My latest Trainz project is the prototypical Frisco Highline route between Clinton, Mo and Bolivar, Mo. I've used digital elevation data to accurately recreate the topology of the area along with topo maps that accurately place the abandoned mainline. I have found a lot maps that show sidings in the towns along the Frisco Highline here. I'm still looking for information on single or double track between Clinton and Bolivar for the 1050's era. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Best of luck to you with your Trainz route! We need more V scale Frisco routes! Modeling in V scale has its own "rewards". One of them, for me, is viewing the terrain created via Digital Elevation Models for the first time within my sim of choice.
I thought I would post some pics of my progress. I've been trying to do some work on the route each day. 1. Looking southeast from the MKT & Frisco interlocking at the Clinton yard. 2. Looking north at the Clinton yard with the roundhouse on the left. 3. Weaubleau looking north. 4. Osceola looking west.
Looks like you are off to a good start. I have always wanted to do what you are doing but was going to try it in MSTS. I run MSTS occasionally but I simply couldn't find the time to do both model railroading and virtual railroading. I finally decided to stick with modeling in N scale. I still think it would be absolutely awesome to run virtual trains on the Clinton Sub. You ever wanna share let me know and I'll be getting a copy of Trainz real fast to try out your version of the Clinton Sub. And I am glad to help try answering any of your questions. Dale Rush Carthage, MO
Sure thing Dale. I'd be glad to share a copy with you. It's a big project. Over 80 miles but not really any urban areas which take even longer. I'm sure I'll be posting future questions and a few more pics of my progress. I have all the track laid with gradients for the entire route including all the proper sidings. Now I'm working on signaling. Next will come painting appropriate textures on the ground surface.
I wanted to post some updates of my progress on the Clinton sub Frisco Highline Route in v-scale. I've completed all the trackage with grading, invisible signals (for AI operation in dark territory), a fair amount of roads, and some structures. I would like to complete all the structures and roadways in all towns before applying ground textures and vegetation. There is still a lot to do but I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks again to everyone for the help and information. 1. Hwy 54 crossing in Weaubleau 2. Bolivar Lowry City MKT Crossing in Clinton Looking SE with tower in the background. Looking NE at the MKT crossing in Clinton. MKT crossing looking SE with the Clinton yard in the background. I just thought this was a cool shot. Crossing Hwy 13 with downtown Clinton in the background. Crossing the Osage River looking SE with Osceola in the background. Osceola looking NW with the Depot in the background and the bridge over the Osage River in the top left corner.
Wow...I gave up on train simulators after the MS debacle with theirs and I have all this stuff that won't work, etc etc. I'm having second thoughts now. Where did all the 3rd party stuff come from... feel free to PM me.... and congrats on a nifty deal. Buck
Looks like the virtual Highline is coming along nicely. Nice job. The Osage River bridge looks good, good, good. Can't wait to see more. Dale Rush modeling the Clinton Sub in N scale
There is always a fool who just has to ask stupid questions, when the obvious is known. Any chance of taking to other way into Grandview or KC? You have quite an item here that can really recreate history. Congratulations on efforts! Ricky
I'm not familiar with MSTS. My route is being made in Trainz. I believe there are a lot more quality creators making free content for Trainz. Most of the content can be found here: http://www.auran.com/TRS2004/DLS.php There are also several 3rd party content websites like these: http://www.jointedrail.com/ http://rrmods.com/
I've been working on a KC route that includes Grandview, Independence, and Lees Summit for about 3 years. I attached a pic of the KCS crossing looking east at Main St in Grandview. The Highline crossing is in the background closer to old downtown Grandview. It's a massive project and has been put on hold to work on the Highline route. One if the things that attracted to the Highline route was the lack of dense urban areas. Urban areas just have so many structures try to model accurately that it takes for ever. So I guess the short answer would be no. I really want to stop just north of Clinton and south of Bolivar.
Thought I would post a couple more screen shots of my progress. I started applying some basic ground textures and foliage to Gerster, Mo today. I still have a lot of detail to add and then start on more towns after that.
Here's some update pics. I haven't posted in a while. I was waiting for a friend of mine to create Highline mile marker signs based off Karl's pics. Placing telegraph poles and mile marker signs for 80 miles is not the most exciting part of working in Trainz. I've also been working on getting all the bridges in place. They should be accurate to the type and length of bridge thanks to Karl's records. This is just north of Vista, Mo. Bridge 144.8 Bridge 128.8 about halfway between Gerster, Mo and Weaubleau, Mo. This is just north of the very sharp horseshoe curve. It's 515' in total length. Bridge 143.8 north of Cliquot. I've also replaced the few trees I do have in place with trees created by "pofig." His new trees use "speedtreez" technology. I appreciate any feedback or criticism. As always thanks to everyone on the Frisco forums for the information and help.
Looking good, can't wait to see more. I really like the tall wooden trestle in photo #5. Is that one of the tall bridges near Wishart? Also was curious about the location of your bridges in photos 3, 4, and 6. Sure wish I could make the same progress on my N scale layout! The structures are slowing me down to a crawl. Dale Rush
I should have done a better job labeling the pics but I haven't quite mastered the nuances of posting pics on the forum. I'll try editing my previous post. V Scale modeling is still time consuming but nothing like the real thing. I had a small 8x4 N scale layout when I was a kid. I worked on that thing all the time from 12 to 16 years old and never got more than halfway done.
I've been working on a reskin of a Baldwin 2-8-2. Here's Frisco 1312. I'm not sure if it was ever on the highline but it looks pretty good here.
