|
Post by trabantdave on Sept 19, 2021 18:27:44 GMT
Well I'm salivating like Pavlov's favourite mutt in anticipation of this veritable feast!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Sept 20, 2021 21:23:22 GMT
R49 testing is almost complete, with all systems and features now working as we intended. Next job is to nudge the guys at Virtual Acton Works to build the silver version - or not paint the red version - depending on your viewpoint. We also added some new cabview options, so you can get different views using the usual Left/Right-arrow keys. More news as it happens...
3-car test train 21120-23210-21148 seen at EBY having returned from the Sth Acton test track
Cab - sitting nearside
Cab - standing nearside
Cab - leaning towards nearside switch panel
Cab - offside
Amazing how fast those guys work. Not the best photo and lighting, and a little polishing to do yet on the bare aluminum, but getting there.
The good news is it has slightly better performance as the lack of paint and use of aluminum instead of steel saves 5t per car. A silver car weighs 28.4t versus an older steel red car at 33.4t. Or a 7-car silver train weighs about the same as a 6-car red train. Yes, we plugged the weight difference into the train physics and you will notice a difference :-)
R49 Silver 22636-23535-23436-23336-23236-21136 at EBY
|
|
Johnny
Station Staff
Posts: 15
|
Post by Johnny on Sept 21, 2021 12:31:32 GMT
Wow - just when I think it can't get any better, it does!
Well done gents - this is looking more and more like a train simulator masterpiece.
|
|
|
Post by aussieltfan on Sept 22, 2021 16:23:48 GMT
WOW,
I used to travel in these regularly as a boy, and even managed to score an unofficial cab ride from Dagenham East to Whitechapel, these pictures brought back all those memories. It is exceptional. I eagerly look forward to driving my silver R stock into Whitechapel all be it in the opposite direction to my cab ride! I hope we can get to do that before Christmas because I can think of no better Christmas present than that.
Well done to all the team!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Sept 30, 2021 20:55:00 GMT
More test runs with the R49, this time checking out new QuickDrive paths. Superb paint on the old train.
Unpainted Silver of 1953 vintage, after a fresh scrub with a large Brillo pad. Very smooth bodywork. Looks even better in sunlight.
For the curious, everyone on the Team is busy. Finalizing R49 audio, scenarios create/test and documentation updates.
There's light at the end of the tunnel - Whitechapel :-)
|
|
|
Post by trabantdave on Oct 1, 2021 12:23:07 GMT
Fine work there Jimi, Congrats to all who have made this happen!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 6, 2021 2:33:55 GMT
HEADS UP!
While testing various scenarios today, including making sure some older ones still worked in the Phase III environment, we uncovered an issue that broke 2 complex scenarios for 2 of 3 of us. They worked for me, not for Ed and Xavier. Clearly the scenarios were fine (else logically they would fail for me too) so something was different in the running environment. I'll spare you the blow by blow debug details and simply note that we rely on the JT Met route assets for our extensive use of LUL signals, including the tunnel types JT added in various Met updates. We discovered I was running the latest Met patch/update and my colleagues were not. We suspect signal code differences play a part. Credit to Xavier for discovering the issue and proving it correct. So...
A pre-requisite for VDL Phase III is that users must be running the JT Met route v1.03 (current update) or later.
If you don't yet have it, now would be a good time to get it and update. It's a 2.9GB update so may take you a while to grab. And while you're there also grab the S7 Plus 1 latest update (v1.05). We no longer have any S8 trains in any of our scenarios, so S7+1 is adequate.
The updated Pre-Reqs listed in the (in process) Route Guide update will detail these, and the latest versions of any ATS-hosted add-ons (like the DR/Circle/H&C S7 bits) and any other non-VDT assets. We will also post them on here prior to Phase III release once the updated docs have been team reviewed and finalized, so you all have adequate time to get up to date in preparation, if not already.
