Well as I couldn't get to Sandpatch for the meet you guys had a couple of months back, I thought I'd bring Sandpatch to me, via MSTS... This is Meyersdale depot, i'm running a Chessie coal train (it's set in about 1985) with a WM and a B&O SD40 for power. There's a pair of chessie GP40's pushing at the rear... Earlier in the run I was running alonside this chilly looking river... This version of Sandpatch is an add-on package for MSTS produced by Maple Leaf Tracks of Canada, they had previously done a great version of Kicking Horse Pass on the CP, and are getting a reputation as one of the better add-on producers for this medium. I only received the package today, and so have not had too much time on it yet, but this one looks just as well produced as KHP, and with the benefit that this is a busier and more complex prototype... I'll post more as I find it out! All the best...
OK, I've found a few interesting new features that MLT have added... - "Talking" detector reports at at least one point along the route, a dalogue box pops up with the message as you pass! - MsTS has always treated derailing or passing a stop signal as a major rules violation and pulls you from the cab. With this one they have got failing to whistle for certain crossings (or bridges) to be a rules violation as well. Not sure if I like this but it does keep it challenging (there was a temptation on Kicking Horse Pass to leave your train slogging up the pass at 20mph for a few minutes while you wander away to make a cup of coffee! ) - Nice variety of rolling stock. So far I have seen SD40, SD40-2, SD50, GP38, GP40, GP40-2, B30-7 in multiple numbers and a variety of Chessie (B&O/C&O/WM) and older schemes, autoracks, 50' and 60' boxcars, hopper, gon, tank car, 89' piggyback flat with a choice of Chessie or UPS trailers and a grain hopper, most of these come in multiple paint schemes and in loaded or unloaded setups. The comprehensive rolling stock pack was a good point of KHP as well... My only point of contention is that a 1985 based Amtrak set would have been nice as well, (i'm assuming this was an Amtrak route in '85 as it is today), i've set up a basic Amtrak train with a downloaded F40 and some default Amfleet cars... The helper activities are cleverly set up! They have come up with a way to drive the helpers without the front coupler issues that MsTS has by having the helper set pointing the "wrong" way, so you drive from the back of the train and use the #3 "rear of train" view to drive from. (this is happenning in the screenshots above, the track chart shows the train going backwards, that's because I was controlling from the pair of GP40's pushing at the back and facing the other way!) [ 27. September 2002, 12:42: Message edited by: Martyn Read ]
Here's some more pics for you, it's now Autumn (or Fall, depending on where you live!) We're in charge of an SD40-2 serving as Hyndman helper, i've just started pushing on the rear of a westbound piggyback... The three GP40-2's on the head end pass a grade crossing. We get crossed to the other line for some reason....? Ah! We've crossed to the other track to run around this short MOW train. The MOW's loco is still in C&O paint. Keep them clear signals coming! Approaching the summit tunnel, we get a caution signal, and we prepare to cut the helper loco off.
Looks great. I have the route on order. I can't wait to get it running. Seeing the pictures you have posted I may have to buy a better computer to handle the graphics.
It seems to run much better than the Kuju routes, despite more scenery, technically according to MS my machine won't run MsTS but I get along fine with it! I tend to set the terrain/structure details fairly low and the train detail levels fairly high which seems to keep things rolling I'd love a better machine, but this one keeps me playing for the moment. Oh, and don't forget to come back when you have the add-on & give us *your* review of it!
Looks amazing. As soon as I get a new computer I will be able to play too. But until then I continue to download all the files from train-sim.com and burn them to storage CD's that way I don't have to wait to dl them after I get my new computer .
