Andy's Activities

Hi all,
I hope someone can help?? After my First Successful creation of an Activity (I hope). I have an idea for another Activity, which will have to go on hold. In the Interim I would like to try and recreate an Activity as shown here; http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t13/t0209a.htm
It will of course have 35028 and the VSOE Pullmans, but does the LSC cover this route or is it the Dorset Coast or do neither cover it? I hope someone can point me in the right direction?
Many Thanks in advance
Best Wishes
Andy

Hi Andy,

The stretch from Clapham Junction to Shalford is included in the Dorset Coast route.

I can't fully remember the LSC/LBE route, but that should cover the return from Redhill back to Victoria.

Hope this is of some use.

Hi Andy

I have answered your question over on UKTS,basically you need Dorset Coast for the outward trip and MT LSE for the return,but neither of them have Victoria.

You could always use modellers licence on the outward journey engineering works has closed the line between Victoria and Stewerts Lane Junction. so start from Waterloo
On the return the line is closed between Norwood Junction and Crystal Palace again due to engineering works,so use LSC and go via Clapham Junction to Victoria.
After all MSTS is always a compromise

Thanks Mike,
I have messaged you back on UKtrainsim, but if you would prefer to just reply on here, that will be fine. I hope you can help me in trying to get this off the ground, as it sounds as though I will have to use Trainstore an awful lot in order keep storing Routes to try and get this to work? I guess this shall use a few APK files as well? One question how does Clanline return back to Victoria on the VSOE? Is there a circle where she goes round to come back the opposite way?
I hope this makes sense?
Many thanks
Andy

Hi Andy,

Looking at the route; it is a circular route anyway; so Clanline will always be at the front.

Hi Andy,

with my method you only need 2 APK files,one for Outward Dorset Coast and one for the return LSC\LBE,

If you are going to use MT LSE as well, coming into Victoria from Crystal Palace and Herne Hill,you come into Victoria on the South Eastern side of Victoria Station,on LBE\LCE that would be just before Battersea Park Station.

If you are going to use the other method you will need 4 APK files,LSC Victoria to either Stewarts Lane Junc or Clapham Junc, I don't know if there is a connection from Stewarts Junction onto the Waterloo lines on EB's LSC\LBE route

Dorset Coast to Shalford, LSE from Reigate to Crystal Palace, and LSC Battersea Park to Victoria.

Looking at your timings Clan Line doesn't need to turn,like Geoff says it's a circular route
I hope this is of some help to you

mikehendle wrote:Hi Andy,

with my method you only need 2 APK files,one for Outward Dorset Coast and one for the return LSC\LBE,

If you are going to use MT LSE as well, coming into Victoria from Crystal Palace and Herne Hill,you come into Victoria on the South Eastern side of Victoria Station,on LBE\LCE that would be just before Battersea Park Station.

If you are going to use the other method you will need 4 APK files,LSC Victoria to either Stewarts Lane Junc or Clapham Junc, I don't know if there is a connection from Stewarts Junction onto the Waterloo lines on EB's LSC\LBE route

Dorset Coast to Shalford, LSE from Reigate to Crystal Palace, and LSC Battersea Park to Victoria.

Looking at your timings Clan Line doesn't need to turn,like Geoff says it's a circular route
I hope this is of some help to you

Hi Mike,
So are you suggesting I split into 2 Acts. 1 with Dorset Coast and the other with LSC?
Thanks for your help Mike and Geoff.
Best Wishes
Andy

I would be inclined to split into 2 activities myself.

As the event you are trying to recreate cannot be done on one route alone, then it makes sense to split it into bits that can be run on specific routes.

As an aside; I find shorter activities easier to create/test due to the difference in running times. A 1 hour act takes a long time to test when you're fiddling to get the AI to do what you want 55 minutes in!

Hi

gswindale wrote:I would be inclined to split into 2 activities myself.
As an aside; I find shorter activities easier to create/test due to the difference in running times. A 1 hour act takes a long time to test when you're fiddling to get the AI to do what you want 55 minutes in!

