Builder of Digital Trains and other Add Ons for the Train Simulator series
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
Friday, 16 December 2016
LB&SCR A1/A1X Terriers: Build Part 5, Texturing
The dreaded unwrap is complete so the next task is to layer on some colour.
Before we started we gave the parts some simple colours in the 3D modelling programme to help visualise the parts that could be coloured together.
This is the A1
and the A1X in it's mostly unmodified layout.
Then it's a case of texturing the parts and building up the engine piece by piece
It's starting to look like something now. We should mention at this point that the green and "yellow" of the Improved Engine Green livery in these images are just place holders. We needed to do more research as to the correct original colours before we committed - as it turns out nobody is 100% sure of the colours but after reading a lot we're happy we've come up with one of the accepted variations which we'll show you when model is finished.
Next came the Improved Engine Green lining - which is complicated to say the least! But after quite a few experiments we came up with a set of parts to build the lining textures and it started to come together.
Again, the green and yellow are temporary colours - this was all about getting the lining detail correct. Once we were happy with the side panel it was time to complete the rest of the lining which covers most of the flat panels on the engine as well as the rear of the bunker and the A1's rear mounted toolbox.
And just as this is all getting exciting.. it's time to break for Christmas!
We'll try and make a post next week with the progress that has happened since these pictures, or at the very least our traditional Christmas screenshot and best wishes.
Before we started we gave the parts some simple colours in the 3D modelling programme to help visualise the parts that could be coloured together.
This is the A1
and the A1X in it's mostly unmodified layout.
Then it's a case of texturing the parts and building up the engine piece by piece
It's starting to look like something now. We should mention at this point that the green and "yellow" of the Improved Engine Green livery in these images are just place holders. We needed to do more research as to the correct original colours before we committed - as it turns out nobody is 100% sure of the colours but after reading a lot we're happy we've come up with one of the accepted variations which we'll show you when model is finished.
Next came the Improved Engine Green lining - which is complicated to say the least! But after quite a few experiments we came up with a set of parts to build the lining textures and it started to come together.
Again, the green and yellow are temporary colours - this was all about getting the lining detail correct. Once we were happy with the side panel it was time to complete the rest of the lining which covers most of the flat panels on the engine as well as the rear of the bunker and the A1's rear mounted toolbox.
And just as this is all getting exciting.. it's time to break for Christmas!
We'll try and make a post next week with the progress that has happened since these pictures, or at the very least our traditional Christmas screenshot and best wishes.
Monday, 5 December 2016
LB&SCR A1/A1X Terriers: Build Part 4, Cab
Now the outside is complete it's time to turn to the cab.
We didn't take any WIP pictures of the cab as it's not particularly interesting until it's complete.. so here it is, complete!
Firstly, much the same as the outside, the clean and simple looking A1 cab
And once the conversion to the A1X had occurred with a vacuum brake added for good measure then it got a lot more cluttered.
Some more comparison shots for various angles
Drivers view
The fireman's side
Looking in from the driver's side
And looking in from the fireman's side
And finally for today, adding them quickly to the outer loco model
A1
And A1X
And that's about it for modelling. Time for the unwrapping - which is a lot less exciting than the unwrapping that's due in 20 days time for many of us!
Then it will be on to the texturing. First up will be Stroudley's very complex "Improved Engine Green"... we're not looking forward to doing that one!
We didn't take any WIP pictures of the cab as it's not particularly interesting until it's complete.. so here it is, complete!
Firstly, much the same as the outside, the clean and simple looking A1 cab
And once the conversion to the A1X had occurred with a vacuum brake added for good measure then it got a lot more cluttered.
Some more comparison shots for various angles
Drivers view
The fireman's side
Looking in from the driver's side
And looking in from the fireman's side
And finally for today, adding them quickly to the outer loco model
A1
And A1X
And that's about it for modelling. Time for the unwrapping - which is a lot less exciting than the unwrapping that's due in 20 days time for many of us!
Then it will be on to the texturing. First up will be Stroudley's very complex "Improved Engine Green"... we're not looking forward to doing that one!
Friday, 25 November 2016
LB&SCR A1/A1X Terriers: Build Part 3, Options
Last week we looked at the completed outer model for the A1 and A1X variants of the Terrier. This week we show some of the modifications and options that will be included with the pack.
We start with bunkers. The only real failing in the design of the the Terrier was it's very limited coal capacity. As seen below the original bunker could just about carry a 1/2 ton of coal.
