Railworks America

Since July I have using my Train Simulator time laying the foundation for my first real-world route based on Oshkosh, WI in the 1980s and early 1990s. The two main North/South lines were operated by the Chicago & Northwestern and the Soo Line. I will give a more detailed history at a later time, but to summarize, both main lines were eventually owned by the Wisconsin Central in August 1993 and the Soo Line portion was abandoned in January 1996. I am excited to relive some of my childhood memories in this Train Simulator route.

My original plan for this route was to build all the Wisconsin Central trackage from Fond du Lac (to the south) to Steven Point (to the west) and Green Bay (to the north). However, I have narrowed my scope after seeing the kind of research, time, and effort that goes into route building based on real-world locations (especially ones based 30+ years ago). I hope to one day achieve my original goal, but Oshkosh was most near and dear to me in the 1990s, so it makes perfect sense to start there.

Here are my TS railfanning pictures on Wisconsin Central's maiden voyage along Harrison St in TS along the ex-SOO mainline in Oshkosh. Enjoy!











(more pictures will follow)

more pictures:

Street Running along Division St

More Street Running!












But this is all for tonight. Hopefully the rest of my film gets developed tomorrow.

I congratulate you and hope that at an appropriate time you will share the route with us. I have a soft spot for WI railroading which is sadly neglected and yet in the period you are working was very varied even including car ferries from MI.

Being a life long midwesterner and having spent a lot of time in Wisconsin I really look forward to seeing this in game!

Thank you Buzz and John for your comments. I absolutely intend to share this route. I am making it for Steam Workshop first and perhaps add some customized stuff later on.

Looks great. Keep us posted.
Harry

harryadkins wrote:Looks great. Keep us posted.
Harry

Thanks Harry! I have more pictures to post once I get back on the computer.

As promised, here are more pictures from Wisconsin Central's first journey on the Oshkosh WI route for TS.

These pictures show the railroad in downtown Oshkosh.

WC heads out of downtown and into the central industrial park along the north shore of the Fox River.

Part 2 of WC's tour through the central industrial park and towards the Fox River.

This is all for now (the kids need me) but I have more pictures of the SOO bridge and the south side run through Oshkosh. Hopefully I'll upload these tonight.

I cannot WAIT to get my hands on this route! I can tell you have put a lot of effort into accuracy and that you are very familiar with the area.

Can you elaborate on some of the assets you are using?

Well done!

MonsieurMungo wrote:I cannot WAIT to get my hands on this route! I can tell you have put a lot of effort into accuracy and that you are very familiar with the area.

Can you elaborate on some of the assets you are using?

Well done!

Thank you for the comments! I am quite excited about this too.

Here are the current DLC requirements, ordered from most important to least important:

• CSX Hanover Subdivision Route (tracks, ground textures, crossing signals, buildings, sidewalks, signs)
• Chicago Racetrack Route (roads, signs, floral, vehicle scenery)
• Clinchfield Route (1980s vehicle scenery, floral, buildings)
• Stevens Pass Route (buildings, signs, scenery, sidewalks, roads)
• Train Simulator: Springfield Line: Springfield - New Haven Route Add-On (tele poles, wires, buildings, scenery)
• Sacramento Northern Route (buildings, wig-wag signals)
• US Loco Add-On (buildings, scenery details)
• Flatcars Addon Pack (military vehicle scenery)

As promised, here are more pictures of the route. This group focuses on the train's crossing of the Fox River and the north end of the south-side.