Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

Skyline User's Forum _ Templates _ Buffalo Route

Posted by: xpdingo Sep 30 2010, 07:02 PM

I started this template about a year ago and then stopped it when Teemu told me he was going to extend it to Niagara Falls. Teemu sent me the new Buffalo route yesterday and I will work it along side the PRR Eastern. The Buffalo route is only about 60 miles long but it has almost 1300 sidings. It is a huge industrial switching route with 8 Railroads involved.

Teemu has done a great job on this route.

Pete

Posted by: Train-a-Mania Nov 23 2010, 02:38 PM

QUOTE(xpdingo @ Sep 30 2010, 08:02 PM) *
I started this template about a year ago and then stopped it when Teemu told me he was going to extend it to Niagara Falls. Teemu sent me the new Buffalo route yesterday and I will work it along side the PRR Eastern. The Buffalo route is only about 60 miles long but it has almost 1300 sidings. It is a huge industrial switching route with 8 Railroads involved.

Teemu has done a great job on this route.

Pete


I've always liked this route but found it challenging to create activities for. I'm sure your template will see a fair amount of use. wink.gif

Posted by: xpdingo Nov 24 2010, 02:40 PM

QUOTE(Train-a-Mania @ Nov 23 2010, 02:38 PM) *
I've always liked this route but found it challenging to create activities for. I'm sure your template will see a fair amount of use. wink.gif


Teemu is not done with the route but with the info he has shared with me it will be worth waiting for. I have what he has completed so far and it is an outstanding route. If you love switching you will love this.

Pete

Posted by: smokeytc Apr 21 2011, 08:43 AM

Hi Guys - any further info on the Buffalo Route. Any idea when it will be released with template?? I love switching and am looking forward to this one.
Ted

Posted by: nbeveridge Apr 28 2011, 06:09 PM

QUOTE(smokeytc @ Apr 21 2011, 08:43 AM) *
Hi Guys - any further info on the Buffalo Route. Any idea when it will be released with template?? I love switching and am looking forward to this one.
Ted


I know that Pete is still working on it.

Posted by: xpdingo Feb 24 2012, 08:25 PM

QUOTE(smokeytc @ Apr 21 2011, 08:43 AM) *
Hi Guys - any further info on the Buffalo Route. Any idea when it will be released with template?? I love switching and am looking forward to this one.
Ted


Good news on the Buffalo route. When I spoke to Teemu he was testing the route before release. Craig's Buffalo map will be released at the same time. This map is about intense as a map can be.

THANKS CRAIG

Now the real good news, Rick Franzosa has been working on a engine and rolling stock set made just for this route. The set will include 36 to 48 engines for the 8 railroads in the route. It will also include 172 pieces of rolling stock. It contains road names not available anywhere else. The set will be available at http://www.valleypass.com/ when released. Rick has done an outstanding job on this set.

THANKS RICK

The "Buffalo Set" will be used in the template to be released here.

Pete

Posted by: Train-a-Mania May 18 2012, 10:09 AM

I know that Denis has taken over working on the template for Pete, but what is the latest news about the route?

Posted by: dgionet May 18 2012, 11:06 AM

QUOTE(Train-a-Mania @ May 18 2012, 10:09 AM) *
I know that Denis has taken over working on the template for Pete, but what is the latest news about the route?



Hi Nick,

To the latest news with Pete about a week ago, Teemu, the route builder is still beta testing the route. No change since the day I have received the route about two weeks ago. In the meantime Rick (from Zoza trains) is progressing with the Buffalo mega pack and is getting closer to completing the mega-stock. Once ready, it will be available at the BLW/ZT website.

On my side, since the transfer, while working on the Dominion Atlantic Template, I have been studying the route, trying to locate the trackage for each of the multiple railroads that are part of this mega route. That will be a major issue during construction. I have received Craig's most recent version of the Buffalo map and studying it. I am doing some exploration as well with the paths already present with the Beta version of the route. It will definitely will become my biggest project ever. Lots of work ahead.

For those who doesn't know, the future template will require Rick's mega pack as it was built to go with the Buffalo route. It has been made with the route in mind. There will be some additional downloads and am currently selecting what will complete the download package. I am trying to keep the downloads as low as possible but here it be probably larger compared with my earlier templates. Not an easy task ahead.

The first phase will be installing the markers on this route. in 2007, if some of you remember, I have reached a limit of markers on the Burton-Derby (BD) route and my ACT file wouldn'l load. I could put only 765 markers while the route had 890 serviceable sidings. I have reloaded the BD route and template 10 days ago to test this issue and was able to add up the remaining markers to complete the total number .

That means this seem not to be a MSTS limit but the PC used. At the time I had a 2GHz Pentium 4. Today I have a dual-core and will try to push the limit evenmore to find out if I could install all the markers in one ACT file. That would ease greatly things, Time will tell if I succeed.

I have finished the Dominion Atlantic Template and will move full steam ahead on this one.

So that's it for the time being and will update later with more developments.

Posted by: AT RR May 18 2012, 12:40 PM

Denis,
Can't wait for your DAR Template, back on subject I did a template for the Buffalo Beta 1 large Bethlehlem (Lackawana) Steel plant on the route my estimate is it is about 1/2 mile wide by a mile long. There are over 100+ marked tracks in and around the mill. Some of the downloads that will be required are hot metal cars, slag cars and ingot cars + 2 Bethlehem switchers and EMD SW and a 50 ton GE calf and cow. All of the rolling stock is from train-sim.com

The only area I found problems was some of the curves on the north end of the mill scrap and teaming area, I needed a short wheel based spacer car to push the cars up the high line.
There are so many siddings in the mill area it could be a complete temlate ins its self

Peter

Posted by: xpdingo May 18 2012, 05:27 PM

QUOTE(dgionet @ May 18 2012, 11:06 AM) *
Hi Nick,

To the latest news with Pete about a week ago, Teemu, the route builder is still beta testing the route. No change since the day I have received the route about two weeks ago. In the meantime Rick (from Zoza trains) is progressing with the Buffalo mega pack and is getting closer to completing the mega-stock. Once ready, it will be available at the BLW/ZT website.

On my side, since the transfer, while working on the Dominion Atlantic Template, I have been studying the route, trying to locate the trackage for each of the multiple railroads that are part of this mega route. That will be a major issue during construction. I have received Craig's most recent version of the Buffalo map and studying it. I am doing some exploration as well with the paths already present with the Beta version of the route. It will definitely will become my biggest project ever. Lots of work ahead.

