Hi guys,
I’m a university student that is very very interested with trains (and trainz). I have TANE and has played Chris Manning’s Map of the western line which he built in 2006.
I want to create my own version of the Sydney Rail network, starting with the western line since I live in the west part of Sydney. I would like to make it as realistic as possible, using TfNSW files of signals and track layout etc.
I read this entire thread and seem quite confused. Not sure what programs are used to get elevation data and roads etc, or if I need to pay extra?
Do you guys think its worth it since I am studying in Uni with a heavy content course, Imm not sure if I can make a map fast or it will take me forever to finish. Any ideas would help me heaps.
Regards,
Martin
Hi Martin
To get the elevation data into the game I recommend buying Transdem which i believe is around $40 Australian.
Transdem is found here.
http://www.rolandziegler.de/StreckeUndLandschaft/startseiteTransDEMEngl.htm
Before doing that i recommend you have a look at this video on youtube which shows you how to build a route using TransDem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Meeq_5_keYs
With your last question i would have to say it is worth it ....... with TransDEM and Open Street you can create the tracks and road for the Western line in less than an hour. Adding the scenery such as stations, bridges, electric wires and so on is what will take time. If you would prefer not to spend $40 there are options to use Google Earth to help you lay the track and you can find videos covering that on youtube.
For my Sydney route I am referencing Sydney Trains Cab Videos on youtube which gives me an idea on how the track looks from the train driver perspective. His videos are seen here and you would want to watch the ones labelled REALTIME.
https://www.youtube.com/user/cuboz1/videos
For the line to Emu Plains look here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMoakkNEX4w&t=55s
Note though that these are not high definition and are at 480p
If you want high definition go to the following link which shows a cab view ride from Central to Springwood at 720p or 1080p.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poxoz4MIilA&t=1293s
With my route i am building custom models which of course takes additional time. This of course is optional and is something i have decided to do for my route.
As Chris Manning mentioned in his videos he originally had a lot of objects like trees, roads, towns and cities in his original version and he decided to get rid of most of that to concentrate on what was important.... which is giving priority to what is close to the track itself. Note that it took Chris several years to do his map so don't expect your route to be quick. It is fun to create your own version of the route and i do highly recommend you do it.
For work with signals you can use these diagrams
https://railsafe.org.au/diagrams/drivers-route-knowledge-diagrams
Fir track diagrams go to the following link and get
the file under the section showing latest version Effective 14 May 2019
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/in...rain-operating-conditions-toc-manual-track-10
The picture below shows the entire rail system for Sydney accurately placed by open Street in 20 minutes and then placed in Trainz in another 30 minutes. Doing this by hand originally took 2 and a half years and was not as accurate as i was using Google Earth instead.