I have a modded line in the launcher shortcut to activate time acceleration i.e.
C:\MSTS\train.exe /timeacceleration
Saves a lot of frustration/boredom when the problem is well into an activity and you've had several goes at correcting it.
Ctrl+T starts the time acceleration, Ctrl+Shift+T to slow it back down.
Cheers
Clive

Hi all,
A couple of questions if I may. Has Clanline ever started the VSOE Luncheon special in recent times from London Waterloo? If so I am thinking of just using Dorset Coast and possibly starting it from Clapham Jct. Which will be the best path to take so that she runs round the circular to head back to Clapham Jct with 35028 leading?
Many thanks
Best Wishes
Andy

Hi all,
My 2nd Activity creation is close to being finished. Just awaiting testing and checking of stock. But here are a few screenshots as a taster!





Enjoy!

Cheers

Andy

Andy
I like the screenshots especially the first one.
Alec

Looks good Andy....I seem to recognise a loco ....nice to see them being used.

Hi Andy
I will definitely down load these activities when you up load them,New Forrest is one of my favourite routes.
Mike

Hi all,
Thankyou so much for the feedback! This file has now just been uploaded and is awaiting Approval.
File ID is 30799. I will let you all know once this has been approved.
My huge thanks goes to my fab tester! Cheers Ged (Slipperman12)
Thanks once again all.
Best Wishes
Andy

Hi all,
Permission has now been granted for the Activity and is now available for download!
Enjoy!
Cheers
Andy

Hi Andy
Can you tell me how to open this file zipx please

Pete

Hi Pete,
Yes you can use WinZip to extract the files. Any problems please let me know.
Thanks
Best Wishes
Andy

Same as my response on UKTS:
File Type: WinZip compressed archive file

File Extension: .zipx

Description: WinZip archive files contain one or more files that have been compressed, packaged and in some cases encrypted for convenient, efficient and safe distribution.
Software or information available at:
WinZip compressed archive file
BitZipper

Both tools cost money although trial versions are available.
Whats wrong with using a a basic FREE zipping tool i.e. 'JustZipIt'
Clive

I need to check, but it's possible that 7zip may be able to extract ZIPX files?
Alec

This from EHow

Download and install file decompression software that can extract zipx files, such as WinZip, Bitzipper or 7zip. It does not matter which program you choose. They all work in the same way.

Hi Andy
Have managed to open the file with winzip but when I try and load into route I get this package requires route called Watersnake UID watersnake.
I have this route installed on 3 differant Drives and also as a mini-route.
Any help would be most welcome.
Thanks

Pete

Hi Pete,
Please can you confirm that you have this complete Route installed (UKTS File ID 22701)?
Many Thanks
Andy

Hi Andy
I have file 22701 Watersnake 2 install on my PC.
I will try re-installing the route.

That did the trick thanks for the help

Pete

Hi Pete,
Glad to be of help. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks
Best Wishes
Andy

Hi Everyone,
With some of you unable to Unzip the zipx file I have repackaged the APK file etc just as a Zip file. This is now appending approval once again.
Apologies for any issues.
Best Wishes
Andy

Hi Gentlemen,
I've just discovered that it's only WinZip from version 12.1 onwards, which will open a zipx file.

There is another free archive program called Zipx (available here : http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/sudhanaboina-ZipX-Download-219408.html) but I haven't found out how to use it properly, yet; it doesn't seem very intuitive

Cheers,
Ged

EDIT : Thanks for the re-upload Andy - seems like this post is now superfluous!

EDIT 2 : I've now discovered that 7Zip did unpack the txt and apk files OK, but didn't like the jpg file, objecting to the compression method!

Hi all,
Many thanks to all the 102 people so far whom have downloaded the Activity "Bulleids at Bournemouth" for the Watersnake (New Forest Route). I hope everyone enjoyed it! My thanks also goes to all those whom have designed and created the stock for me to use! Without you guys, we would be very limited!
I am now writing up and looking into my next Activity which will more likely be for the Dorset Coast Route and will be called Clanline on the VSOE Luncheon.

