Sandpatch Progress

[N5VAV]

Hi All.

It has been a while since I've posted on the updated Sandpatch route.

As you remember, we we are planning to release it in TS2010 as well as TS12 for multiplayer.

In other discussions, there has been talk of content, textures, high-resolution content, versus performance.

I've recently upgraded the textures on Sandpatch to the new High-Resolution textures. It does give it a different look!

The route is almost ready for release, just fine-tuning it.

What does everyone think of the new look?

It is almost ready!

Comments welcome.

 

[kin3]

Looks great!

Hurry up!

Will it be on the DLS?

 

[cascaderailroad]

Anyone who has been to Sandpatch tunnel knows that it is a 32 foot WOOFER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0HAG0nS3AU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9k1j_zz3C4

 

[quakers1]

Looking good! Can't wait to take my CSX power for a spin on this thing!

 

[N5VAV]

Whew... Well, since its mid August, it is a bit hot out in the Mojave desert, and up in Montana,,, SO, I'm working in MD and PA !

Sandpatch will be released in both 2010 and 2012 versions, and here are some shots from the 2010 version:

Sandpatch is fully SEASONAL !

Here is a summer shot of a good CHESSIE train:

Here are some nice WINTER shots to cool you off a bit...

View near Foley, PA:

View along "The Narrows" north of Cumberland, MD.
WMSR bridges on the left, B&O on the right:

A little "mini-scene" - the view from "Signal Hill". Yeah, I'm a ham... LOL
N8PHU and N5VAV

Seasonal Change.
Here is the same view in all 3 seasons.
Winter:

Autumn:

Summer:

Question:
How many actually USE the seasonal stuff? Is it worth making a route with seasons, or just set it for a single time of year?
Would like to make MRL seasonal, but very limiting when using only Seasonal textures.
What are your thoughts?

Anyone interested in playing with a "public beta" of Sandapatch to help test it before it goes on DLS? It is almost ready, so would be interesting to get your feedback before official release.

Enjoy!
Jeff - N5VAV - 56511

 

[n8phu]

Good lord, those are awesome!

I wish I had a tower that high....

 

[conrail_3004]

I like it season, very nice i only have 09, so maybe one day i be able to run it, keep up the good work

 

[cascaderailroad]

AHHHHHH ... SpeedTwees ... They remind me of something ... "Cloves" (the kind you stick in Oranges, Ham or Spam).
http://www.firehousecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2011_1109blog11090004-300x225.jpg

 

[n8phu]

I like the seasonal textures, sometimes its cool to see how different a route looks from season to season....

 

[N5VAV]

Short Trip on Amtrak

Howdy!

It looks like Sandpatch is pretty much complete. I keep going over the route and can not find any problems or missing items. Fine-Tuning it now.

SO, I thought I'd take a break and go on a little train trip!

These are photos I took from the Autumn session I'm working on to be released with the TS2010 version on the DLS.
On to the story...


Here, we are in downtown Cumberland, MD heading toward the Amtrak station. Go across the tracks, turn right, and you will see it about a block on your right:

We just started moving. Passing through Cumberland. We are riding in the 4th of 7 superliners:

The view of Cumberland from the other side of the train:

Leaving Cumberland. The old Western Maryland connection is veering off to the left:

Close to the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line. Passing through the northern Mayrland countryside:

Just crossed into Pennsylvania!

Arriving at Hyndman where I'll get off and have some lunch:

Here is a shot of my train as it continues North/East:

Soon, I'll take another trip and continue farther North and share some more photos from the Sandpatch route...

---------------

From the TS2010 version in Autumn season. Yes, all the assets, including the Amtrak locos and cars (with the great internal view), are on the DLS!

I know I can turn off the command and info panels in the game, but I wanted to give you the effect you will have as you are riding in-game.

 

[slabay]

Funny, I was doing some Chessie stuff and just used the original Sandpatch route the other day. This is great! I can't wait to try it out!

 

[Scoot]

Great looking route.

Scott

 

[cascaderailroad]

Just like Jrfolco's route ... If you lay invisatrack on your route, in the roads, and drive around town ... it looks REAL !

 

[firestorm32]

I know this thread is several months old, but any NEW news on this route?

 

[dricketts]

I'm interested too. This is one of my all time, classic, favorite routes.

 

[N5VAV]

Yes, the route is still around.
Some testers had found several issues with the route, so was working through those so that it would be as good as it could be.
Just waiting for final approval from folks to say that the route is ready, and it will be out.
I've made a session, but probably need more sessions to run. Just hard finding decent locos and rolling stock on the DLS!