The SteamWorkz East Broad Top Route Development Thread TRS22
- Thread starter CD30
- Start date
Alright, so a little bit more about the route. We are currently developing phase 1 of the route which is from Orbisonia to the picnic grove (I forget what it is called atm). This section will be the shortest and the first of the sections that will be released. This route is being based off of the common carrier era of the EBT, however phase 1 will come with both a early tourist era version and a modern version (main differences will be the type of vehicles seen on the route as well as the addition of the picnic grove. In addition to the route we will be working alongside another content creator to produce some much needed equipment for the route as well as new scenery assets that we desperately need to bring this route to life. We currently have all track graded from Mount Union to Orbisonia.
Simplified version of what I just said above plus answering some questions:
- Route is the entirety of the East Broad Top Railroad's mainline, we also hope to include a couple of the railroad's branch lines in the future.
- Phase 1 will be Orbisonia - the picnic grove
- We are working with another content creator to develop much needed new assets and equipment for the route, these will cost money. I won't be giving out more details at this time.
- The route in all phases will be FREE
- The route is TRS22 and up only, no TRS19 or TANE support
- There are currently approx 4 people working on the project as of late 2024 (3 in-house and 1 contacted)
With that said we are looking forward to bringing the popular route and new equipment for it to the public. This route is purely a passion project. We are still actively looking for people to assist us with research as well as development work, mainly in the form of models. Keep in mind that there is going to be no money involved in this, only step forward if you genuinely want to help. You will receive the stuff we already have commissioned as well as beta versions of the map as it is being developed. PM me steve180, CD30, or axis3039 on the forms for more information. If there is a simple question that can be answered here on this thread. Please ask it here.
Thanks,
Emmitt
Simplified version of what I just said above plus answering some questions:
- Route is the entirety of the East Broad Top Railroad's mainline, we also hope to include a couple of the railroad's branch lines in the future.
- Phase 1 will be Orbisonia - the picnic grove
- We are working with another content creator to develop much needed new assets and equipment for the route, these will cost money. I won't be giving out more details at this time.
- The route in all phases will be FREE
- The route is TRS22 and up only, no TRS19 or TANE support
- There are currently approx 4 people working on the project as of late 2024 (3 in-house and 1 contacted)
With that said we are looking forward to bringing the popular route and new equipment for it to the public. This route is purely a passion project. We are still actively looking for people to assist us with research as well as development work, mainly in the form of models. Keep in mind that there is going to be no money involved in this, only step forward if you genuinely want to help. You will receive the stuff we already have commissioned as well as beta versions of the map as it is being developed. PM me steve180, CD30, or axis3039 on the forms for more information. If there is a simple question that can be answered here on this thread. Please ask it here.
Thanks,
Emmitt
Work is continuing on the EBT. Most of the Grasses, trees, and rural scenes are done by me, however most of the town work is done by @axis3039. I am also doing some town work as well. Axis and I are both very happy with the progress that we are making on this route. It is truly a pleasure to bring a much needed route to Trainz. Like I said before, there are some things in development that we plan to release alongside the route. Those will hopefully be done with phase 1. If they aren't, we'll hold off on releasing phase 1 until they are completed. I hope everyone is ready for the routes release as well as the content that will come with the route when it drops. At the current moment, we are aiming for early to mid spring for phase 1. We may have phase 2 complete by the end of the year, however we'll see. After all, trainz is a hobby and an art, rushing it will only decrease the quality. Also, we have determined that we will need models for some of the tipples, the coal cleaning plant in Mount Union, as well as many other different assets to bring the route fully to life. It will most likely be a good while before we are able to obtain these assets if we are able to obtain them at all. We are still looking for 3d modelers potentially interested in making these assets. We currently only have one 3d modeler on the team who is working on some of these much needed assets.
Sidenote:
Because I know someone is going to ask eventually, the grass and the roads will be packaged with the route. We have been given permission by their creator to use them. They all are currently unavailable to my knowledge.
Anyways, that's about all I have to say for today;
Hope that you are enjoying the screenshots,
Emmitt
Posting this update for axis3039 (the other route builder) as he is busy, update is from the Steamworkz discord server:
"I'm going to try starting something new, giving you guys weekly(more or less) updates on the progress of the EBT route. However this week is going to be different in that the only update you guys have seen so far is Emmitt's video. So this update is going to be lengthy to let you guys know(for the most part) what all has been done since then. Let's dive in...So Emmitt's video is the last render of the route prior to updating to Trainz 22 sp5. The update broke alot of things on the route and subsequently caused us to have to go back and fix alot of issues. Mainly with terrain and spline heights. But also hugely effects signaling on route. So we are hopeful that this gets patched soon. The following is what's been done since the update video.