Various modifications were made over the years to increase this capacity up to 3/4 ton or even 1 ton in some cases.
The simplest was a set of bars above the existing bunker to allow the coal to be stacked much higher. All of the bunkers that were extended upwards to allow a higher stack of coal also required the adding of bars over the rear windows to stop them being smashed by wayward coal lumps.
Open bars were used..
.. but with smaller coal lumps often falling out of those, the enclosed bars become popular.
The K&ESR chose to extend the bunker upwards to add extra capacity..
.. but even that wasn't enough and bars were added to that as well.
The IOW Terriers were given the largest capacity by removing the rear toolbox and extending the bunker back as far as the buffers.
All of these bunkers will be available for the Terriers and the following will also be included as options or replacement parts:
Front steps (fitted to some Isle of Wight - IOW - engines)
Lubricator oil boxes on tank fronts
Handles on tank fronts
4 different types of chimney with optional spark arrestors
Stroudley, Marsh and Drummond domes
Toolbox in front of dome
Original whistle and IOW hooter
Brighton or IOW front splashers (A1X)
Extra wheel weights (IOW engines)
All of these (along with the liveries) should allow you to create hundreds of different arrangements as used on the 50 Terriers throughout their long lives.
Below is an example of an Isle of Wight set up which uses the following modifications:
Front steps, IOW cast chimney, IOW front splashers, tank front lubricator oil boxes and handles, IOW hooter and IOW rearwards extended bunker.
It is worth comparing it to the "default" A1X in the final picture in the previous blog post http://victoryworksts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/lb-a1a1x-terriers-build-part-2.html
Next time we'll take a look inside the cab of the A1 and A1X versions and see how they changed over the years.
We start with bunkers. The only real failing in the design of the the Terrier was it's very limited coal capacity. As seen below the original bunker could just about carry a 1/2 ton of coal.
Various modifications were made over the years to increase this capacity up to 3/4 ton or even 1 ton in some cases.
The simplest was a set of bars above the existing bunker to allow the coal to be stacked much higher. All of the bunkers that were extended upwards to allow a higher stack of coal also required the adding of bars over the rear windows to stop them being smashed by wayward coal lumps.
Open bars were used..
.. but with smaller coal lumps often falling out of those, the enclosed bars become popular.
The K&ESR chose to extend the bunker upwards to add extra capacity..
.. but even that wasn't enough and bars were added to that as well.
The IOW Terriers were given the largest capacity by removing the rear toolbox and extending the bunker back as far as the buffers.
All of these bunkers will be available for the Terriers and the following will also be included as options or replacement parts:
Front steps (fitted to some Isle of Wight - IOW - engines)
Lubricator oil boxes on tank fronts
Handles on tank fronts
4 different types of chimney with optional spark arrestors
Stroudley, Marsh and Drummond domes
Toolbox in front of dome
Original whistle and IOW hooter
Brighton or IOW front splashers (A1X)
Extra wheel weights (IOW engines)
All of these (along with the liveries) should allow you to create hundreds of different arrangements as used on the 50 Terriers throughout their long lives.
Below is an example of an Isle of Wight set up which uses the following modifications:
Front steps, IOW cast chimney, IOW front splashers, tank front lubricator oil boxes and handles, IOW hooter and IOW rearwards extended bunker.
It is worth comparing it to the "default" A1X in the final picture in the previous blog post http://victoryworksts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/lb-a1a1x-terriers-build-part-2.html
Next time we'll take a look inside the cab of the A1 and A1X versions and see how they changed over the years.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Steam Thanksgiving Sale
It's Thanksgiving! Which can only mean one thing if you're not American - a Steam Sale! And if you are American then you get a day off, some lovely food AND a Steam Sale!
All of our Steam DLC is included and for the first time there is a discount on our recently released GWR Saint and Travelling Post Office. So if you've had your eye on any of our add-ons for a while then now is the time to grab a bargain or two... or three... or nine!
Click this link to see all of our DLC on Steam or click on an image below to view a particular DLC.
All of our Steam DLC is included and for the first time there is a discount on our recently released GWR Saint and Travelling Post Office. So if you've had your eye on any of our add-ons for a while then now is the time to grab a bargain or two... or three... or nine!
Click this link to see all of our DLC on Steam or click on an image below to view a particular DLC.