I have started the Document file so far which has the following information;

"Morning Driver. Today you are in charge of 35028 Clanline on the VSOE Luncheon around the Surrey Hills.
We start off by reversing with the class 66 on the back into London Victoria. We are expected to leave London Victoria at about 12:28pm.
This is a gentle trundle, so as not to spill any of the paid passengers lunch and Champagne!!
We finish back at London Victoria at about 4:30pm. Once we get back to London Victoria we will need to take the stock back to Stewarts Lane depot in order to throw out the fire and berth the stock.
Enjoy!


35028 Clanline on the VSOE

22046 - DEE_MNR_35028
3842 - Bulleid Light Pacific Sound Set
23356 - Cabview for Merchant Navy class
30737 - VSOE working generator van
30711 - VSOE K type Pullman Coaches & Support Coaches"

Obviously this document file is not finished yet and will have more modern stock on the list which will need to be downloaded. I have even downloaded and created a PDF file for the VSOE Luncheon times. Lets see how close I can get to these realistic times???

Any thoughts from Forum members on this?

Thanks & Best Wishes All.

Andy

You may have to revise your plans because as far as I'm aware (and I would be delighted to be proved wrong!) Victoria Station isn't on the DC route. I believe that it's because the area between Waterloo and Clapham Junction is just TOO busy.

I'm assuming that you have the community DVD as you will find much of the required SWT stock already present.

Hi Andy

Thanks for the activity - it was most enjoyable.

Watersnake is a fine route, and the stock used was top quality.

I have run this in both MSTS and Open Rails successfully.

Thanks again.
Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed the Activity. I will more than likely look at doing some more Activities at some point in the future as currently there are not enough Acts for this fab route out there. But I will need to research some workings from Bournemouth and the locos to keep it interesting. So if anybody has any ideas or links, then I would be glad to hear from you!

Going back to my idea for Clanline on the VSOE Luncheon using Dorset Coast Route. I believe I can do it in just the 1 Activity having looked at the map. I will more than likely finish this off at Clapham Jct.

Thanks.

Best Wishes

Andy

Hi all,
Is anyone able to send me a copy of the Dorset Coast v6 Map Please? This way I can plan on where I am going to take the VSOE route wise? It may not be altogether correct, but I will try and get it as close as I possibly can.
Thanks in advance
Andy

Hi Andy,
There's one here : http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=240&t=89178&hilit=dorset+coast+map#p1077723

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Andy,

You should be able to view the map yourself in Activity Editor.

Using the Print-Screen function; you should be able to paste the relevant sections into your favourite image editing program.

I can provide the route map in Track Viewer ( http://uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php?form_fileid=11918 ) format if you want; but I think it will be quite a large file!

gswindale wrote:Hi Andy,

You should be able to view the map yourself in Activity Editor.

Using the Print-Screen function; you should be able to paste the relevant sections into your favourite image editing program.

I can provide the route map in Track Viewer (http://uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php?form_fileid=11918) format if you want; but I think it will be quite a large file!

Hi Geoffrey,
Thanks for the reply. Yes I can view it in Activity Editor, I was just wondering if there was a better/easier version out there somewhere so that I can plot my route. I've spent some time zooming in/out; but tends to take some time on Dorset Coast.
If anyone can point me in the right direction to an easy to understand map; would be much appreciated.
Many Thanks
Andy

Hi Andy,

If you download and install the Track Viewer application from my earlier link; then
https://www.dropbox.com/s/skkhfm07jjnvbba/Dorset.tvr
might be of use to you.

You can then view the route & all interactives etc for the route.

Hi Andy,
You could always start from Waterloo and finish at Waterloo,in the activity description you could say due to Engineering works at Grosvenor Bridge to days tour starts from and ends at Waterloo.
Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the help. I have decided to put the following in the Activity Brief and Description. I have set all the paths.
So it now says the following;

"Morning Driver. Today you are in charge of 35028 Clanline on the VSOE Luncheon around the Surrey Hills.
Todays VSOE we start from London Waterloo instead of London Victoria because of Engineering Works at Grosvenor Bridge.
This is a gentle trundle, so as not to spill any of the paid passengers lunch and Champagne!!
The Activity will end after we have stopped for Water at Shalford."