For those who doesn't know, the future template will require Rick's mega pack as it was built to go with the Buffalo route. It has been made with the route in mind. There will be some additional downloads and am currently selecting what will complete the download package. I am trying to keep the downloads as low as possible but here it be probably larger compared with my earlier templates. Not an easy task ahead.

The first phase will be installing the markers on this route. in 2007, if some of you remember, I have reached a limit of markers on the Burton-Derby (BD) route and my ACT file wouldn'l load. I could put only 765 markers while the route had 890 serviceable sidings. I have reloaded the BD route and template 10 days ago to test this issue and was able to add up the remaining markers to complete the total number .

That means this seem not to be a MSTS limit but the PC used. At the time I had a 2GHz Pentium 4. Today I have a dual-core and will try to push the limit evenmore to find out if I could install all the markers in one ACT file. That would ease greatly things, Time will tell if I succeed.

I have finished the Dominion Atlantic Template and will move full steam ahead on this one.

So that's it for the time being and will update later with more developments.


Denis:

I want to take this time to thank you for taking this template on. I got injured a while back and when I asked Denis to step in he said yes with no delay.

I had been working with Rick from ValleyPass since January on this and Rick has gone all the way with this set. The set will contain 36 to 48 engines and 172 pieces of rolling stock from 9 railroads. It is custom made for this template.

Once I am able I will continue work on the PRR Eastern which the WB is done with 72 templates.

Again, Thanks Denis for taking this on.

Pete

Posted by: xpdingo May 18 2012, 05:31 PM

QUOTE(Train-a-Mania @ May 18 2012, 10:09 AM) *
I know that Denis has taken over working on the template for Pete, but what is the latest news about the route?


Nick:

I have been trying to get in touch with you with no luck so far. Maybe I have the wrong address.

Pete

Posted by: dgionet May 20 2012, 09:16 PM

Just to confirm that I have started tonight to put the first twelve (12) markers on the route. I hope to complete the task in about two to four weeks, hoping MSTS will still load with so many markers. Will make backups in case of problems. The process will be long and complex. If unsuccessful, there is a plan "B" on the side.

Rick is continuing to provide newly finished stock for the template.

So, that's it. It's a small start but will eventually complete the task.

Posted by: pensfan17 May 22 2012, 09:50 AM

Denis,

This whole project has really caught my interest. If you need a tester, let me know.

Al

Posted by: dgionet May 22 2012, 10:36 AM

Thanks Al for your volunteering,I'll take note.

Now for some news. I have been in contact with Teemu yesterday and must for the time being stop working on marking the sidings. I have been working with Teemu's Beta 821 version. He has made important changes to the route and is now on Beta 830.

Creating paths as well as markers on an earlier version may become invalid on more recent route versions since the TDB file is subject to modifications.

Probably the best thing to do is to wait for the official release of the route and then move ahead with the project. Even though the route's release is still to come, I can still prepare for the template release by getting a better knowledge of the areas and maybe start to designate regions s I get the route updates. Once released, this aspect will make things faster.

I have been working with Craig's Beta 814 release. That helps a lot pending the route release.

Will update later as it develops. I hope to include some teasers later.

Posted by: dgionet May 28 2012, 07:19 PM

Hello to all,

While waiting for the route to be released, I took the time to set the regions that will be part of the route. Due to the complex network, I have been toggling between Craig's maps, some Niagara region interactive topo maps on the net and the AE to properly locate each railroad set of tracks and the markers for each region. It has been a difficult task but finally got over it. The yards that are part of the route are regions on their own. The total count of regions ended at ... 99 regions. Since there will be multiple templates, probably by railroad, the regions will be spreaded out in multiple TDB files.

Despite the fact the route database of the latest version has some important diffrences with the one I worked with, the overall region settings should remains as is. Only the regions content may change slightly.

Another very important step was also done. I have been able to install more than 1250 markers in one single ACT file. In 2007, with the Burton-Derby route template, the count stopped at around 765. More than that, the ACT file wouldn't load. That means that once the markers will be set with the first template and ACT file, that should make things faster for the remaining templates. That means I won't have to install the markers again for each template. Well let's hope this will hold during the real thing.

I don't expect to use more than 1200-1225 sidings since the sidings located in the engine shops or the Buffalo terminal to set passenger cars won't be used for the template.

Here's a screenshot of the ACT file in the AE with the 1256 markers. The number on the lower left says it all. The first is 32768 and the last is 34023. 1256 markers.



Rick has finished all the stock for his mega pack and has started the testing.

Well that's it for the time being. The route is not out yet but the project is quite active with those of us involved.

Posted by: bennycdn May 29 2012, 04:19 AM

Denis
Now that looks to be a nightmare.

Posted by: dgionet May 29 2012, 10:29 AM

Quite true Benny.

I have started to look at the trackage rights into Buffalo and have started with the TH&B railroad. To what I have found online, the TH&B had trackage rights from Fort Erie via the international bridge and using the CN and PC lines to enter Buffalo. I have seen some TH&B Geeps exiting PC's Frontier yard. That may set a foundation for a template between the CN yards in Fort Erie and the Frontier Yard.

Did the TH&B enter via Niagara Falls and if so, on what line(s) and did it go down to Buffalo? That would be same question for the CN.

The N&W, the B&O have little trackage in Buffalo and would like to use the stock as most as possible. I know the N&W has a small yard in Fort Erie as well.

Any help as to their respective trackage rights would be appreciated. I will try to collect on my side as much info as I can regarding this issue. Don't hesitate to correct if necessary my findings.

Thanks

Posted by: ckawahara Jun 4 2012, 12:14 PM

Dennis...did you get the track diagram for 831?

Craig

Posted by: dgionet Jun 4 2012, 04:48 PM

Hi Craig,

My apologies for the delay to reply. I have been busy lately since the route is still pending release. I have decided to focus on other non-MSTS issues while waiting for the route to be released.

I did receive your map and looks great as usual. Considering what you have suggested, that would be a good idea to highlight the changes made to the route. Once the route is released, you can put the finishing touch to this huge and complex map network.

I am still gathering as much information as possible on operations and trackage rights of the different railroads.

Thanks again Craig and will wait for your document.




