| Archive for silversurfers.myfreeforum.org The Premier Forum for the Over Fifties! |
| Sandie Seward |
Virtual Railway Modelling.Another favourite hobby of mine, is 'Virtual Railway Modelling'. This differs from Railway Modelling in that my railway excists only on the Harddrive of my computer, and not in actual model form. I do not have the space or money to build a 'real' model layout, so, instead, I chose to go for Virtual Modelling. There are a couple of really excellent Railway Simulations around, my favourite was originally developed and marketed by an Austrailian Software company called 'Auran'. Under the 'Trainz' tradename. However, since the first version was released over four years ago, it has developed into a Worldwide Hobby for literally thousands of people. Much of the content is produced by 'Independant Content Creators', and is available freely on Aurans 'Download Station. However, to access it, you have to become a Registered User. There are also quite a few other Creators who have developed 'Payware' content, over and above what is available on the Download Station. Like any hobby, Trainz is worth spending money on. Since I first discovered it almost four years ago, my computer system has been upgraded many times with state-of-the-art Graphics Cards, Memory, Larger Hardrives ect. until I now use a system capable of running the very demanding simulation properly.Believe me, if you love railways, you will love 'Trainz'. 
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| Ken R |
A true icon of the industrial age Admin, thank God he didn't know when to stop ! As well as the railways, he turned his hand to shipbuilding,tunnel building,bridge building and host of other things as well 
Will we ever see his like again ? I very much doubt it. |
| Sandie Seward |
Just thought I'd post an update on my Virtual Railways world. In between my online work with Forums and Research, I have been spending a lot of time with my Virtual Trainset!
I am now running a reproduction layout of the West Somerset Railway, but set back in 1952 when British Railways was running it. This gives me a lot of scope to run most of my favourite GWR. steam locos complete with rakes of GWR/Early B.R. coaches, and non-fitted freight trains. Lots of shunting at wayside stations, and Summer Saturday passenger trains to Butlins Holiday Camp at Minehead! I am now looking into starting an early GWR Broadgauge layout. No cars, just horse-drawn waggons, men in top hats, and old cottages, horses, sheep, and cattle, and of course, those marvellous old Broad Gauge trains. I shall be starting to build my virtual 19th century world soon, so, naturally this has meant a lot of time researching the net and my own library of railway books. I hope to have my first trains running by Christmas. |
| marieann |
I don't understand what you mean admin. Do you mean that you have pictures of different sets like the one on the first posting? |
| Sandie Seward |
Marie, let me try to explain things for you. A Virtual Railway Sim is a programme written for computers, (just like any game programme), that allows you to 'bring to life' different types of trains and scenary. You can 'run' your own railway system on your computer. You firstly buy the Simulation, and as you go on you can add many different downloaded items to the basic programme. For instance, I now have almost 9gb. of Railway items on my hardrive. These include many different locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, cars, roads, trees, people, animals, that are compatable with the initial programme.
Once you've got the knack, you can use these items to build your own virtual railway. It can be of any timescale, any country, older type steam engines, or modern Channel Tunnel trains. It does help, however, if you have a knowledge of railways, how they operate, and of course, you have to be fairly computer literate to get the most from it. Can I direct you to the main 'TRAINZ' website, where it will show you the sim, and goes into more detail?www.auran.com/trainz |
| marieann |
Thank you I understand that. It must be the same concept as Sims programmes. I couldn't understand why they were so popular. I may try sims now. |
| Sandie Seward |
Sims, are, exactly what they say. They are real life 'simulations' as opposed to 'games'. I have been doing a lot more to my new Broadgauge layout today, and now have enough track laid to run my first train over it. It's a Branchline set somewhere in Cornwall circa 1890, and I'm really having fun placing the horses and waggons in place. I have to keep reminding myself that the period I'm now working with is over 115 years ago, when things were very different. No proper made up roads, no modern buildings, and most certainly no cars.