Does anyone know what the stopping points are on the VSOE on this route please?

Many Thanks

Andy

Hi Andy
Possibly Clapham Junction,and Guildford for water,can't think of any where else really,as it is a circular tour.
Mike

Hi Andy,

Looking at the timetable for next Friday's tour; it doesn't appear to stop anywhere except Shalford:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P90096/2013/04/12/advanced

By the way - this is a very useful site for getting information about routes etc.

Hi all,
Is anyone able to supply me with a list of stock and the relevant directories that are associated with the Severn Valley Railway Add-On. I am working on an Activity for this Route, but want to see what stock is used with the route, before I locate the stock needed elsewhere. I have written the other stock down as required.
I hope this makes sense?
Many Thanks in Advance
Andy

*Edit* I believe I have found all the relevant stock and it is those beginning with the Prefix of BA_
Question, of which I hope someone is able to help me out with? I am trying to find the stock as shown in this video from time 5:03 to about 5:25. Here is the embedded Video;



I hope someone can help? I have done a search on UKTS for LMS etc... But not showing any results as far as I can see?
Thanks in advance
Andy

Hi Andy,
The coaches in the BA_LMR_Coaches folder look very similar!

By the way, the video doesn't show when reading the post, but does after selecting "Reply"

Cheers,
Ged

Hi Ged,
I've had a look at these coaches you mentioned myself and aren't quite right?? I'll give them a go as per the video I sent and see if maybe the coaches produce something closer to these?
Strange, that it only works for you when you click 'reply'.... I wonder if you need a plugin? It is working okay for me....
Cheers
Andy

Hi Andy,
The coaches in the video, which can be identified, are 27220, 24617, Buffet Car, 26880 and 2300.

There is an error in the BA_LMR_coaches folder, but the correct coaches are :
3rd Open 27220, Buffet Car 9335; 3rd Corr 2300.

The error is in the 3rd Comp which uses the 3rd Corr textures; the correct textures show the coach as number 24617 - I haven't checked, but it looks as if the .s file could be amended to use the correct textures.

The remaining coach in the folder is 3rd Brake 26921

Cheers,
Ged

EDIT : Strange. the video shows now - I've done nothing, honest!!

Hi Ged.

I have just fixed the youtube link in Andy's post so you should be able to see it now.

When posting youtube links use = [youtube]link copied from the youtube page address bar[/youtube] and it should display to everyone, alternatively click on the little green filmstrip icon at the top of the reply box and post the link in there, embed links don't seem to work.

Hi Andy,
If you go to trainsim.com,do a search for seven valley you will find some reskins of seven valley stock,you must have the seven valley addon to use them
Mike

Hi Andy,
Just to confirm - the .s file for the 3rd Comp coach erroneously uses the 3rd Corr ace file; changing this results in coach 24617 being shown, correctly, as the 3rd Comp.

Cheers,
Ged

EDIT : Mike - although there are many SVR reskins on TS.com, there aren't any for the maroon coaches.

The following HFL link shows you the utility for amending S files - Shape File Manager.
Once the S file is uncompressed you can edit it, included in the list of options when you highlight the file. Use the find part of your text file editing utility by typing in ace. Then locate the relevant ace reference and amend to suit.
Hope this is of use and I haven't stated what you may already know?
Alec

Hi Ged, Mike,
Thanks for the replies. I have decided to use just the standard Coaching stock as it doesn't seem to be a million miles away. Currently in the process of creating the Activity, now that I have created the Consists (thus far).
This as you will probably beable to tell is going to be based on the SVR Spring Steam Gala.
One question I do have is how do you make the ground showing dry, but with snow falling? I don't want constant snow. Is this possible?
Many Thanks
Andy

Hi Andy,

Use summer for the season and snow for the weather. What you get is this:



As for intermittent weather I am afraid that it is not possible. (I have looked into this myself).

Justin