GWR Saint Class & Travelling Post Office - 30% off
BR Saint & TPO Livery Pack - 50% off (Note: Requires the GWR Saint & TPO add-on)
USATC S160 - 30% off
GWR 14xx - 30% off
LNER Peppercorn K1 - 30% off
GWR Small Prairies - 30% off
GWR 56xx - 30% off
GT3 Gas Turbine Prototype - 30% off
GWR Steam Railmotor - 30% off
Southern Bulleid Q1 *** 60% off ***
Friday, 18 November 2016
LB&SCR A1/A1X Terriers: Build Part 2
As promised we return for our Friday update with progress on the Terriers.
The A1 version is now completely modelled (on the outside) and can be seen below in all it's Victorian splendour.
The off-side is fitted with the Westinghouse air brake and knowing how much you all love integrated cab head out views we needed to make the Westinghouse detailed enough for close inspection.
We may have gotten a little carried away!
With the A1 complete it was time to rebuild and replace the parts needed to make the A1X version. There are quite a few changes but the most obvious is the new boiler and smokebox which also meant moving the sanding boxes as these were built into the A1 front wheel splashers. Interestingly the Isle of Wight modified A1X's (as opposed to those modified at Brighton) retained a version of the combined splasher/sandbox but still had the updated smokebox and saddle.
The A1 as built is a very fine looking engine and has very clean lines to it. However once they upgraded the boiler to the Marsh version for the A1X and started to add additional pipes we think it lost some of that Victorian style and started to look more like a contemporary engine. Seen here in the completed A1X model which has the replacement boiler and smokebox, new sanding equipment and the new injectors and vacuum brake that have created so much additional pipework on the top of the boiler and tanks.
So that's the external A1X model completed as well. Next week we'll be looking at some of the many options and alterations that were made including the aforementioned IOW splashers and a whole bunch of modified bunkers.
The A1 version is now completely modelled (on the outside) and can be seen below in all it's Victorian splendour.
The off-side is fitted with the Westinghouse air brake and knowing how much you all love integrated cab head out views we needed to make the Westinghouse detailed enough for close inspection.
We may have gotten a little carried away!
With the A1 complete it was time to rebuild and replace the parts needed to make the A1X version. There are quite a few changes but the most obvious is the new boiler and smokebox which also meant moving the sanding boxes as these were built into the A1 front wheel splashers. Interestingly the Isle of Wight modified A1X's (as opposed to those modified at Brighton) retained a version of the combined splasher/sandbox but still had the updated smokebox and saddle.
The A1 as built is a very fine looking engine and has very clean lines to it. However once they upgraded the boiler to the Marsh version for the A1X and started to add additional pipes we think it lost some of that Victorian style and started to look more like a contemporary engine. Seen here in the completed A1X model which has the replacement boiler and smokebox, new sanding equipment and the new injectors and vacuum brake that have created so much additional pipework on the top of the boiler and tanks.
So that's the external A1X model completed as well. Next week we'll be looking at some of the many options and alterations that were made including the aforementioned IOW splashers and a whole bunch of modified bunkers.
Friday, 11 November 2016
LB&SCR A1/A1X Terriers: Let's get started
If you haven't already seen our not so subtle hints recently then we are delighted to confirm that our next locomotive(s) are the LB&SCR Terriers; the original A1 version and the later A1X rebuild.
These plucky little underdogs had a long life being originally built between 1872 and 1880, 50 of them found use on standard passenger services on the London, Brighton and South Coast railway.
They had a rapid acceleration and were ideal for the frequent start/stop commuter services around the London suburbs however as passenger traffic increased and more coaches were added to trains they started to suffer from a lack of power. However this didn't stop them from finding use on branch lines as short passenger services or for freight shunting.
Between 1898 and 1905 23 of the 50 members of the class were withdrawn and many were sold to other railways resulting in the Terriers carrying a bewildering array of liveries. In the early 20th century some of them were re-boilered with an increase in weight and boiler pressure and became the somewhat less Victorian looking A1X class.
Making it into the Southern grouping in 1923 the engines continued to find uses and appeared on two of their most iconic routes; Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight. By 1948 when British Railways took over the "Big Four" there was still one A1 and fourteen A1X locomotives in service and they continued to be used on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Hayling Island branch. Eventually these lines closed and the final operational A1X (No. 32678) was removed from service on 10 August 1963, over 90 years after the first Terrier had been built.
But this was far from the end of the story and No. 55 Stepney became the first standard gauge preserved locomotive on the newly established Bluebell Railway in 1960. Ten of the Terriers still exist in preservation in various modified states and some are still running today, being rescued from such obscure fates as being static displays at Butlin's holiday camps. That means that one fifth of the entire class still exists after nearly 140 years!
