220hotwheels

Hi Hubert Many thanks for that. I'll give it a try and yes I had renamed it as Fairmont suspension bridge. Kind regards Pete

Hi Douglas As I have said before All advice is most gratefully received. From comments that you have posted thus far I would have thought you to be pretty clued up on this intricate EM work!! After my last posting I decided to revisit the Wiki page and see if I can now make more sense of some of the advice. Despite knowing more than I did when I last looked I am still getting quite confused by some of the narrative largely because the screen shots provided are in German and therefore trying to match to the English equivalent that I use is proving to be less straight forward than it might be. I think this is why I basically went my own way, which yes it is very repetitive and also very time consuming. If I could get hold of a full English version of all of the screenshots that I can match to my own computer version then I might just get the hang of "proper EM work" a little faster. Who ever compiles the tutorials might take this difficulty on board for future versions. In the meantime I await with baited breath and a very keen interest for your suggested project advice. That you are taking the trouble to do this is very much appreciated. Many thanks Kind regards Pete

Hi Douglas I am please that you have found and been good enough to point out the error of my ways. In many comments that I have made on the forum I have described my methodology as rather akin to a Heath Robinson approach, relying a lot of Murphy's Law. Quite frankly as yet I really do not understand much to do with the use of variables, iteration, and as you so rightly reminded me earlier blocking signals. The problem for an old duffer like me is that if there's a simple way round a problem without having to use too much brain power to achieve a goal then that's the route I have taken. Not the most professional approach but as time goes on I try to gain just a bit more knowledge in order to move away from my rather ham fisted approach. Therefore ALL advice is greatly appreciated. To that end uploading my unfinished layout will hopefully provide me with some useful pointers from our more professional members like yourself. With that in mind I would welcome any suggestions that you might have but please ensure they are simple step by step instructions. Pretend you're dealing with an idiot!!! Kind regards Pete

Hi Douglas Yep fares here require mega bucks. The cheapest way to travel by train is to know when you plan to use it about two years in advance!! Personally I haven't used a train or bus in more years than I care to remember. Not that I don't like either but I like to choose my own time for everything and I enjoy driving. I'm a bit of a car freak, love my cars!! The only reason there are no passengers on the trains, busses etc is simply down to the basic fact that the more I add the slower ever thing is. And I've been a bit lazy. Your solution with the blocking signal is spot on. I really do welcome all suggestions for me to make improvements. The only problem is that at the moment I don't really understand them. I will have to make a concentrated effort to get to grips with them. As you say so much easier than constantly having to play about with timings and quite frankly much of my layout relies on timings. With regard to posting updates. I am now in the process of reproducing my own version of the suspension bridge using all catalogue approved bits and to a scale that won't damage the larger vehicles, ie scale 1 rather than scale 0.8, 0.9 If in time Hubert's version does not get beyond the draft stage then I will be able to make the swap until his version is OK'd but for now his version stays mine will be put in the cupboard. kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert I have just completed my scenery change to take account of your suspension bridge, rectified the program error that was affecting the vehicles on the Windall Village route and sorted out the timing problem with my VT 641 so that it doesn't run the risk of running into the back of the goods train, Douglas will be pleased, I think he imagined I might have the N.U.T. on my back for dangerous practices!!!! Having done all of that I decided to post the amended version online but whilst so doing it came up with a message saying that no draft elements can be uploaded so as I'm not prepared to remove your suspension bridge it would seem that I am rather stuck for now. The original errors will have to remain. No doubt many more will be spotted so perhaps the next upload will be even more precise. Kind regards Pete

Having just spent an hour or so redoing my suspension bridge at scale 0.9 I was still finding it problematic getting the trucks to more through on both sides without catching the rear view mirrors and so I have removed my attempt and introduced yours, I hope you don't mind. It does look right and I simply have to redo some of the lower road and scenery, no real problem. If only real life was that simple!! Kind regards Pete

I agree with your view regarding V7. Do you think it will allow for one vehicle to slow down, flash its lights and allow the other through before it? or am I now being just a bit silly! Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert I couldn't agree more. The trouble with so many people today is that they seem to have lost that sense of humour and fun. All I say is "bring it on" life's too short not to enjoy a bit of healthy, good humoured banter. A smile on your face is worth so much more than any shrink might be able to do. Kind regards Pete