It's a good job that I know a bit about Social History, otherwise there would be glaring anomalies everywhere. It is difficult though to get everything exact, so, naturally, I am using 'modellers' licence' just a little. I will try and post some screenshots of my world when ready. |
| Sandie Seward |
GWR Motor.This is a 'screenshot' from my GWR Standard gauge layout. It shows a GWR 'Motortrain' just arrived at Norton Fitzwarren, with passengers waiting to board it for the shuttle back to Taunton.I will post some more pictures later on, hopefully, because I don't find taking 'screenshots' very easy to do. 
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| Sandie Seward |
Well, I now have some Broadgauge Trains operating on my new layout. It is set somewhere in North Cornwall circa 1890, (two years before all the system was converted to Narrow, or Standard Gauge.)
I've got two old B.G. loco's so far, 'Firefly', and a later Gooch 'Single', "Bulkely." Along with some four wheeled coaches, and some old wagons. I'm spending a lot of time on the scenic effects with this one, as it's not just about the Railway, but I'm aiming to create a virtual world of that era. |
| Sandie Seward |
Here's an early photo of 'Bulkely', taken from the archives.
As you can see, the old Broadgauge loco's looked rather different to the Standard Gauge ones we all became familiar with. 
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| Sandie Seward |
A further update on the world of Virtual Railway Modelling.
The Broad Gauge layout has been 'converted' into a 'Mixed Gauge' layout. This gives much more operating scope, and helps to sustain interest. Both types of trains can now be used, which makes for a very interesting and varied scene. I have upshifted the time scale slightly to the year 1891. The GWR were running both types of train by then, and only a very few branchlines still remained 100% Broadgauge. Still no cars or lorries, everything was still horse-drawn, and the roads were still not paved. When you model this era, it's astounding just how much our transport network progressed during the last century. My other main route is of Cornwall, from Plymouth to Penzance. This is set in the early sixties, and again, it gives one great operating scope. Original GWR steam locos, vied for dominance with the early types of Diesel traction like Class 52's, (Westerns), Class 50's, (Warships), and early Diesel Multiple Units. (DMU's). Mark One coaches mingled with earlier ex GWR/Southern types, and non-fitted freight trains were the standard type of frieght. Semaphore signals were still almost totally dominent, although some early coloured light signals were in place, (if not in use yet.) Coach colours varied from Crimson and Cream, a.k.a. "Blood and Custard," to B.R. /Midland Maroon or Crimson Lake. The GWR "Chocolate and Cream" were still much in evidence, as was the S.R. Malachite Green. No sign of any Blue/Grey British Rail stock, (that was at least five years in the future.) 
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| Sandie Seward |
A further update on the Cornish route. I have now reached Falmouth, and, have added a ficticious town of my own called Pendennis. Now, before some Geographical cleaver-clogs jumps up and says, "But there is a place called Pendennis near Falmouth", let me explain what I've done. In reality, this branch ends at Falmouth Docks, but I decieded to place my ficticious town further down the line.
I still have to reach Penzance yet, but as this is the Main Line, it's taking somewhat longer to build and populate. Will keep you all posted on developements. 
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| Sandie Seward |
I have now reached Truro, where there was a busy Steam Shed and goods yard. The City itself is on a hill and the railway runs alongside the hill. I have built the town and placed the Cathedral in situ, also the mainline station. There is now a junction off towards Penzance which will be the end of the line. About another thirty miles to go, (in 1/1 scale), so I estimate that this final section of the line will be open for traffic around May this year.
Besides this line, I'm still working on my Broad Gauge line, which is held up slightly, awaiting new locos and rolling stock, also some passengers in period costume, to fit in with the overall scenario. 
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| Sandie Seward |
Time for a further update. The GWR Mixed Gauge layout is coming along well, I now have more Locomotives and Passenger coaches, including the first "bogie" stock, but still no corridors yet.
I've put in place some "animated" cows that move their heads and swish their tails. These look really good as you see them in the fields watching the trains go by. I have a Blacksmiths Forge, with carthorses and old farm tools scattered around. The smoke from the forge issues up through the chimney, and you can hear the sounds of hammering and metal clashing if you listen carefully. I've now got "surround sound" speakers on my computer, and have bought a surround sound Sound Card for it, which Lou will fit when she gets time. Recently, however, I've got somewhat sidetracked, (no pun intended), and I'm running another layout at the opposite end of the country. It's set in Scotland and it's the main line from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban and Inverness, and it takes you through some wonderful virtual scenary, lochs, mountains, and little wayside Halts in the middle of nowhere. Great fun!
