I like to study maps made by others to learn how they do it. When it has an obvious fictitious name then only the techniques used to build it could be interesting. However when a real route is modelled, I also look to see how closely the prototypical data is incorporated into the map.
There are some obvious shortcuts such as: distance compression - avoiding long boring sections; track simplification - reducing massive yards and multi-platform stations to more manageable sizes. Eliminating intermediate stations that don't add much to the game play. Straightening track and having it run north-south or east-west instead of following the real orientations to simplify baseboards.
My question, at what point should a map stop using the prototype name. How many reductions are needed to turn it into a fantasy route? Would it be enough to declare the the route was inspired by a prototypical route? How could this be quantified?
Should the concept of false advertising apply? Naturally only the time and the bandwidth used to download a route are the costs. Unless it is payware and then there is also some money involved.
A specific route is not important for this question, just the general principle.
There are some obvious shortcuts such as: distance compression - avoiding long boring sections; track simplification - reducing massive yards and multi-platform stations to more manageable sizes. Eliminating intermediate stations that don't add much to the game play. Straightening track and having it run north-south or east-west instead of following the real orientations to simplify baseboards.
My question, at what point should a map stop using the prototype name. How many reductions are needed to turn it into a fantasy route? Would it be enough to declare the the route was inspired by a prototypical route? How could this be quantified?
Should the concept of false advertising apply? Naturally only the time and the bandwidth used to download a route are the costs. Unless it is payware and then there is also some money involved.
A specific route is not important for this question, just the general principle.