The Story
Ever since I started downloading Trolca's train mods, I have been intensely interested in creating my own in order to fill in the gaps that Trolca left. Over Christmas, I finally grabbed up the opportunity and started work on my own set of unique train skins (I'm using models by Trolca and a few other SC4 community members). Any of you who have seen my CJ on SimTrop are probably aware that I love trains, and that's what I've been busy working on over the past month.
I don't have any set, specific goals other than my own enjoyment (and possibly the eventual release of a few things here and there), but I'd like some feedback on what I've done, since I don't always spot the errors in my own work.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg262.imageshack.us%2Fimg262%2F3540%2Fmas11qi.jpg&hash=691466eeb8057569070e8cdbddb2816cecb9ab07)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg262.imageshack.us%2Fimg262%2F3240%2Fmas23mz.jpg&hash=b52e1d6249c88f68ddf9d045169050d7967d6b8d)
This is project #1, a Union Pacific SD40-2. The model is by Trolca, the paint is my own. As you can see, it's a work that is far from complete.
To-Do list
1. Change color of the catwalks
2. Bring out the details on the sides of the engine body
3. Get rid of the gray around the exhaust vents
4. Get unique automata group/range to avoid any conflicts with existing automata.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F6007%2Fmas31pj.jpg&hash=1290a2c2ebfcaefdace129f732f6de0b107b7658)
I'd like some constructive criticism/feedback. Let me know what you think.
Hello Meinhosen!
From what I can see it looks great ... :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Just one question: Any chance to get rid of that silly red American? I mean I like steam trains (well, like is not the right word ... love them since I saw the last steam engines in West Germany in my childhood) but a more modern one like a Mikado or the German Kriegslok 52 (had been build more then 6600 times and used all over Europe - the last machines quit service at the end of the eighties in East Germany, Romania, Poland and Turkey...)
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Hello Bernhard
The first thing that I saw is the number one thing on your to do list. The mass of gray on the cat walks. I don't see anything else. I like the muted color scheme. I did take note of your labeling of the rail lines as Union Pacific. I've given names to streets but had never thought of giving names to the rail lines.
Meinhosen,
Besides the remarks you have noted yourself I don't see anything obvious out of order with this engine. Like you I am an avid railroads fan ( have my own Trainz topic here on SC4D ) and will wait in great anticipation what more you will show us ... keep it up!!
Does anyone know where I can request a unique series of automata IDs?
I've searched left and right on ST and PEG's site- and I'm coming up blank.
Nardo, jmyers, and Serkanner - Thanks for the comments! Once I can get my hands on a unique ID for it, it ought to be ready to go.
To-Do list
1. Change color of the catwalks
2. Bring out the details on the sides of the engine body Failed, so far
3. Get rid of the gray around the exhaust vents
4. Get unique automata group/range to avoid any conflicts with existing automata.
5. Try adding texture to catwalks
6. Add some exhaust and grime to add a "weathered" look.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg261.imageshack.us%2Fimg261%2F9356%2Fmas4qh7.jpg&hash=24a51760e4e5ffc27693e60c5a9eebaa9b048deb)
QuoteDoes anyone know where I can request a unique series of automata IDs?
I think that is a BarbyW or Swamper77 question or an Andreas. Swamper is the transportation guru. He is still around but not as active as he once was due to a job change. Send them a PM with a link to this thread. That's what I'd do. Good Luck
very nice. i think if you can get those remaing steps of things to do done, then it will be perfect. i'd say it's the little things like this that make the game that much better.
Well folks, the UP diesel is packaged and still awaiting a unique ID.
Next on the list of stuff:
1. Illinois Central SD40-2
2. Chicago & Northwestern SD40-2 (see a pattern ;) )
3. Unveil a series of transit-enabled, automata-generating lots (based off the European one's Mikeseith released on the STEX last year, and based off the North American edits (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17000) I made to them in a re-release).