Posted by: dgionet Jun 25 2012, 01:40 PM

Hello to all,

It has been a while since the last post and am still waiting for news from Teemu about development of the route. Having no idea about when the route will be released, I have decided last week to start working in building the template with the latest version (831), knowing I may have to start it again if the route database had been subject to changes, thus rendering some of the markers invalid. That will be seen later. Even if this happens, experience gathered from the current construction will make things faster. I have gathered enough knowledge about the route network to push ahead.The first priority is to find out, as mentioned earlier, if the ACT file will be able to hold all markers and up to 300 pieces of rolling stock.

I have started with the NIAJ to create the very first template and concentrate the markers throughout the entire Niagara region (CDN and US). I have put close to 200 markers, 15 regions and created one path from the NIAJ yards to the Niagara industrial region South.

BTW, I would like to thank Tim Muir, the builder of the NIAJ electric engines (seen here), who has agreed to allow me to include his package with the oncoming template. Also you can see Rick's mega pack here and looks great. Great work Rick! Your work will not go here unnoticed with this template project.

One question here with the first picture: did the NIAJ electric engines actually ventured in the NIAJ yards or was it limited at the Foote yards and South? Your help will be appreciatd.

Here are the very first template shots of the Buffalo here at the NIAJ and at the Foote Yards and the results overall are very satisfactory.





Although the FPS on the shots are about 5, this won't be the case once the packages are refined to keep only the regions necessary to use the respective templates. FPS should be a lot higher once done.


From the current files, I have used them to create a second template, for the PC which covers from Niagara to the PC Frontier yard. From the NIAJ files, I have continued to add more markers and regions. I have done the same with the EL, the LV and am currently working one for the N&W. I am installing only one path for each template to test the package.

So far, I have installed close to 550 markers and set 50 regions with their respective names, that is about halfway through the database.

Once the PC and EL have been done, I have set a traffic train and tested the crossover of both raillines at Walmore and has been satisfied of the result of a meet of both railroads.

Here's the result of the meet.





I did not take many shots here, trying to concentrate on the complex work of editing many files and working with the AE to make this possible. Hope to come with some additional pictures later.

Will continue building the rest of the markers and hope to be able to deliver what has been hoped.

Will update later.

Posted by: dgionet Jun 25 2012, 06:38 PM

Had some time to include three shots of the N&W run from Fort Erie to the EL Bison yard.







Will update later

Posted by: dgionet Jun 30 2012, 02:48 PM

I have been successful in marking all serviceable sidings for the whole template package: about 1050 sidings spreaded into 98 different regions. The ACT file has been able to hold that many sidings. Why only 1050 instead of the whole 1297 sidings it contains? Many are related to those in the shops for diesels, etc. Some are for passenger service like the Buffalo CT ( Central Terminal) sidings. Also to allow better maneuvering inside yards (there are about 30 of them in the route), the outer sidings have been kept clear, that means they will not be used for work. Only a few have been abandoned for various reasons. Preparing the regions first (on paper) has been key in succeeding with the marking of the sidings. I have still yet to attribute the type cars to go for each of the sidings. That too will take a lot of time to do before we can really go highball with the project.

With so many sidings, each template will require that the SWLTDB file to be edited and keep only the regions located beside the path to allow a reasonable railfill.

I have kept the original files in a safe place and, from them, I will be copying them and create templates from the pasted files. Let's hope Teemu will release the route with minimal changes to the TDB file.

The first one done for testing has been done for the PC Northbound, from the PC Frontier Yard to the PC Niagara Yard and includes traffic going Southbound. The traffic patterns seem to work well, as you will see with the screenshots. I have created a first template and was successfull to reach its destination in Niagara.

Enjoy the screenshots included here and will keep updating as developments come.


















Posted by: rfranzosa Jul 1 2012, 08:11 PM

Wow, great shots (and an unbelievable amount of work!).

I will have another PC locomotive for the set, a GP20M. Here is a photo of the UNFINISHED model (which is why the numbers don't match) tongue.gif



RGF

Posted by: AT RR Jul 2 2012, 06:30 AM

Rick,
Welcome to the forum. I like to llook of the GP20m keep up the good work.

Denis, it looks like it will be another one of one of your mega templates, I have always enjoyed your work.

Peter

Posted by: dgionet Jul 2 2012, 09:21 AM

Thanks Rick and Peter! Glad it's working so far. Happy to see another addition to your excellent pack Rick!

Had some time to do the same for the Lehigh Valley (LV) section of the route with the same results as for the PC line, from the LV Niagara to the LV Tifft Yards

The screens:





















Will keep updating

Posted by: dgionet Jul 2 2012, 08:32 PM

Here is one for the TH&B with CN power between the CN yards at Fort Erie and the EL Bison Yards.
BTW, this one has been done with the latest route update from Teemu, that is the Beta 834 version.





















More later

Posted by: dgionet Jul 8 2012, 01:30 PM

Hello again,

Last week, I have received from Teemu the route updated to beta 836. This one contained some important changes to the former 831, on which the whole template package has been built.

It contained many changes to the former version. It included close to 10 scrapped sidings. Some have been renamed and some new ones had appeared. The N&W trackage in Buffalo had been subject to the most of the changes done.

It took a lot of delicate editing of the SWACT, SWLTDB, ACT files, making backup files after each operation, constantly toggling between them and also using AG to create sone additiional sidings. Two new regions were created following the changes while two others were renamed. Some pieces of trackage have been eliminated while new sections appeared, most in the same region.

I am including some shots of a couple of SLG-generated acts between the N&W yards. You will also see, on the first set of pictures, Rick's last creation, his two PC GP20's behine the leading N&W GP9. Also I took one shot from one act done to the Buffalo Creek area (first shot) but ended after a coupler break. That was before the change to 836.



















I believe the Template package is now updated and will try to keep up with the newly releases from Teemu.

Wll update later

Posted by: ckawahara Aug 11 2012, 08:14 PM

Yo!! Denis. You out there? Sent PM from here + email to last known addy.

Craig

Posted by: dgionet Aug 12 2012, 10:50 AM

QUOTE(ckawahara @ Aug 11 2012, 08:14 PM) *
Yo!! Denis. You out there? Sent PM from here + email to last known addy.

Craig


Hi Craig,

You have a PM

Denis

Posted by: xpdingo Aug 13 2012, 06:28 PM

QUOTE(dgionet @ Aug 12 2012, 10:50 AM) *
Hi Craig,

You have a PM

Denis


Denis:

Check you PM and e-mail

Pete

Posted by: dgionet Sep 30 2012, 08:54 AM

Hi to all,

Just an update to Teemu's oncoming route.

