Railworks America

For a little over a week now I've been slowly introducing myself to Railworks. I've been running trains on random built in routes, also trying to understand the basics when it come to train operations. I watched the occasional Railworks tutorials from YouTube and even did some reading of the documents that came with the game. It would appear that I have a lot to learn before I go building any kind of route. I am familiar with Railrwork's competition...The highly disappointing TANE from N3V. But that is a conversation for another time. For Railworks it looks like I will need to learn a whole new set of skills. So to cope with this I came up with a small type project that I can use as a Railworks learning tool, while satisfying my need to create. I can start a new route that is based off of a model railroad. Starting will a basic oval, adding spurs and small branch lines as I see fit. The route will be big enough to create some detailed scenery while the overall size will be small enough not to get overwhelmed. Perhaps I can even find some model railroad track plans I can use as a basic design. As I'm building this model route, I can learn about laying the track, signals and of coarse learning all the ins and out about the route editor.

So at this point I'd like to ask others...What's the best way to learn about route building? Did you just dive into building a route or did you take some test runs first?

Definitely test runs, like your model railroad project.
Your first routes will be throw-away projects.

Now you need to start reading and watching tutorials.
There are some in our learning center on the RWA web site.

I guess I'll start by watching the route building tutorials. I'll also start looking for some interesting track diagrams from the model railroad sites. If anybody knows of some of these sites, please post a link to them.

So far I ran on three different built-in route and one thing that I noticed about all of them is that there are some models, especially buildings that are textures so nicely while other models seem unfinished like overhead wires, poles and even some truss bridges. Is this done on purpose?

Lots of test runs.

I built separate tiny routes that were little more than a few lengths of track to test things like switches & signaling.

And the trackwork is just the beginning.

-barnez

Today I learned about setting and using the signals. That's pretty interesting stuff, I never look into signals before. I'm actually looking forward to setting them up when the time comes.

I still haven't found a model railroad track plan that really wows me as of yet...I'm still looking. I'm trying to find a semi small track plan that has a small roundhouse, a few bridges, at least one tunnel, a few road crossings and room for a small industrial rail yard. It should also have enough room on the map to place 2 small station so I can set up some passenger traffic. That should give me enough experience on how the basics work.

I noticed about all of them is that there are some models, especially buildings that are textures so nicely while other models seem unfinished like overhead wires, poles and even some truss bridges. Is this done on purpose?

Some of the models you see like this are done on purpose because the ones that appear "unfinished" are build to be placed further off the track as distant scenery where detail isn't needed as much; it's designed to add depth to your route as viewed from the cab or just outside the cab. Route building is a lot of fun and I have gotten completely addicted to it. I have 2 routes in the works right now, which I probably shouldn't have, but I will get them done and released. The main part of route building is to have fun with it. Enjoy!!

After looking at hundreds of model RR track diagrams, I still can't seem to find what I'm looking for. They seem to be in two classes of layouts...to much detail and not enough detail. I'm now thinking that it might be best just to start out with a big oval and build from there starting with a roundhouse and a small freight yard.

BDWorkshop wrote:After looking at hundreds of model RR track diagrams, I still can't seem to find what I'm looking for. They seem to be in two classes of layouts...to much detail and not enough detail. I'm now thinking that it might be best just to start out with a big oval and build from there starting with a roundhouse and a small freight yard.

And a few sidings for some industry, that way you can get some switching in when the mood hits you.

buzz456 wrote:And a few sidings for some industry, that way you can get some switching in when the mood hits you.

Yes, that goes without saying. Maybe 4 to 6 of them depending on how big the oval is. I'll need a small river cutting through it so I can learn about bridges. A couple of road crossings. Also, at least 2 small passenger stations. I would also like to throw a tunnel in there someplace if I have room.

I never did get the chance to start this project because of my work schedule...just no time! However as of last week I find myself out of work (again) so it appears I now have the time. It's a wonderful economy we live in...isn't it? Anyhow, I'm still not sure exactly what I want to do in Railworks yet. I could never really find any interesting model railroad designs that I liked. Can anybody point me to some?