TS2014 Newbe

[WVRR1964]

Hello all, I've just converted over from another train sim where I was a content creator. I'm Looking for a fresh start on a new train sim, I've decided on TS2014. I am completely new to this sim. As a matter of fact, I just downloaded it off of Steam and haven't even looked at it yet. So I know absolutely nothing at this point. I found this forum and thought it was a good place to start for my initial questions.
First, I'm from the anthracite regions of northeastern Pennsylvania so this is where my main interest in trains is found. So I'm a big fan of the early diesels from the same area. Can anybody point to those early diesels of the Lehigh Valley, Erie or Delaware,Lackawanna & Western?..or any anthracite carrier for that matter.
While it's still too early to talk about making custom content, I do plan on making scenery items in Blender...I've been using Blender for a while now and I'm almost starting to get good with it. I did manage to find the latest TS2014 exporter and it's already set up in Blender. Besides the exporter, is there anything else I may need for creating for TS2014?
Lastly, I'm probably getting ahead of myself here, but generally speaking, how do you install custom content into TS2014?

[buzz456]

Welcome to our world. I suggest you go to the file library and look through the repaints section. You will find quite a bit of material on the areas you are interested in there. As far as putting custom items into 2014 it's quite simple and the manual is a pretty one on this subject.

[WVRR1964]

Welcome to our world. I suggest you go to the file library and look through the repaints section. You will find quite a bit of material on the areas you are interested in there. As far as putting custom items into 2014 it's quite simple and the manual is a pretty one on this subject.

Thanks! I didn't even realize there was a file library here...I definitely take a look at that later tonight. I guess my first real task is to read the manual.

[buzz456]

Just click on the Railworks America at the top of the page. All kinds of routes, models, paints, tutorials and links.
Have fun,

[fraserm]

@WVRR1964 -

This is the best site for the best sim. You'll have fun here, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The members here have a LOT of knowledge to share.

Best regards,
Marc

[Chacal]

Ooooh! A virgin!

Welcome.
About your interest in location and time period: it definitely sounds like the official route from RSC named "The Horseshoe curve" is right on target for you. It puts you in command of PRR trains in the 1950s. There are dozens of scenarios for it, both payware and freeware. Lots of them in the TS2014 workshop on Steam (all free).
Also, Lehigh Valley: you definitely want t he LV combo pack, can't recall its exact name, from the Trains and Drivers web site. It has the Alco RS11, one of the best engine in TS2014 IMHO, if not the best, and some LV rolling stock. You can also get the RS11 in PRR livery in the Steam store.

Blender, hell yeah. Not many developers use it here, but it does work fine. I made a functional engine and exported it in the game.

[WVRR1964]

I see I have a lot of things to look at. First though, I'm going take a look at the basic program.

For the Blender program, I started learning it while trying to create items for SMRailroads. I remember that Blender gave me a few headaches way back then. I stuck with it and had some folks help me as I went along learning. Now I enjoy using it... Well I enjoy building the models, but I'm not too crazy about texturing part!

On to the TS2014 manual!

[WVRR1964]

I did get my first quick drive in today and I liked it! I took a DRG&W F7 with a few random cars and a caboose and took a ride on the Donner Pass route. The lighting was really good with the only exception of the sun casting it's shadows in the rain. The HUD and other buttons where easy to figure out. The details on the train where better then I expected. I didn't get to see many buildings and other scenery models due to the fact that most of the trip I was traveling through mountainous areas. I'm going to try the other routes later tonight. I also want to take a look at driving some steam engines.

Next for me...I need to learn about custom content and how they work.

[arizonachris]

WVRR, you may want to have a read of the three new steam locomotive driving tutorials over at Marleyman's site: http://www.railworks.marleyman.co.uk/store/ They are free, but you do need to register. Just look under Tutorials. They have made a big difference to me, even after a few years of me thinking I was doing pretty good. Good luck with your endevours here!

[WVRR1964]

WVRR, you may want to have a read of the three new steam locomotive driving tutorials over at Marleyman's site: http://www.railworks.marleyman.co.uk/store/ They are free, but you do need to register. Just look under Tutorials. They have made a big difference to me, even after a few years of me thinking I was doing pretty good. Good luck with your endevours here!

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[WVRR1964]

Today I got the Horseshoe Curve route. I glad I got this, it gave me a somewhat of an idea on what my route should look like. It captures the Pennsylvania landscape pretty well.

[Chacal]

Now you're talking.
In addition to the Steam Workshop, you should find several free scenarios for HSC here in the file library, and possibly on trainsim.com too.
Also, Trains and Drivers has two payware scenario packs that I liked:
TaD Volume 2 - The Horseshoe Curve in the 1950s and 1960s
TaD Volume 5 - The Horseshoe Curve V2/Return to the 1960s