"I'm going to try starting something new, giving you guys weekly(more or less) updates on the progress of the EBT route. However this week is going to be different in that the only update you guys have seen so far is Emmitt's video. So this update is going to be lengthy to let you guys know(for the most part) what all has been done since then. Let's dive in...So Emmitt's video is the last render of the route prior to updating to Trainz 22 sp5. The update broke alot of things on the route and subsequently caused us to have to go back and fix alot of issues. Mainly with terrain and spline heights. But also hugely effects signaling on route. So we are hopeful that this gets patched soon. The following is what's been done since the update video.
- Work has progressed in Orbisonia and now looks like a half way completed town.
- Detailing on the route from Rockhill yard all the way to Colgate grove is now 90% complete with only minor detailing still to be done (people, more cars, more house and yard details, and maybe a few more splines in certain places)
- Once we got all the way to Colgate grove, I decided that I hated the look of the route detailing just abruptly ending immediately after the wye. So detailing continued towards Shirleysburg
- Despite us saying phase 1 was going to be only to the wye, I may have "slightly" deviated from that plan...just slightly, More to come on that in future updates
- You can't have a good Trainz route without some quality Easter eggs, so at this point in time there are around 15-20 I think. But rest assured, there will be more
- Rockhill yard is now complete pending only creators choice detailing and signaling (sp5 will have to be patched before that happens though)
- work has started on the shade gap branch to backlog creek, however this only consists of terraforming the terrain as of now
- So I hope that helps satisfy the thirst for updates. I have tried to record a few videos on the route, but I've hated all of them and trashed them. I'm hopeful to get an update video out prior to me leaving for vacation this coming Sunday. So stay tuned! We've made a ton of great progress on the route given that we've only been working on it for a little over a month now. Seriously its crazy what Emmit and myself have accomplished in such a short timeframe. It won't disappoint, and there is plenty more to come!"
Steve, In my mind there is no doubt you should release ASAP. Phase 1 to Colgate Grove would be an excellent choice. Remember that the trainz community has no East Broad Top at all! The other aspect of releasing phase 1 to the grove is that is exactly what is there today. Anything after that is a bonus. If you need any help pm me. Being retired, I have allot of time on my hands!
Railwoodman
Well-known member
Fantastic work on the route . Looking forward seeing more of this . Best MT Union I've seen . Including my own work .
Matt
PS I'm for finishing to Mt Union . But also like to see what you've done to date
Matt
PS I'm for finishing to Mt Union . But also like to see what you've done to date
Sorry for the late response; thanks for the nice comments everyone, the other route builder has the route still. I am currently taking a step back for a little bit and mainly focusing on other games and working on planning an IRL HO scale model railroad based in Appalachia. Rest assured that there is still being work done on the route, while it may not be directly by me, I may pop in and post an update or two.
PS, there are some... let's just say badly needed updated EBT equipment in the works. I may or may not look into learning how to make 3d models in Blender to bring some of the other stuff for the EBT into Trainz.
There is a lot coming down the pipeline, especially after Mount Union gets so some form of completion, that will most likely be the last major area before phase 1 gets released to the public. Orbisonia is also potentially getting revamped. One of the other people on the project had to step down yesterday for personal issues. Currently only really one person working on the route and they are taking a little break iirc. I hope to return to the project here in the next month or so. We did complete most of the line between Rockhill Furnace, Pa. and Aughwick Mills, Pa within a couple of months, scenery and all. We may be open to help at this time.
Emmitt
PS, there are some... let's just say badly needed updated EBT equipment in the works. I may or may not look into learning how to make 3d models in Blender to bring some of the other stuff for the EBT into Trainz.
There is a lot coming down the pipeline, especially after Mount Union gets so some form of completion, that will most likely be the last major area before phase 1 gets released to the public. Orbisonia is also potentially getting revamped. One of the other people on the project had to step down yesterday for personal issues. Currently only really one person working on the route and they are taking a little break iirc. I hope to return to the project here in the next month or so. We did complete most of the line between Rockhill Furnace, Pa. and Aughwick Mills, Pa within a couple of months, scenery and all. We may be open to help at this time.
