Monon 17 route (final version), Oncoming template Options

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

Following the news of the oncoming release of the Monon v17 and final release, one month before its official release, I have worked on the v16 template files and have been able to update the files to version 17 in May. Once the route had been released, I have reworked the files to take into account the changes from version 16, since changes to the TDB has been done between Bloomington and around Bedford.That has been done not long after but had wait for some issues to clear before going further.

Like for v16, Rick game me his permission to make a small update, stretching two South Hammond (SH) sidings to increase their car-capacity for some of the templates. One thing important to remember I have added a warning note in the readme file for those who wishes to change the era else than 1965, for which has been built the template. Since the car-capacity has been changed for two sidings at SH, swapping the era may alter both of them and affect some activities generated by AG.

Since this is Rick's final version, result of more than 10 years of work on the route, I wanted to maximize the route's potential with some quality equipment of the era. In the template package for version 17, I have deleted two freeware used in v16, that is the freeware Monon BL2 and some tank cars, and replaced them with BLW/ZT Monon BL2 and also the tanker car packs (plus bonus). That means that the payware package goes from three to five, all from BLW/ZT

I believe users won't mind adding both sets as this remarkable route really deserves quality rolling stock (like BLW/ZT) and is some way to honor Rick's work. Adding both latest payware sets are worth the investment on this route, the sets are so well done! I couldn't resist

In addition to the v16 templates, I have been able to create a 29th template a few days ago: one small for the NKP route in Frankfort. It requires a second donwload from the Columbus Locomotive works in addition to the MILW SD7/9 pack already in the template from v16, that is the NKP SD9 heritage pack.It is the latest set released by CLW. The pack includes one SD9 for the NKP, one for the Norfolk and Western (N&W) and one for the NS (the latter not used here). The N&W SD9 can be used since the NKP became the N&W in 1964. Than means in 1965, timeframe of the route and template, the N&W and the NKP SD9 can be used in the current template set. Also required is a freeware NKP caboose in TS.

I am including some shots of an act done with the NKP template in Frankfort. The user starting consist is one SD9, up to 10 cars and a caboose. The task is to work on the interchange with the Monon and two NKP yard tracks nearby before resuming the run West. As some of you may remember, at Frankfort, three RR lines cross each other, they are the NKP, PRR and the Monon. Two traffic trains (PRR and the Monon) are part of the template at the start of the run.















Benny is testing the updated template package to make sure everything is OK. Thanks again Benny!

Will update later as testing progresses

[dgionet]

Hello to all,

As many of us know, Paul Fowler, from MSTSGMO, passed away earlier this summer. Paul has been in MSTS from the beginning and has produced some excellent models, especially from the GMO railroad, not to forget the other models from other railroads.A great loss for the MSTS community!

To honour Paul's work, I have done and tested a template dedicated to the GMO railroad. Starting at the GMO Yard in Chicago, it covers 60 miles of track throughout the Chicago area, covering 10 different yards (two of them are covered in both directions but at different times) and ends back in the GMO Yard. It can take between 2 and 5 hours to complete, depending on the workload.It covers many of the runarounds to allow maximum yard coverage and had to redo the path, having some issues with signalling. AI traffic is included and the traffic paths have been carefully planned, to avoid as possible collisions.

This optional template package will not be included with the default template package for the Monon 17. It will be available in the template set as an optional zip file. It uses Paul Fowler's GMO premier pack which includes GP30's GP35's, GP38's (not GP38-2) and SD40's ( not SD40-2's). Both the GP38's and SD40's were introduced in 1966, ideal with the 1965 era (The GP38-2 and the SD40-2 were introduced in 1972)

Since I couldn't find a GMO caboose in TS, with the optional zip package, I have also repainted a GMO caboose and is included with the GMO template. Credits are given in the readme file regarding the original models and creators. This caboose is expected to be included only with the template package. I don't intend to have it released in TS. Once the default templates are installed, the owner of the GMO set will be invited to install the optional set the same way the template set is installed to use this special package.

Here are some shots of the SLG-generated act.Took about three and a half hours to complete.





















More later