Here's the preview of the traffic lots:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg402.imageshack.us%2Fimg402%2F4995%2Fmas6cg6.jpg&hash=61667d568be61ea8936db09dfdbc350470dc628c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg185.imageshack.us%2Fimg185%2F9815%2Fmas7ij7.jpg&hash=45b14e419af221c1b3db6a7a522c1547d7ca4368)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg402.imageshack.us%2Fimg402%2F9914%2Fmas8bh7.jpg&hash=5205ae99de989b4f585b1f33cb7a1fbf7fccb6b4)
So far, I have the heavy traffic-generating lots done and awaiting a bit of tweaking.
To-Do List
1. Hiway generators, elevated and ground
2. Find better textures for the road lots
3. Work on a custom menu icon for the series.
4. Find some willing victims testers to make sure these don't have any conflicts or create problems.
Your thoughts, input, and improvements are always appreciated. :)
Interesting concept Meinhosen. That is some pretty kool stuff.
---Gaston
your doing a wonderful job. and the union pacific train is outstanding. hopefully you can get your id soon. and I'm sure you won't have a problem finding the "victims" you need for your experiment. :thumbsup:
See the attachment to this post if you're interested in seeing how the UP engine looks in your game.
If you download it and see it, give me some constructive feedback.
I'll be tweaking the traffic lots and posting those for testing soon, keep your eyes peeled. :)
Nice to see other do automata.
Have collected a lot of different articles on Automata modding in a google notebook (http://www.google.com/notebook/public/16879114851603482002/BDRwLSwoQqJWg7LYh). Its a bit of a mess, but its all what I have found on the subject.
I know this doesn't fall under the category of Automata or Modding, but I cooked this up this afternoon. It's based off of the BSC Park system, particularly the "Rose Walk" Park with a small SG Pond added in.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg260.imageshack.us%2Fimg260%2F7669%2Fpondrosepark1yy1.jpg&hash=63768d3fa6a164be3c399bd7b17f1b6c77536509)
Here's from another angle.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg300.imageshack.us%2Fimg300%2F6067%2Fpondrosepark2cb2.jpg&hash=aa25e2173af487c412e8429bb647af814103f3ba)
I even managed to include the yellow placement arrows, which is my own personal triumph for the day. &idea
A spiffy looking park. The gazebo, flowers, and pond all work well together.
Very nice park Meinhosen. I really like the pond included in it. It has a very quiet feel about it. I'd say it would fit in nicely in any suburban area.
---Gaston
How about truck-generators? Or a car/truck mix generator lot. That would be very realistic for highways.
i look forward to the release of those traffic generator lots they would do good in gotham
Quote from: metasmurf
How about truck-generators? Or a car/truck mix generator lot. That would be very realistic for highways.
Metasmurf - about a year ago Swamper wrote a series of truck and train generating scripts for a group of lots by Cogeo. I'm still playing around with the foundation laid by Swamper to have a dual lot (one that makes cars and trucks). Once I figure it out (read: make it work properly), I'll post the results here.
Quote from: derek_pearce
i look forward to the release of those traffic generator lots they would do good in gotham
Derek - last year I made a couple of non-traffic enabled automata-generating lots. They're not perfect, but they work. You can get them off the STEX here: [ linkie (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17000) ]
More on this will be posted later on the weekend. :)
Meinhosen,
If you need a hand with the scripting, just ask me. I have several methods of being contacted <---
-Jan
Meinhosen,
I see you are capable of making train automata.
