On a whim, I decided to try my hand at route-building with Norfolk Southern's P-Line from Columbus, GA to Birmingham, AL. I've been attempting to create this route before in multiple simulators with no avail, but I've finally found a pdf of Norfolk Southern's track data chart that happens to cover this line in the Alabama Division with info such as track speed, detector locations, signals, crossings, etc. I've chosen this route because there's a large variety of scenery, it's mostly used as an auxiliary line - which are rare in train simulators, and I've lived near this line for most of my life. Although autoracks and stacks are not used on this line because of clearance restrictions, almost everything else finds its way across the route - including power from BNSF, UP, KCS, etc. Mostly, mixed-freight and Herzog gravel trains occupy the line though there are opportunities for local industries such as woodchips.
I'm starting with Alexander City, AL because it's in the middle-ish of the route and it's my hometown. I thought it would be best to start at the location I'm most familiar with. I'm well-aware that this will take a few years at least, but I don't mind. It's something to keep me occupied. (It's also a lot cheaper than building a model railroad.)
So far, I've invested roughly 12 hours total give or take, and I'm probably 1/5 with laying out the basic buildings, scenery, placeholders, etc. of downtown Alexander City. I must say, working on my own route really makes me appreciate the effort that content-creators for these games put in.
I'll keep this updated when I make some significant progress.