I have received today his latest update to the route, that is Beta 837. Some changes were done to the EL Bison Yard and surroundings to realign some of the sidings to resolve some signalling issues. Also the LV-EL interchange track has been moved too. That means nine (9) markers on these sidings had to be realigned to their new position.

Editing the template SWLACT and SWLTDB files were successfully done to have the whole package updated as well to 837.

Unfortunately, no release date yet.


Posted by: bennycdn Oct 5 2012, 07:46 AM

Denis
What kind of trackage does the TH&B have on the route?

Posted by: dgionet Oct 5 2012, 04:01 PM

QUOTE(bennycdn @ Oct 5 2012, 07:46 AM) *
Denis
What kind of trackage does the TH&B have on the route?



Hi Benny,

Photos ( at railpictures,net) of TH&B motive power in Frontier Yard and at North Tonawanda seem to suggest that the TH&B used the Penn Central trackage between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Additional information seems to confirm that, since about 1895, the TH&B was onwed jointly for decades by CP (25%) and the NYC (75%), which passed later to the PC. Once the PC got bankrupt CP bought most of the stocks PC had in the late 70's and later, merged with CP in the 80's.

Not sure anymore if the TH&B actually passed through Fort Erie (as some of the screenshots suggested) and the international bridge. If someone can confirm with info, that would be useful.

Posted by: smokeytc Oct 5 2012, 08:39 PM

QUOTE(dgionet @ Oct 5 2012, 06:01 PM) *
Hi Benny,

Photos ( at railpictures,net) of TH&B motive power in Frontier Yard and at North Tonawanda seem to suggest that the TH&B used the Penn Central trackage between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Additional information seems to confirm that, since about 1895, the TH&B was onwed jointly for decades by CP (25%) and the NYC (75%), which passed later to the PC. Once the PC got bankrupt CP bought most of the stocks PC had in the late 70's and later, merged with CP in the 80's.

Not sure anymore if the TH&B actually passed through Fort Erie (as some of the screenshots suggested) and the international bridge. If someone can confirm with info, that would be useful.


Denis- don't know if you have seen this website, but it's a pretty good rundown on the history of the TH&B.... Ted

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto,_Hamilton_and_Buffalo_Railway

Posted by: dgionet Oct 6 2012, 02:45 PM

QUOTE(smokeytc @ Oct 5 2012, 08:39 PM) *
Denis- don't know if you have seen this website, but it's a pretty good rundown on the history of the TH&B.... Ted

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto,_Hamilton_and_Buffalo_Railway


Hi Ted,

Yes I did and the site gave me answers needed. Well documented.

Thanks

Denis

Posted by: dgionet Jan 23 2013, 07:51 PM

Hi to all,

Just to confirm that the route project is not dead but slowly advancing on Teemu's side.

It has been more than two months without any update until this week-end. Teemu has sent me the Beta 843 route update, from the previous beta 837. It contains many changes to the route, including some resolved issues, mostly around the Black Rock yards, some changes in the North Buffalo area and inside the Bethlehem Steel plant.

Sidings have been deleted, others were created and some were renamed. Looking at the AE using the old template files ( made for 837) reveals about 15 markers have been out of position.

Unfortunately, with all these changes, it becomes too complex to update. For those not familiar with template making, it is becoming a nightmare to work with both the SWLACT, SWLTDB and the AE. It is too complex for me to handle so many changes.

That will mean that I will have to restart the template process, but not completely. The first 375 markers, being put starting in Niagara and moving South until the Black Rock Yards area seem to be untouched, so far, unless Teemu makes changes on them on later versions. Time will tell. The number of serviceable sidings in the route is about 1050.

So that's it for now. I will probably wait for Teemu's official release and also will need Craig's finished maps of the official release before resuming the template. Craig is also receiving the route files to allow him to update his map system. Craig's maps were very helpful in reaching that level I have reached. I must re-establish the regions, about 100 in the template package and will need Craig's printed maps from the new version, circle each region with coloured markers and rework the template.

Will update later

Posted by: ckawahara Jan 25 2013, 04:11 PM

To add to Denis' remarks, the changes for whatever reason were quite extensive, many of them not obvious. I have identified many new crossovers, many deleted crossovers, entire yards now gone, as well as track realigments, deletions and additions.

Posted by: rfranzosa Feb 22 2013, 04:46 PM

QUOTE(ckawahara @ Jan 25 2013, 05:11 PM) *
To add to Denis' remarks, the changes for whatever reason were quite extensive, many of them not obvious. I have identified many new crossovers, many deleted crossovers, entire yards now gone, as well as track realigments, deletions and additions.



Wow!

This is still going to be a route (and templates) worth waiting for!

Rick

Posted by: dgionet Oct 8 2014, 07:29 PM

Hello to all,

Just to confirm that I have now received today from Teemu what is expected to be the final version of the route ahead of it official release, which I do not know the date, and hope to start soon on a template.

In addition to the Buffalo set from BLW/ZT, I consider adding two additional sets from BLW/ZT: the PRR 1950 and the PC freight set. Many of the rolling stock and some motive power will be used in the PRR 1950 set while the PC has additional motive power like the Alco C-630 and C-420 for example. In addition to these three sets, there will be about ten (10) additional freeware downloads from TrainSim to complete the required stock. Timeframe of the template is expected in the late sixties-early seventies during the Penn Central era.

My work on the template may not go as fast as it used to since other interests will be taking more and more of my time. As posted earlier, it will be a massive undertaking, more challenging that the latest Monon 16 & 17 templates as the number of serviceable sidings is expected to be over 1000. But experience over the last years and also a better knowledge of the operations in the area will help greatly with the project.

More updates later as it develops

Denis

Posted by: Harlank Oct 14 2014, 08:24 PM

Denis

thank you for all your great contribution to the train-sim community! Really looking forward to this one.

harlank

Posted by: dgionet Oct 28 2014, 06:23 PM

Hello to all,

I have received earlier this week Craig's final version map system for the Buffalo route. That allowed me to start redrawing the whole network before proceeding with the actual template work. With the help of an earlier draft document, I have been able to update the network quicker than expected. It took only six hours to do the whole system. The first time this has been done, about 2 years ago, it took more than a week. Glad this is done now.

