How easy............

[Mark]

.... is it to create routes. I can not seem to get my head around it , what is the best way to go? Use a lot of default/payware stuff or try my hand at designing my own, such as stations etc.

I tried to do a quick route before and used an asset from a route I had, teh problems I have is getting the rail to conform properly to sit next to platforms. Its mind boggling to say the least. I know people are able to rattle up routes within a couple of days that are as good if not better than payware releases. without using too many programs ( I tried different ones for use with google maps etc and didnt get anywhere with them) is it easy enough to use the editor and build that way or are those programs needed.

Also is it easier to lay the station platforms and then try and line up the track to it or is it better to lay the track then the platforms. I know scenery etc is the last to add because that is mainly fillers so routes are not bland and boring,

The route I have in mind of doing is roughly 90 miles all in, but it splits at one point and goes in 2 different directions, pretty similar to WCML that splits at Motherwell and heads on to local runs aswell as to Carlisle. I know I wont get near that standard, that was just a comparison for what I want my route to do. If anyone is familiar with it it is actually the Glasgow South West line, that runs to Inverclyde and Ayrshire so splits at Paisley.

Like I said in the muddle up there somewhere I can;t seem to get track to conform properly to stations, and I end up deleting things fast and giving up, Dummies guide and help would be much appreciated guys

Mark

[Kali]

I don't build routes because I'm terrible at track and don't really want to learn, but: track first. You line platforms up by using lofts and the offset tool, it does all the work for you.

Assets wise, if you want to build all your own assets, why not? I'd be quite tempted to.

[gwgardner]

Get your terrain figured out first. Do you want freestyle terrain or real-world? Just getting started, why not try a free-style route first, with imaginary terrain - you can learn the paint and terrain tools while building your own terrain.

Lay the track next. Set a maximum grade, then lay the track to conform to that.

Platforms are just scenery. Place them in relation to the track. You can place static platforms next to your track, or use platform 'lofts,' which are placed like laying track. Use the track-laying 'offset tool' to lay down loft platforms, and they will fit perfectly with your track.

You can do a fabulous route with nothing but default and freeware.

Go for it, experiment.

Oh yeah - save your route to another disk or folder after EVERY editing session. Save often during your editing sessions.

[PapaXpress]

I have created a series of tutorials on my blog about texturing and the environment for a route (see my sig), however you should mess around and experiment first. Get use to the tools before you try anything large ( >50 miles). Remember that this is fun and not work, so go crazy for a spell or two. I learned a lot by letting my 5 year old create a route (it was a fun US/UK/DE route ).

And to restate what GW said. The three golden rules of route creation are: BACKUP, BACKUP, and BACKUP. You will be smacking yourself relentlessly when you hit your first hic-up and can't revert back to a good copy of your work.

[dazzharvey]

I figured out the decal placing and some very basic track laying, been learning to reskin assest thaks to some you tube tuitions, I have 2 routes i'd like to do, ones about 4 miles and 1 is 6 miles, complex track junctions, and picking assests seem to be my problem, i dunno what assests are in each pack and been trying to stay to the freeware packs if i can but find that i might need items from payware packs to finish the job, at the rate im learning im still months away from any kind of completion but once i do them im sure it will take no time to do more,

[Mark]

Get your terrain figured out first. Do you want freestyle terrain or real-world? Just getting started, why not try a free-style route first, with imaginary terrain - you can learn the paint and terrain tools while building your own terrain.

As I said in original post I was planning to build it on an actual real world route ( one I have extensive knowledge on having tavelled it every weekend for 10+ years then as I got older it was around 3 times per week)

Platforms are just scenery. Place them in relation to the track.

I can't do that as the platforms that will be used and tinkered with are freeware assets and for main hib stations they curve a hell of a lot ( I can't get the track to bend as much or as little as the platform) at one point when I tried before I had track span away from the platform and it wouldnt allow me to lay any because it was crossing over the platform asset

You can do a fabulous route with nothing but default and freeware.

Again I noted this in my OP but I know for a fact that I will never be anywhere near those standards. It almost makes me feel ashamed lol

I appreciate the comments and answers. I guess I will just have to experiment a lot when time allows and hope for the best. I will be back in around 2 years with my final creation ( and that there is a serious time frame )

[jpetersjr]

Also, how would you like to make your route available.

If you would like everyone to be able to use your route, even the ones that don't have payware assets I would advise just to stick with the default and freeware assets, leave the payware assets out. Since not everyone owns every route, or can afford to get a route just to use a new route.

If you would like your route to be a route like this, like basically a community friendly route it would be wise to leave out all payware just for this simple fact.

[Mark]

Also, how would you like to make your route available.

If you would like everyone to be able to use your route, even the ones that don't have payware assets I would advise just to stick with the default and freeware assets, leave the payware assets out. Since not everyone owns every route, or can afford to get a route just to use a new route.

If you would like your route to be a route like this, like basically a community friendly route it would be wise to leave out all payware just for this simple fact.

I was thinking along those lines, unfortunately my PS3 has taken control of my life recently so I havent even begun/began ( what is THAT spelling?) to attempt the route. Yes I want it to be a community route, but from a route that starts around the same area there are a lot of assets that are needed thats where the dilemma lies. But I suppose it doesnt have to be prototypical like everyone else. will see how I get on. will check in again in around 5 years when I have it done/nearly done

[dazzharvey]

My ps3 is consuming me aswell, all my friends are on battlefield 3 but i like to spend a few hours playing some missions or watching some of the route creation stuff on youtube

[dazzharvey]

on a similar note, theres a miniture railway running alongside the route im making, i was thinking of putting it in with the route if the assests are available but it might contradict with the time period this route was open, however it might be a nice addiction if its possible for a modern day scenario as the main line on that part of the route is is still in use :)

[Mark]

having spent nearly 2 weeks on the route and got absoloutely no where , I have decided to scrap the idea of the building altogether until it is more clear to me. Now I guess I am stuck waiting to see if the route will ever be made by anyone else