Saluda grade

[Joshuaharkness]

You're a fast learner! I can't tell you how much better this looks already, both in terms of your ground texturing and your trees, and that is from a start at route building better than most people's!

I'm noticing some 3D trees mixed in with the 2D trees quite a way from the track, try to keep the 3D tree assets close to the track, it helps maximize FPS. On top of that, I think the 3D trees need to be a lot denser near the tracks to give that 'Deep South' look, but I've never been to the Saluda Grade, so I don't know, what you are doing with that could be perfectly accurate.

[kylewoody]

Thanks Josh! Still getting the hang of it - though I've been modding flight sim for years, even dabbed in commercial development of aircraft models so atleast it helps grasping how to coax software into trying to represent reality a bit.

I try to keep the 3D trees to a minimum and just along the right of way - everything else for the most part is 2D trees save for a few areas where I thought it might be cool screenshot opportunity and used them. So far my i7 laptop with a GeForce 940MX has had no trouble drawing any of the scenery.

Kyle

[PickeringLumberCorp]

Looks amazing! This will be a great route for testing locomotive performance! Can't wait to take the currently-in-development freeware N&W 611 up it with 10 cars!

[kylewoody]

Thanks! So question - I am having a bit of difficulty with the signal system (westbound all red when track clear) and also just general going over... would anyone be interested in me sending them the route here at some point as-is to help troubleshoot/improve it?

I don't want to open a can of worms here, this is a strictly freeware, for the fun of it route that will be uploaded (and I'm down with anyone modifying and improving the route). Therefore any major work on my part to adjust or alter things, extend the route, etc. will be free reign with whoever wants to tackle it. I guess what I'm getting at is this: I'm not looking for every little nook and cranny wrong or payware quality expectations and updates. Just a good set of eyes to make sure I don't release it all goofed up!

Thanks!
Kyle

[TheTeenageFoamer]

Thanks! So question - I am having a bit of difficulty with the signal system (westbound all red when track clear) and also just general going over... would anyone be interested in me sending them the route here at some point as-is to help troubleshoot/improve it?

I don't want to open a can of worms here, this is a strictly freeware, for the fun of it route that will be uploaded (and I'm down with anyone modifying and improving the route). Therefore any major work on my part to adjust or alter things, extend the route, etc. will be free reign with whoever wants to tackle it. I guess what I'm getting at is this: I'm not looking for every little nook and cranny wrong or payware quality expectations and updates. Just a good set of eyes to make sure I don't release it all goofed up!

Thanks!
Kyle

How many signals do you have going westbound? And are the arrows all pointing westbound per signal?

[minerman146]

Thanks! So question - I am having a bit of difficulty with the signal system (westbound all red when track clear) and also just general going over... would anyone be interested in me sending them the route here at some point as-is to help troubleshoot/improve it?

I don't want to open a can of worms here, this is a strictly freeware, for the fun of it route that will be uploaded (and I'm down with anyone modifying and improving the route). Therefore any major work on my part to adjust or alter things, extend the route, etc. will be free reign with whoever wants to tackle it. I guess what I'm getting at is this: I'm not looking for every little nook and cranny wrong or payware quality expectations and updates. Just a good set of eyes to make sure I don't release it all goofed up!

Thanks!
Kyle

Kyle,

I'll take a peek at it. PM me with a link and when you would like my evaluation completed by. Signals can be a pain.

Minerman

[kylewoody]

Appreciate the help guys - actually got it working now! Watched a few YouTube videos and went back over all my signals. Work like a charm now

Just finishing up some odds and ends, possibly redoing from Melrose-east.

Kyle

[kylewoody]

Okay, so I know you guys have been trying to steer me that way, and the more I study what kinds of trees are in photos of the area, I realize that pointy pine trees aren't as prolific as I thought. I'm changing up the routes 2D trees right now to something more realistic looking. Here is a comparison of similar looking areas on the route:


This is how most of the route stands now - maple mixed with pine. Same goes for the 3D trees up front.



Here's a test section switching to larger deciduous trees, though no 3D right-of-way trees yet.


I think I MUCH prefer this, the forest seem "fuller" from a distance, the texturing looks realistic and right, only thing I'm apprehensive about is the color. Still I think it's an improvement.

So I'm reaching out to you guys - should I go through the whole route and change my trees? I think so! Just don't want to have to come back and change them again cause I dont like it...

Here's a photo as well along the route.


Kyle

[TheTeenageFoamer]

I think both look great! The second picture matches the prototype a little bit more I think.
I'd take it either way because I am not a stickler for trees, so it comes down to your opinion, if you think you should convert them all to the new trees then do it.

[hobo1960]

Was looking for information on Saluda and discovered this wonderful vintage training film on the grade..

https://youtu.be/9IABM8UPplY

[minerman146]

Okay, so I know you guys have been trying to steer me that way, and the more I study what kinds of trees are in photos of the area, I realize that pointy pine trees aren't as prolific as I thought. I'm changing up the routes 2D trees right now to something more realistic looking. Here is a comparison of similar looking areas on the route:
This is how most of the route stands now - maple mixed with pine. Same goes for the 3D trees up front.

Here's a test section switching to larger deciduous trees, though no 3D right-of-way trees yet.

I think I MUCH prefer this, the forest seem "fuller" from a distance, the texturing looks realistic and right, only thing I'm apprehensive about is the color. Still I think it's an improvement.
So I'm reaching out to you guys - should I go through the whole route and change my trees? I think so! Just don't want to have to come back and change them again cause I dont like it...
Kyle

Kyle,
I grappled with the exact same issue. What made me respond to you was this comment " I think I MUCH prefer this, the forest seem "fuller" from a distance, the texturing looks realistic and right, only thing I'm apprehensive about is the color. Still I think it's an improvement." This is EXACTLY my same thought for my route.

So, I chose the "fuller' from a distance and yep its a bit too dark. My rationale for the change is that my job is to convey, as best I can, what I see, with the material that is available to work with. Its a compromise.

So, I agree wth you, make the change.

[kylewoody]

Thanks Minerman! Yup, overall I think it's a much more realistic representation - I did go back and add some random pines too though, not super noticeable in summer but when you choose winter/spring you can see them pop.

And hobo, seen that before but it's always awesome! I actually ran "The Belmont" here on my route testing it out. So far it's only right at 8 miles of track from Melrose Falls to past the double track at Saluda near Tuxedo. Plenty of room though to run a Unit Coal Train with nearly one hundred cars. Here's the route, and a couple pics I took looking from the early 80's.

The first four engines cresting the hill



Even got the Locotrol helpers!


And the progress as it stands now...



Kyle