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| Sandie Seward |
Time for a further update on my Virtual Railways. The Cornish main line hasn't progressed any further, as I am still searching for an old Ordnance Survey map of that area to work with.
I've been amusing myself with the Minehead line, (now known as The West Somerset Railway). I've set this around 1951 (ish), when it was under British Railways control. Makes for very interesting operating. Cattle, Milk, Parcels, and General Goods were very much in evidence. Most of the stations had their own Cattle Docks and General Goods sheds. I have used "Modellers Licence" to install a single track from Watchet to a quarry hidden in the hills. This line, is freight only now, although it did have a token passenger service which closed over twenty years ealier, therefore the small Halts along the line are still in situ but very much overgrown with weeds, flowers, and long grass. The line itself is rusty and partly overgrown too, although it still has around three or four trains per week. Sadly, the Quarry is on the verge of closure, then what's left of the line will revert to Nature again. Minehead is still very busy with Holiday Camp (Butlins) Specials, plenty of freight and a large cattle loading area. You would be amazed at how relaxing I find this hobby, just the thing to help you unwind after a busy and tireing day.
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| Sandie Seward |
Well, it's been a while since a Trainz update. Whilst I've been busy online with other projects, I have still managed to make time for my favourite Sim.
I recently downloaded a Trolleybus Layout, based in the City of Nottingham. Makes a change from running trains actually, and it's good fun. Question, just why did local authorities ever get rid of trolleybuses? They were quick, quiet, and non-polluting, they would have been an idea form of people-mover in congested and fume-ridden cities. Any suggestions? I can remember riding on the Bournemouth trolleys many years ago, they were great, brilliant colour too, a bright yellow! I've put the Broad Gauge layout on a temporary "hold" until I can find more time to work on it. I have tried to post some more screenshots of my layouts, but for some reason the pictures show in a different format which isn't compatable with this forums picture hosting service. Never mind, I shall keep trying. |
| Sandie Seward |
Here are some Screenshots from my Trainz Simulator as promised. They show two very different parts of the country, West Somerset, And East Kent. Hope you like them.
I had to resize the photos and reformat the them into jpeg mode before I could post them here. It took a bit of time, but using my new Image Software programme, (BIMP), I did it quite successfully I feel.
Your comments would be most welcome. 
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| Sandie Seward |
Here are some pics of my Broad Gauge railway as promised. I still have a great deal of work to do on this one, but I feel that these are worthy of public showing. This layout is set in North Cornwall circa 1890.
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| Sandie Seward |
Wow! Four months since I last updated this thread. Doesn't time go quickly?
To bring you all up to date with what's been happening in the wonderful world of Trainz. I have recently been running a version of the "Severn Valley" Railway, from Kidderminster to Bridgenorth. This layout is right up to date set in 2007, and because it's actually a Heritage Railway in real life, it gives me a lot of scope to run a variety of locos and rolling stock that would never have been used on that line when it was still under British Railways ownership. Besides this, I have also been adding touches and improving my Exeter layout. I have re-instated the Teighn Valley line (Exeter to Heathfield, and on to Newton Abbot.). I have set this around the late fifties, (It was actually closed to passenger traffic in 1958) before Doctor Beeching got his grubby hands on the purse strings! This line was actually closed by British Railways itself. I have always thought it to be a shame, because the line was an alternative to the coastal route that runs along the seawall via Dawlish. So, as you can see, I am still finding time to enjoy my virtual railways, although it's getting harder to find the time due to being very busy with my other online commitments.
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| Sandie Seward |
I've been trying to find the time to continue with my Virtual Railway modelling inbetween other projects, and cleaning, cooking, and bottle-washing.
I now have a very passable reproduction of the Minehead line circa 1890. Yes, it's back to the Broad Gauge again for this layout, it's the full distance from Taunton to Minehead, (around 25 miles). Set in the last decade of the 19th century, again, no motor vehicles, just horses and carts and wagons. I have been putting the finishing touches to Blue Anchor this evening, complete with sound effects of seagulls, waves, and other rural sounds. You really wouldn't believe just how relaxing this project can be. I can "lose" myself in it for a couple of hours at a time, and it's hard, sometimes to come back to the modern world. Oh for a Time Machine!!! Once it's all done, I'll post some more screen shots of it for you to enjoy. |
| Sandie Seward |
Trainz Update, number ??? oh, does it really matter?