I have an idea/proposal (but not "request"): could you make something to get rid of that awful, little green "Track Checker" unit. I know Andreas Roth has made a mod that removes it completely, but I have a different idea, it could be replaced by a small "Track Maintenance" unit, you know, these small rail cabs used to transfer staff and tools. A yellow colour is quite common, while dark green, blue and red ones are also in use. Here are some links:
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/it/work/misc/1098-v-mt.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/it/work/misc/g-lecco-jp.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/it/work/misc/Trev-work-mt.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/it/work/misc/C04.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/work/draisine/DU50/DU_50_4_021.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/de/work/misc/Indusi-Messwagen.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/dmu/UK96003.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/OTP/hct/hct021.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/coach/OHLM/sb-47759-serco-v-strat-47jp.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/misc/serco-works-unit-from-HST01.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/20040216.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/DSCF2520.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/tvgnh-1286_su_2.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/tvgnh-1286_su_1.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/rh_eg.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/tvgnh-1235-m_tp_1.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_maintenance/TVGnh-1329_Nyiregyhaza.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gr/work/DR41.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gr/work/F1030004.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gr/work/MB352.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/coach/OHLM/sb-47759-serco-v-strat-47jp.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/OTP/misc/HLB-worksunit-01.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/work/OTP/misc/HLB-worksunit-03.jpg
As you can see, there are many pics and styles to choose amongst, if you decide to do this. I would say rather opt for a small one.
Instead SC4 rather has a model like this (http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/hu/work/track_inspection/S04-001_Felsotarkany.jpg), lol.
Many more links can be found at http://www.railfaneurope.net.
Maybe you could do one basic model and just change the texture colour only, to add some variety. I don't know if it is possible only to replace the original exemplar or instead make multiple (well, four) exemplars that will be displayed randomly.
As an alternative you could consider making instead small engines (shunters), it is quite realistic to see shunters running alone around stations or railyards. Loads of pics can be found on the above site.
I think this is something you should consider, the vast majority of players don't really like (I would dare to say they hate) the default inspection car, as it's really awful. I can't make any estimation about downloads, but I'm sure they will appreciate it very much.
All the Best
You're doing a good job here.
Can I suggest, however, that you make the automata generating lots have "no wealth level" (I think it's 0x00 in Wealth Level)? I don't like the appearance of the R$$$ texture, IMO, and it'd be better.
;D Your doing just what I need, Traffic Gen lots in street, and you even used the pavement textures and not the stupid white maxis one? Your a saint!
I'm curious to know if the same concept applied to traffic generating lots can work for trains also? And if it is indeed possible, could it possibly be controlled? For example, having 2 or 3 separate rail traffic generating lots that generate specific automa; 1 maybe for a shortline railroad, and when plopped next to a rail line (or on it) it would spawn a shortline company with only a few rail cars to simulate such operations. Then you have a coupe more tiles that spawn class 1 railroad companies, allowing you to realistically recreate different rail companies in your cities. If it is possible, I would definitely be willing to help (BAT, modding, whatever it takes). I believe it is quite a fine idea if it is possible.
Just thought i would share that idea, amongst your excellent work so far on this thread :thumbsup:
Quote from: Frankie
I'm curious to know if the same concept applied to traffic generating lots can work for trains also?
Yes, it is very possible. I've been experimenting with just such a concept (and it's worked like a champ).
To answer your question with a bit of depth, in 2006 cogeo released a series of warehouse lots that contained a freight train/truck generator (made, of course, by Swamper). I copied Swamper's file and used the ID for the generator on several other RR lots. It does indeed work to generate rail traffic.
Quote from: Frankie
And if it is indeed possible, could it possibly be controlled? For example, having 2 or 3 separate rail traffic generating lots that generate specific automa; 1 maybe for a shortline railroad, and when plopped next to a rail line (or on it) it would spawn a shortline company with only a few rail cars to simulate such operations. Then you have a coupe more tiles that spawn class 1 railroad companies, allowing you to realistically recreate different rail companies in your cities.
Could it be controlled? I haven't found a way to do this yet, save having separate folders that can be swapped in and out of a plugins folder prior to starting SC4. But, now that you mention it, it might be possible to do some scripting within the game and identify certain engines/RR companies with specific occupant groups, and then create a spawn script for those particular groups. This would be similar to the Euro Vehicles/Euro traffic generator that Mikeseith made. I'm not sure about train length- as far as I know there's only a global controller for train length. But, when you think about it, a train with 16-25 cars is pretty long in-game and should work well for both American Class 1's as well as short-lines.
