Coming Soon: Springfield Line Visuals Update

Coming soon to a Train Sim near you: a big visuals overhaul of the Springfield Line route!

This will apply some of the new tricks and models I've collected over the past years to an old favorite, the Springfield Line (version 3.0 for those who remember its beginnings). The update will be free of charge but exact details about the how & when are yet to be determined.

What will be included:

• much better looking lineside 3D trees courtesy of Wayne Campbell
• environment visuals (longer view distances, new skybox with better cloud textures, improved lighting and now also with moon phases)
• weather visuals
• my new GP9 model
• and more!

Stay tuned for more!

And meanwhile, to whet your appetite:

"Ghost of the Ma & Pa" New Workshop Scenario on CSX Hanover

The very first Workshop scenario has been published by High Iron Simulations for the CSX Hanover route.

 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2221340002

The 40-minute scenario "Ghost of the Ma & Pa" features the Yorkrail GP9 and plenty of challenging switching tasks on Hanover's yard and industrial tracks -- and those unforgiving 1% grades they were built on!

Hanover!

 Hop on board on High Iron Simulations' new route: the CSX Hanover Subdivision.

Rychlík Bouzov

Three new scenarios on http://golden-age-rails.com/rwscnrio.html#bouzov

The NH ALCos are (will be) back

Digital Train Model recently released the stunning PRR ALCo FA/B-1/2 add-on on Steam. A post-release update made the trainphone antenna a child object, which opens the door for non-Pennsy repaints.

Here's my contribution, to replace the ALCos that got lost on the Springfield Line some years ago:

Empire Builder Scenarios for GN Montana Hi-Line

Now available are two scenarios for the GN 1950s/60s Montana Hi-Line Route. You can drive the east- and westbound Empire Builders (1955 timetable), in the years when the Empire Builder was at its longest.

You can download the scenarios here.

Please read the accompanying PDF documents for information about required downloads. The two scenarios require two payware DLC and many freeware downloads.

Out Now: GN 1950s/60s Montana Hi-Line

The backdated Hi-Line is now available on the Steam Workshop.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1977906262

Progress Update: GN Era Backdating Kit for Hi-Line Route

A quick progress report on my 1950s version of the Hi-Line route. I've made good progress with the scenery changes, the route looks pretty "old" now. Track layout, signaling, and signage changes are complete -- it's now the single track mainline that used to be.

Boxcar Bonanza

You have to see it to believe it!

User SeinfeldRules just posted at RailworksAmerica about a work-in-progress 150+ boxcar repaint project. They also posted a video. That's one looong train of boxcars! Very colorful too, with many fallen flags and a wonderful tribute to the Columbia Valley Pacific!

Read more in the original post at RailworksAmerica.

Here's a link to the video:

Coming Soon: GN Era Backdating Kit for Hi-Line Route

Here are some preview screenshots of a little add-on for the Hi-Line route.

New Scenario: GN Train 5, 1954 TT

A new scenario pack is now available for the GN Cascadian Route (Electrified Stevens Pass):

GN Train #5

The Westbound Cascadian Spokane-Seattle Local
based on the 1954 timetable

You can download the scenario on my website (and soon also on RWA.)

This scenario has been split in three parts due to the length of the route, each of which is available in summer- and winter setting.

Besides the payware route, only freeware equipment has been used to write this scenario to ensure it can be played no matter where in the world you are.

The scenario is based on the 1954 GN public timetable. The Cascadian had just been classified as a "Streamliner", which in its case meant freshly repainted and rebuilt heavyweight equipment and a pair of F7s leading.

Your timetable is pretty tight in the east- and west ends of the route, but fairly relaxed up in the mountains where almost all of the stops are flagstops (which means you will frequently "miss" stops when you don't get flagged to stop).

This scenario is the first one released that uses the Random Flagstops script feature that we invented for the Cascadian route. That means that each time you start the scenario, you may get called to stop at different stations!

Have fun on train #5!

Screenshots: GN Train 5, 1954, Part 2

Some screenshots from a new scenario for The Cascadian route.

Part 2: Under Diesel Power. Skykomish to Everett.

Screenshots: GN Train 5, 1954, Part 1

Some screenshots from a new scenario for The Cascadian route.

Part 1: Under Electric Power. Wenatchee to Skykomish.