Is there any chance that someone might cobble together a template for the Kingsport sub? I'd love to be able to run around from Elkhorn City to Erwin with some of the stuff (i.e. the 3DT set and the various DW CSXT units) that've been there over the years.

Pushing my luck even farther, would it be asking too much to have duplicate templates that reflected a more historical focus (i.e. during the Clinchfield days) and the more modern CSX period?

Thanks in advance!

Can you tell me a little more about this route?  Is it available on train-sim.com?  Freeware or Payware?

Thanks,

Steve

Unless there is a new version since last year, it is not possible to make a template for this route.  The route designer did not set up the tracks correctly in that each industry has a siding length of essentially 0 meters, which means that you cannot place rail cars for pick up nor set out.

When designing a route, a designer must not only mark an industry (and yard) track with a name, but must spread the markers over the practical length of the track in order to have room cars.  [Yes, the track has physical room, but the name and markers set the parameters for MSTS, not the physical track.]  Many route designers forget to do this.  If this is not done, then the track is unusable in switching activity and template design.

Good point Norm.  I didn't realize this route was set up this way.  To clarify further, if the siding markers don't have room for any cars (or, only one car) it not only prevents us from creating an Activity Generator template, but it also prevents folks from creating switching activities, limiting the activities to run-throughs.

NW_611, if you know the route author and can get his/her permission for us to change the siding lengths we could look at issuing a patch, as we've done with some other routes like Hamilton-Norfolk and Frisco Ft. Smith, that changes some or all of the siding marker lengths.  This would help not only with Activity Generator templates but also with those wanting to create normal "scripted" activities involving switching.

Thanks,

Steve

I sent him a message asking for permission; hopefully he'll give it. I think that he's generally favorable towards such things, so perhaps we'll know soon.

Thanks!

Yes!  I heard from him and not only will he let me do it but he was interested in how to set up routes for better switching activity creation.

I can't promise how soon I'll get to this though, I'm pretty swamped right now with my regular job.

Thanks,

Steve