Well, having used "Modellers Licence" for some of the other layouts, I decieded that I could take it one step further, and on the Severn Vally line, I have built an extension to Buildwas, via Ironbridge and Coalport. Whilst in reality, this would now never happen due to financial and Land Ownership problems, (the poor Severn Valley Railway is struggling to get it's full operating length back into use, after the Summer Floods caused so many problems for them.) Thankfully, in the World of Virtual Railways, I have no such constraints, and now there is a continuous run between Kidderminster and Buildwas, a distance of about fourty miles. However, even on virtual railways, virtual engineers come across almost insurmountable difficulties, one being that the Main Station at Coalport is impossible to access from the Severn Vally line. To overcome this, I have built a new, smaller station at Coalport, about a mile distant from the ex-British Railways one. So in my world, a town which now has no rail access in real life, now has Two stations! The SVR now has "Running Rights" over the ex British Rail line as far as Buildwas, where it rejoins the main line. I'll keep you all posted as to future developements.
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| browneyes |
iv just found the pics of your model railway Sandie,i thought they were real or have i got it wrong?If it is a model its a bloody good one
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| Sandie Seward |
Browneyes, it isn't a "model" railway in the sense of the word, but neither is it "real".
As I thought I'd explained in a very early post on this thread, it is actually a "Virtual" railway. Originally it came with a Railway Simulation programme called "Trainz". (I have posted the main link to the site previously). It is a Simulation of many different railway routes that only excsist on the hard drive of my computer, (although I do frequent back-ups, and copy all the content to DVD) in case the hard drive fails. I have been running this programme for almost five years now, and it has built into a massive database of different loco's, rolling stock, routes, buildings, vehicles, in fact everything required to create a complete virtual world. It's a world that I spend a lot of time in, as I find it now to be my main hobby. In all my years around computers, this was the ONLY time a Software programme has held my interest for so long. To get the best from it, you do need a "high-end" system, (mine has been upgraded many times during the past three years or so just to be able to run the Simulation with all it's added-on content, properly.) Browneyes, I hope this helps to explain things for you. Remembers, it is just a Simulation, and not a model. |
| browneyes |
ooooooooooooh im with you now isnt it good tho and what an interesting hobby iv never seen anything like it befor
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| Sandie Seward |
Imagination based strongly on reality is the keyword here, Browneyes. The only problem being, it is so time-consuming, and lately I have been finding that a lot of my time on the computer has been taken up with my Online Journalism, writing for my Newsvine column. |
| Sandie Seward |
Just another little update on my Trainz Virtual Railway hobby.
As I have already stated in a previous post, my time spent with my Trainz has been drastically curtailed due to my other Online activities, lately. I did, however, manage to spend a couple of hours on it yesterday afternoon, and downloaded a new Route from the Download Station. This is of the short Cornish Branch Line to Looe. The scenic qualities are very well modelled by the Route Builder, and although the line itself is not very long, as you drive your train down to Looe, it's possible to see the river running alongside the line, slowly widening until it reaches the sea. The line only has a top speed limit of 30m.p.h. which gives you ample time to enjoy the scenary. I am running a DMU Class 101 along it, although I am not sure of the type of train currently using this line. |
| Sandie Seward |
I needed a "rest" from Hard News yesterday, so in between trying to get my car sorted out, (it requires some welding for the MOT), I spent a lot of time on my "Trainz" hobby.