Quote from: Frankie
If it is possible, I would definitely be willing to help (BAT, modding, whatever it takes). I believe it is quite a fine idea if it is possible.
This shouldn't be too hard, but it's going to require a lot of modding. Give me some time to see if I can play around with it.
If you're still interested, I can post a zip file of what I've done so you can play with a freight train generator.
Quote from: meinhosen on April 29, 2007, 11:25:09 AM
I'm not sure about train length- as far as I know there's only a global controller for train length. But, when you think about it, a train with 16-25 cars is pretty long in-game and should work well for both American Class 1's as well as short-lines.
This shouldn't be too hard, but it's going to require a lot of modding. Give me some time to see if I can play around with it.
If you're still interested, I can post a zip file of what I've done so you can play with a freight train generator.
Train length can be modded, it's part of the NAM automa dat (I think) I once tampered with it, but I got no where..I have absolutely no modding skills..I have tried..but it just makes no sense to me most of the time. But, I am definitely interested in this project, and would even like to help to the best of my ability. I wanted to re-skin the BNSF locomotive by I-photon (my favorite locomotive replacement) with Norfolk Southern textures...and the GP38-2 with a shortline railroad skin. (of G&O railways, a large group of shortlines located in several deep south states, and beyond). Further, I was going to take the Burlington Northern covered hopper and change it to a grey, privately owned hopper car, you know, just little things like that. I'm going to experiment some more and figure this modding thing out, in the meantime I wish you luck with your part :thumbsup:
EDIT: here's what i was talking about:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi91.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk294%2FFrankie_117%2Fns9025.jpg&hash=9e20e05e1f28007a6f86a3f5fdb9103ff009de7f)
and the shortline:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi91.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk294%2FFrankie_117%2FGO2391.jpg&hash=7a5f972a791c488d61ee3db2d7ebc56d6a646572)
Ah, reskinning automata... I can do that. I've been trying to re-skin i-photon's engine for a while... NS is one of the names on my To-Do list.
If you want a G&O GP-38, give me a few days to get some concept pics and then post it up here.
Just to prove that I'm still *somewhat* active in this, here's something I've been working on over the past few days:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg262.imageshack.us%2Fimg262%2F7486%2Fmas9vx6.jpg&hash=eda252b48d3f1384e66c88fbc20fa158be0d2009)
A Chicago & Northwestern RR locomotive... again using one of Trolca's models as a base. The paint needs just a bit of tweaking and then it'll be posted up here (and possibly on ST also).
Also keep your eyes open for an updated version of the traffic generating lots... I know that Badsim has a Euro version out, and I'll have an American version out soon.
Thanks for your interest.
I just stumbled across this. Excellently done. I will certainly be looking forward to the train generator lot. Please, keep us apprised of new developments.
C&N unit looks great and out of the "routine"..
WRT the trackchecker, I have seen that done once to look like a truck (HERE (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=171.msg261382#msg261382) Reply #386 by Swamper77)with "dropdown" rail wheels.. not an uncommon item in the USA.. the rubber wheels actually drive the unit via friction but it is guided by the 4 flanged wheels..
Wrt Cogeo's pics, I LOVE this one.. would be fantastic trackchecker.. absolutely stunning.. but I expect impossible due to the little "trailer cars" *sigh* I don't think you'd ever see anything like that in the USA, as the modern ones are custom made and multifuntional.. still.. hehe
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railfaneurope.net%2Fpix%2Fhu%2Fwork%2Ftrack_maintenance%2FTVGnh-1329_Nyiregyhaza.jpg&hash=be4fdf2e268d23c984c2170b147690bf572ca7c7)
First time I've seen this thread.. love your work
Please, don't bump old threads. This one is over two years old, so don't expect anything soon.
Are these available in the LEX?