Emmitt
This week's update for the EBT
- The town of Orbisonia is currently being reworked (wasn't a fan of the assets I used on main street)
- Sounds are continuingly being added however the process is a bit sluggish
- The route is now fully detailed all the way to Augwick trestle (This excludes the Shade Gap branch and Orbisonia)
- Reworked the first cut outside of Orbisonia. It now works like something I'd expect to see in Trainz 22 and not something from Tane
- Augwick creek at the trestle has been replaced with actual water rather than a still spline (makes reflections way better. Great for cinematics!)
- Work has started in Mt Union with placing down all the roads.
- Topography work has also been started in Mt Union with elevating the PRR Mainline. I expect to start that trackwork within the next update.
- Emmitt is currently take a break from the project due to burnout. That being said, I have gotten 2 other people to sign onto the project so hopefully progress will pick up a bit pace wise.
Update from Axis
- The town of Orbisonia is currently being reworked (wasn't a fan of the assets I used on main street)
- Sounds are continuingly being added however the process is a bit sluggish
- The route is now fully detailed all the way to Augwick trestle (This excludes the Shade Gap branch and Orbisonia)
- Reworked the first cut outside of Orbisonia. It now works like something I'd expect to see in Trainz 22 and not something from Tane
- Augwick creek at the trestle has been replaced with actual water rather than a still spline (makes reflections way better. Great for cinematics!)
- Work has started in Mt Union with placing down all the roads.
- Topography work has also been started in Mt Union with elevating the PRR Mainline. I expect to start that trackwork within the next update.
- Emmitt is currently take a break from the project due to burnout. That being said, I have gotten 2 other people to sign onto the project so hopefully progress will pick up a bit pace wise.
Update from Axis
We're using the dem off of the DLS as well, it honestly would've been easier to make the dem ourselves with google earth underlay. It has been a pain for (mainly Axis) to line stuff up with real life. Most of the stuff on the route is getting a rework anyways to increase the accuracy of the route in areas. First release will be a protolance version of the route. We're hoping that with credit given to the original author of the dem, we'll be able to release the route or at least a portion of it here in the next few months. Then we will really go back and try to increase the overall accuracy of the route.
Railwoodman
Well-known member
After working on both DEM with and without underlays . I have found both have there pro and con's . I myself Have worked A DEM without had a freeing aspect to rout working . But really understand why some see this more of a challenge .
Matt
Matt
East Broad Top Update 4/18/25 So I know it's been a month since my last update (So much cor my weekly update schedule lol). Anyways here's what's gone down in the last month.
Update above is from Axis, I'll post some pics later today most likely.
- Detailing has progressed now to Allenport
- When I hit allenport I started using a 1957 aerial view of the area. This has consequently gotten me to go back and review the rest of the route, and let's just say if the route is to remain prototypical to the 50s then a couple of major changes will occur (no more overpass at Shirleysburg and no more ice cream shop outside of Orbi Although I might just leave the ice cream shop as a fictional addition)
- Shirleysburg has seen 2 revamps and now includes a proper station and siding
- There have been and will continue to be topography changes throughout the route
- Mt Union yard will be receiving some very special additions (see the pictures below if it'll let me upload them... sorry no nitro for me)
- Rockhill coaling facility has been reworked, now with less trees and looks alot cleaner
- Emmit has returned to the route to help out with grass and other detailing from North of Aughwick trestle to Allenport (Gotta thank him for that as he's very busy and probably still burnt out a bit...I know I am, but the show must go on)
Update above is from Axis, I'll post some pics later today most likely.
Lots of progress and great work. Really impressive what you've accomplished in so little time. I don't say that lightly either. I've modeled the EBT's whole main line and branches using my own DEMs and the EBT's 1919 ICC track diagrams for the most part. My own preference for era to model is the1920's and 30's. Probably mid 1920's was the EBT's best period for traffic imo. I see I'll have to start checking back in more frequently 
to see how you're making out
I've been away from trainz for - I don't know maybe2 years now. Real life can be demanding and painful. It's good to see another group pick this gem of a route to model. Most of my route lacked scenery but the terrain was good and track grades and curves were all accurate. I loved running the trains over it.
It's discouraging to see the available models get further out of date with every new trainz update. We never had models of no 12 and the 14 class (also sg 0-6-0's no 3 and no 6) so if any of them are in the works that's great. Personally, I'd like to see prairie no 11 included for my own time frame though it's not useful for1940 and up.
