Hi to all,

Following Saluda's release at TS yesterday, I had a closer look at the route configuration and sidings and it looks an ideal candidate for a future template. Maybe not the quantity of some larger routes like Cajon NEC4  but enough sidings to keep the simmer busy. It will be even more challenging with its grades along the route and Saluda's grueling grades. Despite the absence yesterday of Scaleroad's missing textures ( have downloaded them today at TS) I was able to run last night the 4-5% grade between Saluda and Melrose. It will be a very challenging section of track to climb or go downhill. Bringing up, for example 3 cuts of 20 cars from Melrose and reassembling them at Saluda, refered as the Saluda Triple is an aspect of challenging the hill like I have not seen elsewhere in the US rail system. I believe more exciting aspects of the route are yet to be discovered.

If nobody else has considered creating it, I am willing to go ahead with its construction.

Denis

dgionet2007-6-27 12:55:28

Denis, it is all yours.  Have at it!

Hi to all,

Just some feedback about the construction of the future Saluda Template. The Eastbound template is now finished. It has about 85 sidings to service. Runaround sidings will allow some usually non serviceable sidings to be worked because the player engines will be able to switch from the front to the back of the cars to be serviced.  MSTS bin will be an definitive asset in  servicing such areas.

Seven downloads only will be necessary; six from TS.com. the other one is MLT's Norfolk Southern engine pack (payware). However out of the six engines included in the pack only three of the six engines will be used (C39-8, sd60 and sd40-2's) to allow those without the payware minimal change of engines to their personal requirements. For those with Activity Master, it will be an easy task in changing engines.

Each side of the Saluda grade (at Melrose and Saluda) will have two helper engines (as loose consists) available to assist the engineer in case he finds that he (or she) has insufficient power or dynamic braking to proceed ahead with his load along the 4.7%+ Saluda grade. It would be advisable to save the activity a few miles before reaching both ends of the grade in case you end having a runaway train down the tracks. If this occurs load again the saved activity , use the helper engines, then proceed ahead with the additional helpers and resume the act.

Some AI traffic will be part of the template and shouldn't cause any interference with the switching. They were put at strategic points and precise timing has been set to simulate in some cases a short wait for an oncoming train (like in Hendersonville). Multiple paths have been created for those who wish a shorter act to do.

The WB template has been already started and is progressing well. I hope to be able to submit the complete template to Steve in about a week.

Denis

dgionet2007-7-6 19:30:14

Denis,

This is great -- thanks for your contribution to our hobby!

Cheers,

Steve

Hi everybody,

Just to tell that the Saluda template is now finished and has been been sent to Steve for approval before uploading. Its completion was faster than anticipated. So those who like the route will enjoy the oncoming template.

Denis

Hi to all,

The template is is now posted.

Enjoy

Denis