largest is probably the Record Fire Range. All of the target pits produce a lot of polys although I've deleted as many faces as I can. I'll be uploading tonight, but I've still got a lot of content to make. Haven't started on the route yet, but hope to soon.

If anyone has any ideas for content, please chime in and I'll do them if my meager skills will allow.
 
Just wanted to comment that, as a former military servicemember, there would never be a firing range near a rail line. I served most of my time at a major post that was rail served (BNSF or UP) and firing ranges are always kept away from not only rail lines, but most buildings to avoid hazards like stray shots hitting the wrong targets.

If you want to be accurate and have firing ranges, I would suggest having a line drivable by vehicle, that could run near a firing range. Such ranges are about half a mile to a mile away from most things you would call civilized, but you would have passing vehicles.

Most modern American rail traffic involves flatcars and bi-level autoracks for vehicular loading/unloading in seperate areas. Autoracks get the hummers loaded by adjustable ramps, the big vehicles of course get the flatcars using fixed concrete ramps at the end.
 
Just wanted to comment that, as a former military servicemember, there would never be a firing range near a rail line. I served most of my time at a major post that was rail served (BNSF or UP) and firing ranges are always kept away from not only rail lines, but most buildings to avoid hazards like stray shots hitting the wrong targets.

If you want to be accurate and have firing ranges, I would suggest having a line drivable by vehicle, that could run near a firing range. Such ranges are about half a mile to a mile away from most things you would call civilized, but you would have passing vehicles.

Most modern American rail traffic involves flatcars and bi-level autoracks for vehicular loading/unloading in seperate areas. Autoracks get the hummers loaded by adjustable ramps, the big vehicles of course get the flatcars using fixed concrete ramps at the end.

Don't like to disagree, but as a Facility Designer for the Military for 30 years, I know of facilities where ranges are in proximity to rail lines. Obviously not on the downrange side, but I know of one specific site that a rail line skirts the perimeter of the impact area (outside of the SDZ's). The line carries some very high explosives and ranges are shut down during rail movement. I also know of some ranges that rail lines are in close proximity of ranges for the unloading of tracked equipment for use on the ranges. I also know of some sights where ranges are in fairly close proximity to ammunition storage igloos (firing away from the igloos) and rail lines serve these igloos.
As a general rule, you are correct, but there are almost always exceptions to every rule.

Thanks for your comments.
 
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What era are you working for?

I think it's a great idea. My fictional railroad is set during W.W.II, and I sure could use a nice army post to service with my steamers and cab units. Have you thought about a tank/truck park?
 
I am not sure how I missed this thread, apart from my ISP having trouble at certain times. I would be very interested in these items.

Congratulations on some great work and ideas.

Craig
:):):)
 
I appreciate everyone's comments. I've still got a lot of content to make, but I'm getting there. I've already got some WWII barracks, mess hall, admin bldg and hangars on the DLS that will help. I'm about finished with a Ammunition Storage Igloo Spline which should be uploaded soon.

As far as the motor pool, that's fairly easily created with content already on the DLS, but if you're looking for anything inparticular, let me know.
Mike
 
Deuce and a half?

I know the big old ubiquitous deuce and a half trucks are not to be found anywhere in Trainz. It would be way cool to have a decent model of one, OD green with the white star on the door and hood, that was released as scenery, product (love those flat cars), and as road traffic. It could be on flats going in and out of the post, parked all over the post, and driving on the roads too. There is a nice series of jeeps someone made, but the model is turned sideways, so it can't be used as cargo or as road traffic. :(
 
leeferr, nothing wrong with respectable disagreements.:)

What post is the picture from? The ones I'm used to were down in New Mexico-Texas-Louisiana. And is the rail yard a military one or someone else's? Looks rather large for a military yard but maybe that post specializes in something that requires it.
 
leeferr, nothing wrong with respectable disagreements.:)

What post is the picture from? The ones I'm used to were down in New Mexico-Texas-Louisiana. And is the rail yard a military one or someone else's? Looks rather large for a military yard but maybe that post specializes in something that requires it.

That one is on post at Ft Campbell and I agree, nothing wrong with respectable disagreements and I honor you for your service.
That picture is just a quick google earth map search that I did of a location that I knew about.
 
speaking of vehicles....

m35 deuces would be great! as well as the old 800 series 5-tons!
what about the older 1950's national guard armories?

the barracks are awesome! makes me feel I am at camp roberts!
 
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m35 deuces would be great! as well as the old 800 series 5-tons!
what about the older 1950's national guard armories?

the barracks are awesome! makes me feel I am at camp roberts!

I haven't tried creating any vehicles yet, but the 1950's armories should be fairly easy. I'll get started on a few.
 
This route sounds very interesting. I look forward to it's progress. Nice content too BTW, there is so much interesting stuff people create for this sim, it amazes me.

Mike
 
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