Overall the number of regions has been revised from 99 to 117 regions and the route network has 49 yards.The number of serviceable sidings is projected to get closer to 1100. That of course will be confirmed once the last marker will be put on the route.

Also, the proposed rolling stock has been revised to let go the BLW/ZT PRR-1950 pack and keep only the BLW/ZT Buffalo and PC sets only as payware. Since the route will be demanding in PC resources due to its large network, I have tried to compensate using instead some PC resources friendlier stock from TrainSim and found great alternatives. The total download count is so far 2 payware sets and 15 downloads from TrainSim. Also not to forget that Tim Muir allowed me to include the Niagara Junction (NIAJ) 15 electric engine in the template package for the NIAJ Template. Once again, thanks Tim! Much appreciated. To view this engine, simply look up earlier posts of this topic.

Here is a shot of some of the PC-diesels among the Buffalo and PC packs, with a C-630 leading the pack and exiting the international bridge out of Fort Erie.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/Buffalotest2.jpg.html

I will try to start putting the first markers this week. I will be posting updates as the project progresses.

Posted by: dgionet Nov 2 2014, 08:56 PM

Hello to all,

I have started to put the first 200 markers on the route which started in Niagara Falls and have reached Walmore. I hope to resume this week work South to North Tonawanda and further. During the marking, all the rolling stock has been installed. That included all the NIAJ Niagara region.

With all that done. I have been able to make the first template of the entire pack. It covers the entire NIAJ network from thew NIAJ main yards down to all industrial areas South.

I will be sending Benny, who has agreed to test the template, the NIAJ template for testing. Thanks Benny! That will allow me to continue marking more sidings. In the meantime, I have been able to do the first SLG act of the template.

BTW, One thing I forgot to mention: I have scrapped also the BLW PC set among the required downloads. That leaves the BLW/ZT Buffalo set as the only payware required. For those wishing to use or purchase the BLW PC set, they can do it and swap engines on the SLG-generated consists. That will allow lower budget users to get the required set. I have found excellent freeware alternatives to the PC set.

Here are shots of the first SLG-generated template act between the NIAJ main and the Foote yards. I have noticed the absence of catenaries and electric wiring at the NIAJ main yard with the new version. I will try to check if it is a bug or it is now part of the final version. This is why I have used the NIAJ S2 fictional locos. Everything else is OK with using the electrics.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate6.jpg.html

Will update later

Posted by: dgionet Nov 3 2014, 07:30 PM

Hello to all,

Had some time to test one successfull activity generated by AG between the Simmon Yard and the Energy avenue industrial area with a return trip to the Simmon Yard

It took 1h 15 minutes to handle 10 cars ( 5 to pickup, 5 to setout). It will be recommended to change to permissive mode to access the signal North of the Simmon Yard if you final destination is Simmon Yard sidings 4 or 5. There is no other way to access them without crossing the signal.

The shots.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate11.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate10.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate12.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJTemplate13.jpg.html

More later.

Posted by: dgionet Nov 10 2014, 09:11 AM

Hello to all,

Just to confirm that all serviceable sidings have been marked and have been regrouped in their respective regions. There are 1101 serviceable sidings regrouped in 129 regions. One step yet to do is to give proper attributes to each siding. At this level, I am almost halfway into the final process. For some of them, attributes could be set for the designated sidings directly in the TDB file. For all the rest, that requires to create a test activity, open the AE, select a path to cover the sidings to be examined, save the act and run MSTS to check the area to give the proper attribute. A long process. Will be glad once this is done!

After that, this is where the template creation itself starts. Well actually, it has been started with the NIAJ since all necessary template files could be done at an early stage for the NIAJ. Benny has done the testing throughout the NIAJ network and everything runs well. Thanks Benny for the report!

I should expect to start with the smaller RR's to finish with the EL and finally the PC. Of course, time will tell if the plan holds.

More updates later

Posted by: charliechan Nov 11 2014, 12:48 PM

Good Morning:

This is looking like a massive job, many thanks for the effort. I was wondering if the route is going to be made available as a separate download so that we could get acquainted with it before hand. This is going to be a big download as it is.

Thanks again for all the hard work

Chandler

Posted by: dgionet Nov 13 2014, 04:52 PM

QUOTE(charliechan @ Nov 11 2014, 12:48 PM) *
Good Morning:

This is looking like a massive job, many thanks for the effort. I was wondering if the route is going to be made available as a separate download so that we could get acquainted with it before hand. This is going to be a big download as it is.

Thanks again for all the hard work

Chandler


Thanks Chandler,

Teemu, the route builder, is currently testing the route before releasing it. That should be normally released at TrainSim. He had an earlier version some years ago released at TS, but not as extensive as the oncoming one.

Posted by: dgionet Nov 13 2014, 05:42 PM

Hello to all,

Finally, the proper attribution to sidings is now finished and have already done a second template, that is the Buffalo Creek Template (BCK). From the Superior Yard it serves the Buffalo Harbour area. It handles within their limits Flour, box, TOFC's, steel, Cement and Coal cars.

Here are some shots of a few acts generated by AG.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BCKTemplate8.jpg.html

Some users with older PC's may have to lower down graphic and sounds sliders to have reasonable frame rates. Also lowering down the railfill number of cars ( AG's default is 500) in AG will also help in performance.

Will update later as it develops.

Posted by: dgionet Nov 22 2014, 04:46 PM

Hello to all,

Since my last post another set of templates has been finished for the South Buffalo (SBRR) railroad and currently finishing more templates for the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) railroad.

The SBRR serves the Bethlehem (BS) and Republic Steel (RS) plants as well as the Ford auto plant South of the Bethlehem plant. One template has been done for the RS, one for the BS, one for the Ford Plant and one delivering goods between the main yards in the BS area throuhgout the SBRR network.

The current images show work starting at the SBRR Main Yard, moving among the main yards (not all of them) throughout the BS area, delivering or picking up cars with the final destination as the PC Lackawanna yard. The other way around is also present. Also the same principle with the PC Seneca yard as final destination or departure point along the SBRR.

The shots:

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/SBRRYARDSTemplate7.jpg.html


Will be posting later with some shots of the near completed B&0 Template

Posted by: dgionet Nov 23 2014, 07:16 AM

Hello to all,

Here are shots of the now finished B&O Template. The first two are WB & EB. From the Main B&O Yard, the train reaches the EL Bison Yard network, making drops ( only) in the Canada, North and Receiving Yards. The user will have to go through the Classification Yards and then reverse with the proper switching to reach the Receiving yards.The WB, starting at the departure yard, does the same but picking up cars (only) before reaching the B&O Main Yard and adds the SK Yard and the BSOR Interchange as pickups.