Your route looks fantastic in the videos to date. A great start. But you are right, there are a large number of unique structures that still have to be modeled.
My preference on using 3 rail dual gauge track in Mt Union is to use it. I included it on my personal version. It's a visually important and integral part of the operation in Mt Union. Yes clearly it's operationally challenging and I think there are still significant problems with it. I always thought it would be possible to use scripting and/or signaling to make it all work but I don't think it's been done yet..
I'm a life member of FEBT and over the years I have collected a lot of reference material on the EBT plus some on the PRR in Mt Union and the McKelvey Bothers 3'ng logging rr south of Rockhill (though that's gone by late 1920's). If you're interested, I might be able to help with info or details on specific areas on the EBT.
RPearson
to see how you're making outI've been away from trainz for - I don't know maybe2 years now. Real life can be demanding and painful. It's good to see another group pick this gem of a route to model. Most of my route lacked scenery but the terrain was good and track grades and curves were all accurate. I loved running the trains over it.
It's discouraging to see the available models get further out of date with every new trainz update. We never had models of no 12 and the 14 class (also sg 0-6-0's no 3 and no 6) so if any of them are in the works that's great. Personally, I'd like to see prairie no 11 included for my own time frame though it's not useful for1940 and up.
Your route looks fantastic in the videos to date. A great start. But you are right, there are a large number of unique structures that still have to be modeled.
My preference on using 3 rail dual gauge track in Mt Union is to use it. I included it on my personal version. It's a visually important and integral part of the operation in Mt Union. Yes clearly it's operationally challenging and I think there are still significant problems with it. I always thought it would be possible to use scripting and/or signaling to make it all work but I don't think it's been done yet..
I'm a life member of FEBT and over the years I have collected a lot of reference material on the EBT plus some on the PRR in Mt Union and the McKelvey Bothers 3'ng logging rr south of Rockhill (though that's gone by late 1920's). If you're interested, I might be able to help with info or details on specific areas on the EBT.
RPearson
That would be awesome! we are currently up at Mount Union on the route and are working on making the route more accurate heading back towards Rockhill. Details are also actively being added to the EBT in these areas as well. There is definitely a severe lack of assets out there for the EBT, especially good ones. Several years ago Jointed Rail made (today decent) coal hoppers, the mikados are "revamped" versions of the old trs2004 Ben Neal mikados. Let's just say that there may or may not be some key structures, for Mount Union in particular, coming soon. We have previously commissioned new EBT Mikados, however it seems like there hasn't been like any progress made on them within the past couple of months beginning to feel like the guy really doesn't want to make them at all. I hope that we are wrong about that, however we may be looking for someone else here soon. It's going to be expensive either way we go. Help on some areas of the route may be of interest to us, however. I will send a pm if we come across anything that we don't really know what to put in it's location.Lots of progress and great work. Really impressive what you've accomplished in so little time. I don't say that lightly either. I've modeled the EBT's whole main line and branches using my own DEMs and the EBT's 1919 ICC track diagrams for the most part. My own preference for era to model is the1920's and 30's. Probably mid 1920's was the EBT's best period for traffic imo. I see I'll have to start checking back in more frequently
I've been away from trainz for - I don't know maybe2 years now. Real life can be demanding and painful. It's good to see another group pick this gem of a route to model. Most of my route lacked scenery but the terrain was good and track grades and curves were all accurate. I loved running the trains over it.
It's discouraging to see the available models get further out of date with every new trainz update. We never had models of no 12 and the 14 class (also sg 0-6-0's no 3 and no 6) so if any of them are in the works that's great. Personally, I'd like to see prairie no 11 included for my own time frame though it's not useful for1940 and up.
Your route looks fantastic in the videos to date. A great start. But you are right, there are a large number of unique structures that still have to be modeled.
My preference on using 3 rail dual gauge track in Mt Union is to use it. I included it on my personal version. It's a visually important and integral part of the operation in Mt Union. Yes clearly it's operationally challenging and I think there are still significant problems with it. I always thought it would be possible to use scripting and/or signaling to make it all work but I don't think it's been done yet..
I'm a life member of FEBT and over the years I have collected a lot of reference material on the EBT plus some on the PRR in Mt Union and the McKelvey Bothers 3'ng logging rr south of Rockhill (though that's gone by late 1920's). If you're interested, I might be able to help with info or details on specific areas on the EBT.
RPearson
Thanks,
Emmitt