Any V Scalers Here?

[Coonskin]

Hello All:

I'm Andre Ming. I've just recently (re?)discovered this fantastic Frisco forum.

I still dabble with workbench models... in scale S now. I have all but given up on being a productive enough modeler to EVER have another medium-sized layout. The space I have results in a small shelf layout in a small room, so in order to maximize intensity, I am going with an urban setting based on the KC West Bottoms area. I have childhood memories of the RR'ing of KC that helped make this decision. The Frisco will be represented, as will other KC area railroads.

BUT... I am also an avid V scale modeler. For those of you that haven't heard the term "V scale", it is a term I use to describe "Virtual Scale", or, simulating trains and railroads via computer. There are three major players in the V scale arena. They are:

Microsoft's Train Simulator (called MSTS for short)
Auran's Trainz
RSDL's Rail Simulator

MSTS and Trainz have been around a while. RS is the new kid on the block.

All of the above have their strengths and weaknesses. MSTS has the most add-on content available, hands down, and it could be argued that it is still the predominate medium for V scale. RS is growing slowly, but still has a long way to go in regards to add-on content.

I'm most familar with MSTS, so my comments will pertain to that aspect of V scale.

My main reason for posting this is to determine how many of us here are V scalers, and to what degree?

As for me, I find that I spend most of my available modeling energy doing something with V scale. The things V scale allows is just so compelling I tend to gravitate toward it. How so?

Well, for example:

Over the past several years, I have been a rubber gauging model railroader. Since the mid 90's or so, I bounced around from theme to theme... scale to scale... et al. I simply have too many interests that just won't co-exist well in ONE layout. Try having a layout with, say Colorado narrow gauge in the 1880's, and Frisco's Ft. Smith Sub, circa 1965. Both are very real interests I have... but simply cannot be reasonably accomodated in regards to attempting to workbench model both themes.

Enter V scale via MSTS: Point/click... I'm running an 1880's steam powered train in Colorado. Point/click... I'm in the cab of a Frisco F7 set battling gravity to get tonnage up Boston Mountain grade to Winslow. Point/click... I'm in a BNSF Dash-9 haulin' butt across Montana.

Or, say I'm in a creative mood: Point/click... I'm working on the Rio Grande Southern's Telluride Branch. Point/click... I'm working on the Coal Belt region of eastern Arkansas/western Oklahoma, emphasis Frisco.

There are many more reasons, but you get the idea.

Here the topic is Frisco. So... I'm wondering... how many of you have an interest in V scale... and Frisco in particular?

The reason I ask is that I am friends with a very good MSTS modeler. He has already created a Frisco F7 pack. IF there was interest and IF I can come up with good photos... I'll bet I can coerce him to give the Frisco more coverage in his V scale efforts.

To illustrate some Frisco V scale models, I have attached some screen grabs that depict the models in a shape-viewing program. (Remember, in V scale via MSTS, you can use any model on any route in any era, etc.)

I would LOVE to see some Frisco GP7's, F3's (in blk&yel and o&w) original RS2's, FA1's, etc, etc. All of these models my friend has in V scale... but I need GOOD PHOTO textures in order to persuade him to attempt Frisco versions.

How about it??? Sound off in this thread if you're into V scale or have an interest in it!

Again... here are some examples of what is possible:

[stripeshirt]

Andre, Ed Adams here. would be interested in visiting with you on the V scale.

[Coonskin]

Hi Ed!

LONG time no see/hear from.

Drop me an email: laming@cebridge.net

In the meantime, be thinking of specific questions you're wondering.

Andre

[frankoburns]

Andre....How great to see you here....Welcome!...
To the rest of the members, Bob Wintle was wanting further info on V-scale..Here is a brief description...
V scale presents the oppurtunity to operate trains with semi-realistic physics, from the cab, outside, and run-by modes on actual routes created with Demex (a terrain sculpting program) using actual mileposts...activities from straight through runs to switching etc. mostly duplicating actual train operations. There are now hundreds of different routes, thousands of rolling stock models, locomotives (most addons, routes and equipment is FREE, and thats the best part!) and just about all the Nation's roads are covered, from current class1's to regional and fallen flags. You must first acquire a copy of Microsoft Train Simulator,,,,You can get it at Walmart, Ebay, or many different retailers around the Country for about 10 dollars...Then you join a Modeler's group like mine....thats free too....we operate from my Forum with 3200 members...We specialize in Fallen Flags, but also have Canadian Content for the sim as well and modern equipment too..We are just a bunch of guys who love to run trains and contribute to the community so everyone else can run them too! A couple other of my long-time forum members are also members here too! My website URL is
http://www.mophouse-mltdownload.com
Feel free to stop by and register...I approve most accounts in 24 hours or less (I do work)...but we are there to have a good time and offer tech support for the sim...(We call it MSTS)...and run trains, all aspects of railroading are welcome, from Prototype to any type of modeling, and photography as well. Andre's site (Coonskin) also contains a huge wealth of knowlege and equipment..

[friscobob]

Howdy, Ed! Welcome to the forum- glad to see you here!

As for V-scale, yes, I have MSTS loaded on my laptop, and on occasion run the Frisco's Ft. Smith Sub as well as Cody Winkleman's Kansas Division. Since I like GP7s and GP38s, I have several power consists of both running on these lines. I haven't gone so far as to modify the trains at Monett from BNSF to Frisco (as God intended, lol), but when I do, I'll like the Ft. Smith Sub even more.

[friscochoctaw]

I've been dabbling with it some, but don't have a whole lot of time to get advancedly involved. My main focus, right now, is just to acquire a library of rolling stock (with out having to purchase them, at least at this time.) I would so love to be able to get my courser on some Frisco equipment, though.

[craigh]

i need help i just bought the "TRAINZ" the complete collection and are having trouble dont know how to control or where to download and general help

[dricketts]

I have to say Trainz has much more available content and is just a better all around platform... Microsoft TS really doesn't compare in that respect.

[Coonskin]

It's all a matter of preferences.

I never could get past the cartoonish lighting/look in Trainz or Railworks, for that matter. Nor was I interested in model railroad physics in a virtual setting. (I understand the latest incarnation of Trainz has really improved the physics aspect.) I also understand from Trainz defectors that installing the add-ons is a lesson in frustration. Be these things as they may, we each find satisfaction in the platform of our choice.

Andre

[HWB]

I used to be quite the avid V scaler. MSTS was my platform. Had tons of ad on's and still do. The problem is MSTS won't load. I've tried to reinstall. That didn't help. I'm thinking of switching to Trainz. It seems more readily available.

[HWB]

does anyone use the Rail Simulator offered by EA?

[Coonskin]

Hi HWB:

MSTS: Do you have a Vista or Win 7 machine now? If so, it's my understanding there are a few things you need to do in order to successfully install MSTS into such a system.

Rail Simulator: Rail Simulator is now "Railworks". Some love it... some don't. IF you want to run simplistic handling trains through really nice scenery, then Railworks can fill the bill nicely. IF you enjoy the challenge of handling trains on grades, etc, then that aspect of RW isn't quite ready for prime time.

Andre