The final one is a local, servicing some of the industries to Ferro Corp with a return to the Yard. That includes the SBRR siding 9 used as an interchange siding between both lines.

This area is heavy in resources. Make sure to adjust, especially the Object Density slider, that will help.

The shots:

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/BOTemplate10.jpg.html

More later.

Posted by: bandorr2000 Nov 23 2014, 09:00 AM

WOW!!!! Can't wait. Outstanding job, much appreciated the job you do. Thank you!!!!

Posted by: dgionet Nov 27 2014, 10:20 PM

Hello to all,

Here are shots of the finished N&W Template set. Two templates depict a EB & WB run between Fort Erie and the EL Bison Yards. The other one is a WB run from the EL Bison going through the N&W yards North of the NKP yard. Had some issues for the EB, causing crashes which I couldn't resolve. This one I have decided to let go for the time being.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NampWTemplate7.jpg.html

More later

Posted by: dgionet Dec 1 2014, 09:12 PM

Hello to all,

Here are shots of the finished TH&B Template (NB &SB Templates) which runs between the CN yards at Niagara and the PC Frontier Yard. Betwen both Yards, the working areas are the PC-Niagara Yard, from where the TH&B is allowed to bring or take cars from the PC Frontier Yard (SB&NB). Also the THB is allowed to take or leave cars SB at the PC-Tonawanda Yard #2 siding. Northbound, it has one customer, which is the Meyer Malting siding at the Black Rock area to bring cars directly to Hamilton.

The shots:

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/THBTemplate10.jpg.html

Next will be the CN Template before starting to work on the bigger lines, the remaining LV, EL and finally the PC

Posted by: dgionet Dec 5 2014, 08:17 AM

Hello again,

The CN Template is now finished.

The two templates have a distinct path. The SB template start at the CN Niagara Yard, uses the Buffalo Delaware arenue area to end up at the Frontier Receiving Yard. In between, CN is allowed to do some pickups or setouts at some of CN's customers in the area (fictional of course! biggrin.gif ) . The Westbound path goes from the Frontier Departure area to the CN Fort Erie Yard. Except for some work at the GT Yard, just before crossing the bridge, it is mostly a runthrough path. It should take about 20-25 minutes to reach the CN Fort Erie Westbound Yard. I felt doing one NB to Niagara was not necessary since one has been done for the TH&B. Of course, the player could swap the TH&B engines ( on the SLG-generated consist, not the original ones) with CN ones to run the path.

Here are shots taken from activities generated by AG:

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/CNTemplate9.jpg.html

Only three Railroads remain and to be done in the following order: the LV, the EL and finally the PC. Still a lot of work ahead.

More later

Posted by: dgionet Dec 8 2014, 10:38 AM

Hello to all,

Here are the first images from the LV template path between the LV Niagara and the LV Tifft yard.The other path stops at the LV East Buffalo Yard. This one will be tested later.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate10.jpg.html

More later



Posted by: dgionet Dec 12 2014, 08:16 AM

Hello again,

Here are images from the LV NB template.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate11.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate12.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate13.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate14.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate15.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate16.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate17.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate18.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate19.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate20.jpg.html

I will start now on the LVLOCALS Template which will depict local work along the industries serviced by the LV.

More later

Posted by: dgionet Dec 15 2014, 07:55 PM

Hello to all,

The LV templates are now done. In addition to the NB and SB main, templates depicting local work, yard work and Industrial

work have been added.

Shots from the LOCALS and YARDS templates

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate21.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate22.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate23.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate24.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate25.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate26.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate27.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate28.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/LVTemplate29.jpg.html

The only templates now left are the EL and PC

More later


Posted by: dgionet Dec 19 2014, 09:38 PM

Hi to all,

Here's the first of a series of templates for the EL: handling unpowered locos to be serviced in the EL shops in the Bison Yard complex.

It will be necessary to ask permission to the dispatcher (ALT-TAB) to move through every RED signal. There are three signals to cross. From the Service area in the Western section of the Bison Yard, the freeware SW8 (from TS) can move up to five locos to the repair shop, located in the Eastern section of the Yard.


Shots of the successfull activity, done in about a hour. It consists of bringing five locos to be serviced to the repair shop and bringing back another five repaired locos to the service area.


http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate10.jpg.html

More later

Posted by: dgionet Dec 24 2014, 08:49 AM

Hello again,

Shots from the EL GOWANDA SB Template, servicing the different areas between Buffalo and Gowanda. It took close to 2 1/2 hours to complete. The user will be required to swap the switching to manual to service some sidings, like the Collins Hwy dept siding. Also the signalling will be required to switch to permissive to allow signal crossings in some areas.

For the SB template past Blaidell, the user is expected to meet only one EL AI traffic train. Make sure to save regularly your act, just in case... the NB is still to be done and also one servicing the Gowanda industrial area.

The shots:

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate11.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate12.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate13.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate14.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate15.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate16.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate17.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate18.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate19.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate20.jpg.html

More later

Posted by: dgionet Dec 26 2014, 07:15 PM

Hello to all,

The Gowanda (NB, SB and Industrial) templates are now finished and have done also the Mainline SB from Niagara to the Bison Yards.

For the Gowanda NB, it will be required to follow instructions to clear the signal before exiting the area (see image below)

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/Gowandasignal.jpg.html

Here are shots of the NB to the BSOR Yard

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate21.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate22.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate23.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate24.jpg.html


See next post for some shots from the EL SB mainline

Posted by: dgionet Dec 26 2014, 07:19 PM

The shots from the EL Mainline SB. On that template, only the Colvin Blvd. siding is serviceable between both yards.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate25.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate26.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate27.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate28.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate29.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate30.jpg.html

On the oncoming NB mainline template, the player should be able to have more serviceable sidings between both yards. That will be confirmed once done.

More later

Posted by: dgionet Jan 11 2015, 09:25 PM

Hi to all,

The EL Mainline templates are now finished. The NB and SB templates are runs between Niagara and the Bison Yards while the EB and WB handle rune between the DLW,ERIE,Black Rock Yards and the Bison Yards. At this point, 30 templates have now been done.

