Moffat/Rollins

[BigVern]

As I'm getting close to completion of work on my current RW UK effort (estimated release early January) thoughts are turning to the next project, possibly a US prototype.

The one that stands out as a potential crowd pleaser is the D&RGW from Denver out towards Grand Junction. It was my favourite route in TM4 and Don Karch's version in MSTS is one of the best, particularly inclusion of the old Rollins Pass section through Needle's Eye Tunnel etc.

However before starting what could be a fairly intensive project, I wanted to check that no one else is planning on doing this one. Already established on T-S.com that Don has no plans to recreate the route in RW and no one else has popped up as yet to say they're doing it. The last thing we want in an environment where relatively few people are working on routes, is for two developers to be working independently on the same project.

The initial plan for a first release would probably be to build from Tolland or Rollins over and under to Fraser, then see where we go from there. As I say tentative plan at present as a great deal of pre-planning and research required, the other issue being what state the USGS SRTM is in - if it's too "holey" might not be suitable to use in the route.

Let me know what you think, is this a worthwhile project to consider?

[spec5sx]

This is a great idea! You should consider doing it. I think it would really help spur development on this side of the pond to get some new US routes out there.

[ricksan]

Go for it, Vern!

Allow me to suggest you start out on the Plains. Denver would be great, but out closer near where the mountains pop up would also be effective. Between there and the west side of the Moffat tunnel, there aren't too many buildings to worry about--it's mostly wild scenery. Also, for better results try using BIL data vs. SRTM. The data can be found at http://seamless.usgs.gov. There are a number of posts on the various forums that take you through the conversion process.

[BigVern]

The intention is to work in 20 - 25 mile sections (which roughly equates to 8 weeks work), about the most I can go these days before losing interest or getting distracted by other projects. I think that's how Don did his MSTS route, not the whole lot in one go. So I'll be examining which are the best two locations to work between. The ideal would be to start at Arvada and finish at Fraser but that might be a bit ambitious for one hit. I think it's important whichever section I do first, it includes the Moffat Tunnel as that means Stage 2 can be the old route over the pass.

Anyhow I've still got 3 - 4 weeks of work left on my UK route, but I've already started gathering information and pre-planning.

[DRGW Fan09]

So what is the UK US Versions of the Route is it still the Moffat Route.

[BigVern]

So what is the UK US Versions of the Route is it still the Moffat Route.

Sorry, could you word this differently as I don't understand the question? If it's the Moffat route built in the UK, then surely it's still the Moffat route (with whatever compromises I decide to make)...?

Or are you suggesting it would be inappropriate for someone living in the UK to try and recreate a section of US railroad?

[Dan]

I think he is confusing the UK route you are currently working on with the US route you are going to be working on and thinking they are one and the same. (which they aren't).

[BigVern]

Ah, yes, could be.

No worries anyway. I'm certainly very positive about doing this one, running both the TM4 and MSTS version (and no offence to the author of either) I'm sure RW could give a beautiful rendition of the area. As regards indulging my UK interests in the US, it might be hard to resist hooking up a pair of Class 37's to a 12 coach passenger set and seeing how they cope with the 4% climb on the old route!!

[BigVern]

Further to the above, still doing a US route but slightly further west - the Utah Potash route. Early stages as yet but looking positive with some good terrain (courtesy of ReDem) and a reasonable amount of prototype information. I know it's not the most exciting prototype (I believe current operation is one train a week in each direction) but the scenery is good and a relatively easy project to see if I've got what it takes to create a US railroad from 4000 miles away.

In some respects it's also a homage to Trainmaster 4 where I first encountered the route. TM4 kickstarted the whole decent "out the cab" graphics train sim and is 10 years old in 2010. A shame it got nuked by MSTS and to a lesser extent TRS only a few months after release.