The Bernina Scenic Route, Template in consideration Options

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

Ottodad has annouced yesterday that a public BETA version of the route has been released and had provided a link to get the route. Last night I have downloaded both the route and stock files, both files take about 800MB of disk space before installation. The route is very specific in terms of installation; it will be installed as a mini route. I have looked at the route and looks good for a template.

Although it is a very Scenic route, freight traffic is present in this area. Extraordinary scenery! The Bernina Pass route became an UNESCO World heritage site in year 2008 together with the Albula route. The route starts South at Tirano,Italy close to the Italian-Swiss Border, about 450 meters above sea level. Then it goes up, way up to 2200 meters through Bernina Pass and descents to St.Moritz, its Northern end, 60km away and at about 1800 meters above sea level. Hairpin curves, steep grades and the famous 7% graded Brusio loop are part of this remarkable route. It is not completed yet, hence the release as a BETA version. I have runned the entire route tonight and have taken shots of the one (1) meter wide track line.

That is why I will follow closely the progress of its construction to make sure everything is OK when it gets released ( I hope!) to make a template.

In the meantime enjoy these incredible photos starting South and going up North to St.Moritz ( see also next post)

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

I have been very busy with its construction and conception, looking at details around the Swiss Bernina route. Major changes have been made since my last post. Carlo Santucci, one of its creators have been closely working with me to bring the templates as realistic as possible and believe will deliver a package that will reflect the operations of the Bernina Line. I have been also looking at pictures of the area to help in with the template.

I have learned a lot since its start and have been testing and adding templates. The template package will include shunting exclusively inside these five (5) locations: Tirano, Campocologno, Poschiavo, Pontresina and one at St.Moritz. St.Moritz will be unique as the shunting involves only passenger cars! As a popular tourist resort, there are no freight operations at St.Moritz. All the freight are being carried from Samedane, East of St.Moritz directly to Pontresina, a few miles South or vice versa.

What make its construction more complicated at St.Moritz and Pontresina is the presence of electric lines with different voltage, a 1500Kv from St.Moritz to the rest of the RhB and from Pontresina to the rest of the Rhb while the Bernina line inside both stations is 1000Kv. That is why shunting operations in St.Moritz and Pontresina are done by a diesel shunter.

Here are shots of the first activities being created by AG at St.Moritz.

Hope to release in a week or two the package.

Enjoy the pictures