To this day Terriers hold a special place in many enthusiast's hearts - not as awe inspiring Kings, A4s, Merchant Navy's or locomotives that pull a dozen coaches at dizzying speeds - but as the plucky pocket sized underdog that made it from the height of Victorian locomotive engineering all the way to the end of British Railways and right into our hearts in preservation. Stepney even appeared as itself in a one of the Railway Series books by Rev. W. Awdry.
Building the Terriers is an exciting prospect. It's also quite daunting despite the engine being quite small!
We will reveal more as the weeks go on, however for now hopefully this will answer a few of the more expected questions:
We will be building the A1 and A1X versions to represent all 50 members of the class.
We will be providing some of the more common modifications as options (anyone who has any of our other locomotives knows what to expect from our long modification lists)
Liveries will include the original Stroudley Improved Engine Green (that odd livery that's mostly yellow/mustard/ochre), Marsh Umber (the two tone "brown" livery), Southern Green and BR Lined Black. We also have a list of over a dozen other liveries which we hope to poll you all on at a later date to help decide which others should be included.
If any livery includes names then they will be editable so you can name the locomotives as you see fit.
Additional stock is undecided as yet but a set of Stroudley coaches seems most likely.
Which publisher we will use is not yet decided.
Modelling started a couple of weeks ago and we are pleased to show the following images of how much we have completed to date.
As ever, we started with the wheels.
Then the frames and footplate were added. A rough representation of the inner gear was added, this would be rescaled and rebuilt as needed later.
Adding the boiler, tanks and cab and she's starting to take on that Terrier look
The smokebox, chimney and dome complete the familiar silhouette.
Start of the work to fit everything in between the frames. The gear still needs some remodelling but the dimensions are good.
Buffers, brakes, tank filler caps and other details and the A1 is well under way.
It is our intention to return to our weekly Friday blog updates and next week we hope to show the A1 completed and the start of the work on the A1X.
Friday, 4 November 2016
GWR 4200/5205 and GWR 7200 Out Now!
We are delighted to announce that the GWR 4200/5205...
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-42005205-2-8-0t.html
..and the GWR 7200 add-on for them are now available from Steam Sounds Supreme
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-7200-2-8-2t.html
Some early model renders
http://victoryworksts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/gwr-42005205-beginnings.html
http://victoryworksts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/gwr-7200-2-8-2-coming-soon.html
Details on Steam Sounds Supreme page as to what is included (it's a lot!)
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-42005205-coming-soon.html
Videos showing the loco in action as well as liveries and a specific video on the custom sounds
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696044093880675/
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696111140540637/
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696413613843723/
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/701515793333505/
This is our most feature packed locomotive to date with great realism details including improved "by the shovel" stoking and brand new second valve regulator effects as well as all the usual effects you expect from us and some all new AI behaviour as well. The sounds from Steam Sounds Supreme are superb, recorded from members of the actual class running in preservation and to top it all off a list of period freight stock is included for working these beasts as hard as possible.
- 7 plank Private Owner wagons with Coal or Pit Prop loads
- 10 liveries from South Wales companies 1 livery from Cornish company
- 5 plank Private Owner wagon Limestone
- 1 livery from South Wales company
- Tar Wagon
- Liveries from Bristol and Plymouth companies
- GWR 65t Crocodile H
- Trolley Empty and Cable loads
- BR 65t Weltrol H
- Trolley Empty and Cable load
- GWR 20 ton coal wagon, diagram N2
- 2 GWR liveries and 1 BR livery
- GWR 20t Toad brake van
- GWR and BR liveries
The 7200 also includes 2 bonus loads for the Crocodile and Weltrol trolleys; new and used Swindon boilers.
Buy them both now over at Steam Sounds Supreme
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-42005205-2-8-0t.html
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-7200-2-8-2t.html
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
GWR 4200/5205 and GWR 7200 Pre-orders now available!
Pre-orders for the GWR 4200/5205 DLC and GWR 7200 add-on are now open over at Steam Sounds Supreme. http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-42005205-2-8-0t-preorder.html
Some early model renders
http://victoryworksts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/gwr-42005205-beginnings.html
Details on Steam Sounds Supreme page as to what is included (it's a lot!)
http://steamsoundssupreme.com/gwr-42005205-coming-soon.html
Videos showing the loco in action as well as liveries and a specific video on the custom sounds
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696044093880675/
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696111140540637/
https://www.facebook.com/SteamSoundsSupreme/videos/696413613843723/
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