Some shots of the activities generated by AG

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate31.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate32.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate33.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate34.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate35.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate36.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/ELTemplate37.jpg.html

EL LOCALS, YARDS templates are still to come and maybe some EL extras may come later.

Will update later.

Posted by: dgionet Jan 21 2015, 06:23 PM

Hello to all,

Just to confirm the EL templates are now finished. There has been 19 templates done for the EL. That brings the current total of templates to 41. For the last Railroad, the Penn Central, it is estimated that between 20 and 25 templates will complete the package. However, the number of paths is expected to be higher since the PC track network exceeds by far the others.

I am currently awaiting for Teemu to send me an update to the route. Unfortunately, he didn't shed any light as for a oncoming date release, not yet. Time will tell.

More later

Posted by: dgionet Feb 3 2015, 02:57 PM

Hello to all,

I am happy to announce that the Buffalo Templates are now finished. A few years ago, when I have first seen this route (the earlier version in 2009), I couldn't imagine possible creating a project with the route. It was too complex for me to have one done. Well today, I am proud this is now behind. Additional years of experience and careful planning made this project possible. Now let's hope to see that oncoming route released soon! (No date release yet - still in testing phaze)

Here are some numbers coming with the template project: 67 templates, 10 different RR's (BCK, NIAJ, SB, B&O, N&W, TH&B, CN, LV, EL and finally the PC), 187 consists, 335 template (ACT,CTP,PRO, SWLACT, SWLTDB) files, 302 path files, 336 service files, 58 traffic files and ... many hours of work. Traffic files are lower since some of the traffic patterns are used by two templates. Each template has been customized to increase performance by removing all regions that were not required in the SWLTDB file while having a reasonable railfill around the player paths. Despite that, the user will have to adjust graphic and sound sliders for lower-end computers. It has been difficult to find the proper balance.

I will resume testing, but on a slower pace since other issues are taking some of my time until everything gets back to normal. Well that's life isn't it?

The readme file is still to be started and this will take time to detail the templates and instructions to run them.

Will update later with pics of some of the activities generated or any route developments.

Posted by: Conductor Chris Feb 3 2015, 09:06 PM

Well this is a significant milestone and accomplishment! Yeah! What a lot you have put into this!
Christopher

Posted by: dgionet Feb 25 2015, 06:43 PM

Hi to all,

Here are some of the first shots of Acts for the PC. They have been done a few weeks ago but have been able to post them only now. Screenshots are taken from acts for the PC Merchants and Williamsville templates.Here I have swapped locos to use BLW GP30's

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate1.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate2.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate3.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate4.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate5.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate6.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate7.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate8.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate9.jpg.html

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/PCTemplate10.jpg.html

Enjoy the shots

Posted by: Train-a-Mania Jul 26 2015, 11:19 AM

Any news on this route and template?

Posted by: dgionet Aug 4 2015, 07:16 PM

Hello to all,

Just to update the route project by Teemu Saukkonen.

Earlier in July, Pete Mulvey (xpdingo) has been able to contact Teemu and he received the following reply about the Buffalo route project:

Hello, it should be ready to be released, but I haven't checked everything
yet. I have had no time during the summer, maybe during the autumn.

Teemu


Thanks Pete for the shared info!

Nick,

The templates have been finished this February. All that remains is on Teemu's side to release the route. For the numbers see post 63.

Thanks


Posted by: dgionet Dec 11 2015, 10:54 AM

Hi to all,

Great news!

Just to confirm that the route has been officially released at Train-Sim this morning.

Before releasing the templates, it will be necessary to check them again, to make sure no changes have been made in the TDB file, making some of the template files unusable.

If some of you are willing to test the templates, let me know.

Thanks

Denis

Posted by: hminky Dec 11 2015, 04:00 PM

Just installed the route and it is really great.

Looking forward to the template.

Thanks
Harold

Posted by: dgionet Dec 13 2015, 06:40 PM

Hello to all,

I have decided to release the route templates as is. There has been a lot of work done already on this project and I do lack some extra time to recheck again the whole template package. I believe there will be minimal changes to the templates. I will count on users to help me if some route paths have been unusable between the latest beta I had (number 865) and the official route release.

I am waiting for Steve to reply before sending him the template package to be uploaded to the templates page.

Pending the availability of this template in the templates page, I will provide a link to our AG users to retrieve themselves the template package. Simply send me a PM and I will send you the OneDrive link to download the set.

This is the image expected to be seen in the templates page once available.

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/Buffalo%20Template%20Image.jpg.html

Will update with any developments.

Posted by: Conductor Chris Dec 14 2015, 11:57 AM

Just wanted to say thank you for all you have put into this template.
Christopher

Posted by: dgionet Dec 17 2015, 06:55 PM

Hi to all,

Steve has contacted me today and I have just sent him the route template to be uploaded to the templates page.

Will confirm once uploaded.

Posted by: dgionet Dec 29 2015, 08:55 AM

Hello to all,

The Buffalo templates are now available to download in the templates page.

I would like to take some time to thank the following concerned:

Teemu Saukkonen ( aka enocell in TS) for this exceptionnal and massive route. I believe this has been quite a challenge to build it and congratulations. Our users will enjoy using the route and its almost endless possibilities.

Pete Mulvey (aka xpdingo) to have given me the privilege to undertake in his place the Buffalo route template project. It has started 3 1/2 years ago and happy this is done now.

Tim Muir, who gave me permission to include with the download the NIAJ 15 electric loco, normally available only at the Elvas Tower site. This will allow a more realistic the use of the NIAJ Templates.

Rick Franzosa, who provided the BLW/ZT Buffalo Mega Pack, exceptionnal by its quantity as well by its quality.

Craig Kawahara, who provided me, at the early stages, the map system draft of the route, which needed to be updated regularly until the recent update. A lot of work there as there were many changes to the route datebase. That helped me to define the 100+ regions that composed the route template system.

Benny, who tested continually with me the templates, giving me some precious suggestions as well to improve the package. A big thanks again Benny.

My apologies to those I may have forgotten.

Again Steve thanks for your constant assistance, also for Activity Generator, which I am still enjoying today after all these years.

To all our AG users: thanks for your interest with the templates, enjoy the templates and happy trainsimming.