I've been really doing some extensive running on a Route centered around the "North Yorkshire Moors" railway. I deceided that, using my Railway Clearing House route maps from 1904, I would extend operations. In reality, that very scenic but little used line along the North Sea Coast from Middlesborough to Scarborough has long been removed, (even pre Beeching), but on my Yorkshire Trainz layout it is still in situ and seeing quite an extensive service. I spent hours yesterday using my "Surveyor" software and I have re-instated the line from Middlesboro' to Eston. I have done the maths, and today I am going to start building the route Southwards further along the coast from Scarboro' through Seamer, Bridlington,Driffield, Beverley, as far as Hull. I will then be able to run a service for well over 100 miles all along the coast of The North Sea. You have probably heard about the "East Coast Main Line" on the News particularly over Easter when the line was closed in part for maintainance? Well, if a huge section of the line I am working on had not been closed, then this should have been the "Real East Coast Line", and there would still have been a viable alternative for Rail Passengers. I still think that between them, British Railways and Doctor Beeching were extremely short-sighted, and should have thought more carefully before closing lines simply because of economics. |
| Sandie Seward |
Trainz Update # oh, I don't know what number, lost count ages ago. Anyway, here it is.
I now have animated people for my layouts, they walk, talk to each other, and are generally animated. One guy is even smoking a cigarette! I downloaded them from a guy in Russia who makes content for the Trainz Simulation, and, very good they are too. They really bring a layout to "life". I spent some of the afternoon placing them on some of my station platforms on the Severn Valley layout. I also have three new locomotives. "Evening Star", "Black Prince", and a LNER/BR A1 "Peppercorn" loco. 
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| Sandie Seward |
A few posts ago, I mentioned that I had downloaded the Looe Branch Line. Well, over the past couple of days, I have incorporated this into the main Exeter to Penzance line. I have trains running now all the way from Exeter St. Davids to Plymouth North Road, and on, over a beautiful creation of the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash.
Trains now run as far West as Doublebois, (about five miles West of Liskeard which is the junction for the Looe Branch. I might as well continue modelling this, later on tonight, as for some reason, I cannot log in to my Newsvine Column. Perhaps the Servers having problems their end.
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| JoJo |
It all seems very complicated Sandie, but I bet you can get hooked building more lines
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| Sandie Seward |
Building Routes, JoJo, is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing aspects of the whole Trainz experience. The hours just fly past, as you get so engrossed in what you are doing.
I always try to get my Routes looking as realistic as possible, and this takes, not only time, but research online. I try to re-create the stations and surrounding areas as faithfully as possible to the time period I'm working in. This, of course means, getting the buildings right, getting the correct road vehicles for the period, and, of course making sure that you are operating the "correct" rolling-stock and loco's. You do need to know a fair bit about railways and their history.
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| Sandie Seward |
I have spent some time tidying up this thread, as some of the early posts were missing their pictures.
This is a Trainz Update on the previously mentioned Severn Valley Route. I am now extending the line from Buildwas to Shrewsbury where there was a large Goods Yard and Loco Shed. Once completed, the Severn Valley Railway will have "running rights", not only to Buildwas as at present (I've installed a Coal-Fired Power Station just up the line from Buildwas station, which is, as in reality called, "Coalport B." This, of course gives me even more scope to run coal trains that automatically unload at the Power Station. These are usually hauled by a Class 37 Diesel, in British Railways Green Livery. The main line track is now about ten miles short of Shrewesbury, so I'll let you know when Shrewsbury (which I still have to build), is reached. |
| Sandie Seward |
Trainz Update, probably the last one for this year. The Makers and Creators of the original software have been very busy this year and are on the point of releasing a new "Trainz 2009" programme.
I have already pre-ordered it online, direct from the Manufacturer in Austrailia, and I am hoping it will arrive before Christmas. Apparently it still incorporates all the good features of the earlier releases with added features and an enhanced Frame Rate. So I am awaiting the "Postmans' Knock" impaitently. Meanwhile, my others routes on the original sim are still running and I still mange to find time to enjoy them.
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| Sandie Seward |
My latest software for "Trainz" 2009 arrived Saturday, so I have spent some time reading the manual that was included, and there seems to be quite a few changes, although it does state that the software is almost 100% compatable with "Back Items" from the older editions.
I have yet to install and register it, will probably do so over the Christmas period if there isn't anything on tele that I want to watch.
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| Sandie Seward |
Further to my previous post, I have now installed and registered my latest Trainz Software package. Early indications are that it is looking rather good.