Thanks! We are heads down working on scenario build/test and documentation. Things look very good.
|
|
|
Post by patrick on Oct 7, 2021 15:48:17 GMT
Good stuff! Can't wait to check out this next phase
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 9, 2021 1:48:05 GMT
Scenario test continues. The East R49 Motor should be familiar :-) Where it's going and why will be revealed in Phase III.
|
|
|
Post by trabantdave on Oct 9, 2021 11:07:54 GMT
Simply stunning!
|
|
|
Post by tsonboard on Oct 9, 2021 13:52:08 GMT
Cannot wait for this to be released, great work everyone!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 9, 2021 21:00:33 GMT
And the end of the run. You'll have to wait to see the rest of the working :-)
Berthed at ECM 2. Shunt is clear with Route 1 set into the Depot
Waiting for stabling instructions from the West Shunter
|
|
|
Post by patrick on Oct 14, 2021 12:02:34 GMT
Nice! Can't wait to see what scenarios there will be:)
|
|
|
Post by Xavier on Oct 14, 2021 17:52:28 GMT
I've also been tweaking the R49, and introduced a refreshed passenger view to the train as a standalone model. With this standalone model, I'm looking into the possibility of getting the doors to open in passenger view as well as exterior view. But I can't promise that I will succeed because the exact solution is proving elusive at the moment.
|
|
|
Post by patrick on Oct 18, 2021 15:25:30 GMT
VDL is definitely the best piece of freeware out there by a long shot!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 22, 2021 22:46:46 GMT
Scenario dev/test continues - cryptic clues :-)
OB31 is a famous signal, or maybe infamous if you're a District Operator.
|
|
Johnny
Station Staff
Posts: 15
|
Post by Johnny on Oct 23, 2021 13:35:53 GMT
Looking great!
Am I correct in assuming that OB31 is the Westbound starter for Aldgate East/that District Line Train Ops can be held there if a clockwise/Edgware Road bound Circle Line train is signalled ahead of them?
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 23, 2021 14:47:25 GMT
You nailed the issue Johnny, and a good logical guess at the signal.
OB45 is the ALD-E WB starter (with right RI for Met trains). You can see it in the upper picture, in the six foot, with a mini RI on top.
OB31 is in the six foot on the curve twixt the Met junction just west of ALD-E and Minories Jct where Aldgate tracks emerge.
So an Outer Circle ex-ALD P1 will cross Minories Jct and cause OB31 to go red, holding up a WB District train ex-ALD-E.
DR Operators assert this happens all the time :-)
Conversely, a District train EB ex-Tower Hill passing Minories would hold up an Outer Circle waiting to exit ALD at OB30.
I've pasted below a link to an old description of the area, from the original District Dave site. Take a look at the track diagram on that page.
|
|
|
Post by Xavier on Oct 28, 2021 20:59:28 GMT
A little bonus stock pack that could follow shortly after the release of Phase III. (Some of the wagons are obscured behind the other trains).
|
|
|
Post by trabantdave on Oct 29, 2021 10:48:15 GMT
Xavier - You are such a tease!
|
|
|
Post by markhazeldine on Oct 30, 2021 23:50:06 GMT
You guys sure are testing these scenarios very thoroughly!
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 31, 2021 2:42:37 GMT
We will have 5 new scenarios that feature the R49, or the Lower Circle, or both. Plus a whole new set of QuickDrive possibilities. The scenarios range from a 30 min R49 Training session, to a 140 minute Rail Tour, plus District and Circle workings on the, um, Circle. Realistic AI traffic frequencies. So - yes - a lot to test. Scenario Number 4 exposed another error with the shunt signals, which I'm now fixing. Scenarios are great for finding issues with new track or signals. It all *looks* right, but until you drive it. And if you find an issue in a 2+ hour long scenario you have to fix and test it all again... So we're not just testing scenarios.
We are all heads-down on this, and are as keen to get it released as you are to see it :-)
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Oct 31, 2021 2:51:10 GMT
ANOTHER HEADS UP
Eddie reminded me that Armstrong Powerhouse have an update available for their Sky and Weather Enhancement Pack. We made extensive use of their great weather/sky effects in our last EC scenarios and have used some more for Phase III.
If you have already bought a previous version, just go to their site, log in and download the update. Then install over the top. If you don't yet have it, we strongly recommend it. And it is very reasonably priced.
|
|
|
Post by Jimi on Nov 8, 2021 16:52:29 GMT
Last scenario is in final team test. The age of the 2 trains pictured should give you a clue as to the approximate year being depicted.
|
|
Johnny
Station Staff
Posts: 15
|
Post by Johnny on Nov 8, 2021 17:51:45 GMT
I seem to recall D stock first coming in around 1980 and that R stock ran until around 1983, so would guess at around 1980-1983.
The station also looks like West Kensington, judging by the footbridge and canopies.
|
|