Posted by: bandorr2000 Dec 29 2015, 11:59 AM

Thank you Denis. This, along with all the other templates you have done, are very much appreciated. Thank you, and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Posted by: AT RR Jan 1 2016, 05:56 PM

Denis,
Great template, I just finished the many yards SNB 1 and I worked great, I like the way you routed the AI trains around the yard areas and even noticed some AI trains off in the distance when I was doing my final work at PC-Frontier yard, great effects. I'm running the route in OR.
One area I noticed is the names of some of the yards "tracks" have changed in the final release and that some of the yard tracks in the Bethlehem mill area are gone.

The changes were small and I was able to update my old mill template from the Beta version and run some activities.

Can't wait to run some more of your templates great work.

Just an FYI if you get to changing any of the templates there is a great "hot steel" bottle car and a set if "ingot mold" cars at TS File: dv_stc_a.zip that would look good on the hot metal tracks and the teaming tracks for any of the mills on the route.

Thank you for all you work.

Peter

Posted by: dgionet Jan 2 2016, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(AT RR @ Jan 1 2016, 05:56 PM) *
Denis,
Great template, I just finished the many yards SNB 1 and I worked great, I like the way you routed the AI trains around the yard areas and even noticed some AI trains off in the distance when I was doing my final work at PC-Frontier yard, great effects. I'm running the route in OR.
One area I noticed is the names of some of the yards "tracks" have changed in the final release and that some of the yard tracks in the Bethlehem mill area are gone.

The changes were small and I was able to update my old mill template from the Beta version and run some activities.

Can't wait to run some more of your templates great work.

Just an FYI if you get to changing any of the templates there is a great "hot steel" bottle car and a set if "ingot mold" cars at TS File: dv_stc_a.zip that would look good on the hot metal tracks and the teaming tracks for any of the mills on the route.

Thank you for all you work.

Peter


Hi Peter,

Glad you are still enjoying the templates and now Buffalo.

Following your comments, I have taken a look at the Bethlehem steel area to check some of the markers that would be off track and found nothing so far. The latest Beta version I had before its official release was 865. Can you tell me more specifically which ones you have found changes.

Have downloaded the file in question and will be looking up the possibility of updating, not sure though.

Will wait for your reply.

Thanks

Posted by: AT RR Jan 3 2016, 04:48 PM

Denis,
I think the problems I listed was more due to the many changes that have taken from the first beta and the second beta ant the final release, I'm finding that you templates are working fine and some of the errors may be between Craig's maps and the current revision.
As of yet i have not found any "OOPS' yet and will email you if I do.

Peter

Posted by: AT RR Jan 31 2016, 03:04 PM

How do I add pictures from my photo bucket storage?

Thanks in advance,

Peter

Posted by: dgionet Jan 31 2016, 08:24 PM

Hi Peter,

Last year, I have posted how to post screenshots on photobucket.

The link:

http://skylinecomputing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=983

Hope this helps

Thanks

Posted by: AT RR Aug 8 2016, 11:25 AM

I'm having a great time with the route but ran into one snag. On the NIAJ template I can't get the electric locos to work, tried pan up and pan down and get no power.

They also won't run in explore mode. I'm running windows 10 and and open rails.

All my files are in a C: MSTS1 folder, I can run all the desiel power OK. Any help will be apreciated.

No rush as I'm love running the Alcos under the wire.

Thanks
Peter

Posted by: dgionet Aug 12 2016, 06:39 PM

Hi Peter,

I have checked it and found the same issue. Have tried some changes on the ENG file but no success. Have just ran successfully the Little Joes Electrics on the RMD East. So the issue may be related on the NIAJ 15 engine itself. Will try to compare both engines and hope to find the reason for the stall.

Posted by: dgionet Aug 12 2016, 07:36 PM

Hi again Peter,

Found the culprit: have looked at the following ENG file for both NIAJ 15 ENG files and found this ( see line in BLUE):

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJ%2015.jpg.html

Simply change the word Diesel for Electric and this will resolve the issue. Have run successfully the loco with the changes made.

Posted by: AT RR Aug 14 2016, 06:20 PM

QUOTE(dgionet @ Aug 12 2016, 07:36 PM) *
Hi again Peter,

Found the culprit: have looked at the following ENG file for both NIAJ 15 ENG files and found this ( see line in BLUE):

http://s180.photobucket.com/user/dgionet_photo/media/NIAJ%2015.jpg.html

Simply change the word Diesel for Electric and this will resolve the issue. Have run successfully the loco with the changes made.



Denis,

Thanks for the feed back, and the great templates this route has it all. Just an FYI the origional file from ET the engine type call out was correct, you may want to update the file that is in the template download.

Peter

Posted by: AT RR May 22 2020, 07:07 AM

With the virus i'm using my time again for running routes. I have run into a problem with both the pc niagara and the cn niagra templates, both come up with errors for broken paths. I have tried loading the templates to edit them but they wont open, I think my windows 10 pro is too new to work with the old dos the program was written for. Could someone send me some updated templates for this area?


Thanks
Peter

Posted by: dgionet May 22 2020, 06:31 PM

Hi Peter,

Glad to hear that you are still around. I'm still enjoying simming with OR and being watchful for oncoming releases, such as the DAR v3 route, etc

I have checked both templates and found no errors on my side. Myself have windows 10 and it runs OK. Make sure to have the Bin installed. I have multiple mini routes and while installing the Siskiyou route, had some issues with the Activity editor. I found out later that the Bin was not installed. Once done, everything was OK.

I ran Route Riter for the Buffalo route and templates and found nothing either. Let me know if something specific about the issue

Denis




Posted by: ideaman May 23 2020, 04:28 PM

Hi Denis, just curious if the PRR2 was finished yet. Ben quite a while sense the end of February. Greg

Posted by: AT RR May 23 2020, 04:38 PM

Denis,
Thanks for getting back to me, as it turned out I screwed up the PRO file for this template, when I open up the SWTDB file i saw that there were a reg 1, 3,4 reg but in the PRO file there was a EB, 24,4 and WB, 24,3 thinking the yard files were missing I added the reg fro them in the profile and not knowing what reg 25 was i deleted it.

What was reg 25?

I thought something was missing as when i loaded switch list generator there was only one selection for the three where you want to get cars where you want to work and where you want to finish.

I reloaded a fresh version of the act, pro etc and bingo it worked.

I had forgotten that I can select individual tracks to work as the final set out and generated an act and everything went well it took around 4hrs to complete the act.

Thanks again and be safe when you go out its a new world out there.

Peter

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)