I have also managed to download some new content from the Online Download Station, and these were installed successfully. However, I still have to figure out how to install all the "Payware" items I have saved onto DVD. It is going to be another steep learning curve by the looks of things, but, as I said, early indications are looking good. The Graphics seem sharper, and the running Frame Rate is also better. I think I will enjoy learning this upgrade very much.
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| Sandie Seward |
About the only feature that is really unique to Trainz 2009, is the "Maglev" that is included.
"Maglev", for those who don't know, stands for "Magnetic Elevation", and these vehicles can reach speeds of well over 300 mph. They run on elevated "tracks", and utilise a system of magnets, electricity, and levatation. They have virtually no contact with any real track, just follow the guides on the elevated structures on which they move. Japan has them, and so does Germany. Will Britain ever have them? Ha! Ha! Ha! Don't make me laugh!!!! 
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| Sandie Seward |
Despite my illness and despite everything else that's going on in my life, I have not neglected my Trainz, even though it's been quite a while since any worthwhile updates on the subject.
I have been spending a lot of time working on a section of the G.W. Main Line through Newbury and beyond. It incorporates the long-defunct Lambourne Branch through the river valley and up towards the Downs to Lambourne. This used to be a huge centre for Racehorses and the line was quite well used by many local people before it was sadly closed. I think this was one line that Beeching could not be held responsible for, although if British Railways hadn't have closed it in the fifties, no doubt Beeching would have a few years later. Anyway, the whole layout is interesting and makes for Branch Line operations, and a lot of Main Line Running through Newbury andout onto distant return loops! The Lambourne Branch itself is modelled exactly to length and an average "Journey" takes, as it did in reality just over Forty Minuets to run from Newbury to Lambourne, stopping at all stations on route! |
| Sandie Seward |
SPECTACULAR TRAIN CRASH!!!
I usually try my best not to have crashes and accidents when running my Trainz simulation routes. However, today I made a "human error" and ended up with a spectacular accident to one of my Branch Line trains. I inadvertantly omitted to "change" a point on the line leading to and from a stone quarry, and the early morning (05.15a.m.) Branch Line Train from Minehead to Taunton hit the junction going around 25mph. As I say, a spectacular accident happened due to the points being set against it. The Prairie Tank loco carried on to a nearby bridge where it jumped the track and crashed through the rails landing partly on the road below. The first coach left the track and headed down the embankment where, luckily, it came to a stop in an upright posistion, the other two coaches stayed on the embankment although both de-railed. Luckily, because it was the first "down" train of the day (i.e. a New Session), only three passengers were injured.
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| Sandie Seward |
Riding on the Real Railway during my recent holiday gave me the incentive to dust down my North Yorkshire Moors Trainz scenario again.
Riding "inside" the virtual coaches on Trainz is just so similar to riding along in the real train. It is scary how alike the two experiences are, and except for the smell and the movement it's sometimes hard to distinguish the computer sim from the real journey! Because I have been busy building and fitting out my home studio, Trainz has taken rather a back seat for a while, but, no doubt coming on the Winter I shall be spending more time on it.
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| Sandie Seward |
I almost panicked a couple of evenings ago when I went to "load" my Trainz programme and nothing happened. Tried again, the computer "froze".
Used the emergency "reset" button, naturally the drives wanted to run a "scan" and found many "unlinked" chains and broken strings. The scan "fixed" them all, and I again attempted a reload only for the thing to start loading then again "freeze" on me. So I came out of my Sata Drive and loaded the "backup" copy that I made a couple of months ago instead. This loaded (different drive) fine, so I had a session on this until later on I deceided to "defrag" the Sata Drive. Before going to bed, I set it in motion, and turned off the lights in my sitting-room and went to bed. This was just after 1am. About 4am I woke up and had to pay a visit to the bathroom, then I looked in on the computer to see how it was getting on. It had only just completed the defrag, and was sitting quietly awaiting further instructions. I shut it down, and went back to bed. The next day I attempted to load the Trainz programme on the Sata drive, and it worked perfectly first time, loading up a lot quicker than it usually does as well. So, the moral of this story is to say that if you have any loading problems with your p.c. or it's running slow, then just take the time to defragment the hard drive and you should be fine. If any of you do not know how to do this then drop me a p.m. and I will try to talk you through it.
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