Thursday 26 September 2013

TS2014 - What I Know So Far......

As many will be aware, there are many new tools available for both route and scenario creators in TS2014, so here is what I know so far.............

Google Earth Integration

If using a route with real world co-ordinates that uses either a custom template or one provided with DLC, simply hold Ctrl&G within the route for half a second or so and the overlay should appear.

Quality can be increased reduced via an option in the settings. The highest resolution I can get to appear seems to be a resolution of 1280x1280 with a zoom level of 16, easily enough to give me enough resolution for simple scenery and track placement.

Part of this setting also gives the opportunity to input a Google API key. I believe that bandwidth to the overlay may be limited if an API key isn't obtained, however, this is free to do so.


Geometry Export - Track

Track geometry can now be exported directly from TS2014 allowing the user to easily form new scenery objects around the their track layout.

To export track simply select the pieces of track in the world editor, hold Ctrl to select more than once. Once selected, press Ctrl&C to copy to the clipboard then Ctrl&Shift&E to export the geometry.

If you then navigate to the 'Export' folder of your TS2014 install, you should now have an networkxx.obj file which can then be imported into various 3D modelling programs. 


Geometry Export - Terrain

In the world editor, look at the terrain you want to export and press 'T'. This should export a terrain.obj file to the same folder outlined above


Linking Scenarios

It seems you can now link scenarios together. So for example, rather than creating a two part scenario and requiring the user to complete the first one, return to the menu and then load the second, the scenario author can make this happen automatically after a successful completion.

This is achieved in the scenario (timetable) editor on the same part as your final instruction where you place your messages regarding successful completion or failure. Right at the bottom is a 'wavy' line called 'Scenario Chain', you need to enter the GUID** number of the scenario you want to link toin the box alongside and then tick the box further to the right.

**GUID numbers are the long folder names which TS uses. To find the number of the scenario you wish to link to, go to 'build', select your route, click 'scenario editor' and locate your scenario in the list. Once located, select 'Open Scenario Folder' and the long ID number is listed at the top.

Initial exploration suggests that this process can be done over different routes, enabling a scenario to end at Carlisle on WCML North for example, then load part 2 from Carlisle on the Settle to Carlisle route. .

TS2014 Steam Workshop - Two New Routes

Following the earlier release of TS2014 which provides extended workshop functionality in the way of being able to accept route submissions, I am pleased to announce the release of two routes.

City Lines V1

City Lines is an all new semi-fictional route created by DPSimulation set in Southern England.
Version 1 is only a small part of the network which is intended to be constantly upgraded over time in order to provide a sizeable network of lines, both through cityscapes and rural suburbs.
Version 1 is by no means complete, but it should allow the user to explore and drive what has been created so far.
Until the network is fully complete, user extensions of this route are not allowed unless for personal use only.
Over the coming days and weeks, work will continue on the already created sections to iron out any issues whilst I still learn the new features of the Steam Workshop. I then anticipate that regular updates will occur thereafter. 

Download either directly through the workshop on TS2014, or follow this link:  City Lines


Edinburgh to Glasgow - Scenery Extension V1

This is V1 of the scenery extension to the Edinburgh to Glasgow route taking in additional scenery from Larbert to Stirling. 

V1 is the first of what is intended to be several extensions of the route in various directions. 

Please note that due to the inability to upload custom objects and the lack of suitable content included with the route, Stirling does not have a platform base, only invisible splines which will allow passenger loading/unloading.

Download either directly through the workshop on TS2014, or follow this link:   E&G Extension V1

Friday 13 September 2013

Edinburgh to Glasgow - Steam Workshop Extension Part 1

Uploaded by 'GamesNexxt', the trailer for part 1 of the Edinburgh to Glasgow extension, coming to the Steam Workshop this month....


Wednesday 11 September 2013

DPSimulation - Upcoming Releases

Having just realised the DPSimulation blog was stuck on 499 posts, and also realising that I have been a bit quiet lately, I felt that I would have to make the 500th post an important one.

Having this period of quiet obviously means that I have been busy doing something so I thought it would be a good idea to give an idea of what is coming soon from DPSimulation......


'City Lines' Route - 26th September 2013*

A semi-fictional third-rail based route set in busy city surroundings. Built from a near track perspective to maintain system performance and allow very high lineside detail, this route will be released on the new expanded Steam Workshop.

* The intended release is for 26th September 2013 but the initial implementation on to the Steam Workshop will be out of my control.

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Edinburgh to Glasgow Scenery Extension Part 1 - 26th September 2013*

Although already available at the DPSimulation website, part 1 of the Edinburgh to Glasgow scenery extension is to be released on the Steam Workshop, allowing the full TS2014 userbase the opportunity to download the extension.

 * The intended release is for 26th September 2013 but the initial implementation on to the Steam Workshop will be out of my control.

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Class 90 'Passenger' Scenario Pack - Late September/Early October 2013

Featuring a minimum of six prototypical and highly realistic scenarios, this scenario pack utilises the recently released Class 90/DVT and features scenarios on WCML North, GEML & Settle to Carlisle.

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'WCML North 80's & 90's' Scenario Pack - October 2013

Featuring four prototypical and highly realistic scenarios, this scenario pack utilises the recently released Class 107 and Class 303 from Iron Horse House on the West Coast Main Line.

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Edinburgh to Glasgow Scenery Extension - Part 2 - November 2013

Following the fantastic reception received after the release of the scenery extension to Stirling, part 2 will feature scenery added to the existing network between South Gyle & Dalmeny along with the link line between Dalmeny & Winchburgh Jcn.

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'The Sleepers' Scenario Pack - November 2013

Featuring a minimum of six prototypical and highly realistic scenarios, this scenario pack utilises both the Class 90 & Class 37 and features scenarios on WCML North, Edinburgh to Glasgow and the East Coast Main Line.

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Class 90 'Freight' Scenario Pack - November 2013

Featuring a minimum of six prototypical and highly realistic scenarios, this scenario pack utilises the recently released Class 90/DVT and features scenarios on WCML North and the GEML.

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Edinburgh to Glasgow Route Extension - Early 2014

More information to come later this year.


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Darlington to Saltburn - Spring/Summer 2014

Part of the overall 'Northern Lines' project, the initial release of the route will see the section between Darlington and Saltburn. More information on this project will be released in due course.

 

Sunday 1 September 2013

Edinburgh to Glasgow Update - Part 2

A first work in progress look at part 2 of the Edinburgh to Glasgow scenery extension.......