Hi Douglas Glad you are enjoying the rides, so to speak and yes I was aware of the potential incident with the BB63000 goods train and the VT 641. Its all a question of timing and whilst the latter does not quite run into the back of the goods train I have yet to address a safer element for said passenger train. The dilemma at present is that the BB63000 has a much longer cycling time than the VT 641 so any adjustment that I make has got to be purely on the run from Sudbury Halt to Fairmont for the VT 641 but only on the occasion that it is likely to met the BB63000 goods train. If I alter the timing on a general basis then there would be a head on collision at some point as the BB6300 departs the Port loading bay on it's way back to the goods depot. As for the two container trucks. After discharging at Sudbury port they simply return to Fairmont port to await reloading, Nothing too complicated. One of the trickier movements is the low-loaders from Fairmont port to Lockington Power Station. Trying to ensure they don't collide with anything else at present until I sort out my junctions properly is an ongoing battle. Still that's much of the pleasure of this hobby. As I mentioned to Hubert earlier I am keen to see how long it might take for anyone to spot one of my true mistakes, one that I thus far have not found a solution to other than a revamp of certain vehicles. You might also have noticed that many of the vehicles are running at slow speed at times. This is done for a reason. It helps me to spot my errors quicker. I know the size of this layout can take a while to load. On my computer it is around two minutes now and when I am making adjustments to scenery there can be pauses of up to 15 - 20 seconds before my theoretical brush takes effect. Hopefully V7 will make this problem a tad easier that way I can consider adding my island just off the Sudbury coastline and use Hubert's suspension bridge to make the crossing. I am working on a couple of amendments now where the programming seems to have caused a bit of an upset with some vehicles on a specific route but hope to conclude this later today so will upload the amended version then. Happy hunting. Kind regards Pete

And I thought I had a twisted sense of humour!! It would be funny though. I'm now two thirds through re laying the road section of the bridge, I settled on 0.9 instead of 0.85 so that I gave the driver plenty of room to wave at the passing trains!! Once this is complete I might just try your idea on a copy of the layout and see what is look like. Could be interesting if two vehicles meet at similar points at the same time. If they do then the insurance claim is down to you.!! Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Just taken another look at my suspension bridge. I sent a truck with curtainsider trailer over and got a call from his boss to tell me that the poor guy had smashed his rear view mirrors, oops. I've now rescaled it from 0.8 to 0.85 and they now get through without damage, Phew. Many thanks for pointing that out to me. It just goes to show that there is definite merit in the saying "two heads are better than one". Hopefully over the next few months I might get similar feedback so that I can make adjustments. There is one very obvious one that I know I need to sort out somehow. I'll wait to see if your eagle eye spots it before I figure out how to make the adjustment. Kind regards Pete

Good morning Hubert and Douglas Many thanks for your kind comment. I hope you enjoy the tour round. Whilst the overall scenic part has not too much more to complete apart from a few changes my efforts from now on are to try to perfect much of the present working stuff and add more of that. By my reckoning I have quite a few more bits to complete in regard to working sections but that's part of the fun. Have an idea try to make it work and hope that after numerous attempts you get there. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Not too sure what's going on here but since uploading Fairmont 2 unfinished I have found several other elements where the programming for some vehicles has gone all to pot. Could this be a coincidence? I also seem to have lost a message posted to you saying many thanks for your road edging. I have tried one small section so far and it looks great, see attached screenshot. Most definitely this should be included in the catalogue, it's brilliant. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Yes I like your upgrade of the Golden Gate Bridge. I tried it on the Fairmont layout my only problem is that my original bridge had to be scaled down to 0.8 but still with the road scaled at 1. If I scale your version down to 0.8 then the road scale drops as well which I believe will cause a knock on problem in trying to connect the roads at both ends. If V7 allows me greater flexibility to increase the size still further then I already plane for an island off the Sudbury coastline and could therefore use you version of the suspension bridge for that without the scaling problem. Anyway that's in the future. For now your upgrade is spot on so great work. I know from experience just how time consuming it is to get the road to sit properly. Kind regards Pete

Hi again Hubert Since posting my layout I immediately noticed that there was a problem with one aspect, (all to do with the Windall Village route/vehicles). The local bus seems to have had a mind of it's own and decided to try to enter the football stadium. I've now corrected the EV and, I hope reset all of the vehicles in that part of the program so that they follow correct instructions. In your opinion should I post the amendment and if so how do I do this please. Is it the same as initially saving/sharing. If so does it overwrite the original and if so does it keep the same content reference. Glad you like the layout. As I said there's lots to correct, lots to improve and lots to still do. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert I forgot to mention the content ID which is: C0AC34C3-653A-4B16-B492-41883E849F1C Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert I worked out how to upload Fairmont2 so have now posted it on to the site. Your comments, good or bad will be appreciated. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Many thanks once again. You do realise that you have now given me more work to do but I do think it will be worth it. So from me a definite thumbs up to the roadside texturing. As for posting my Fairmont2 layout as is. I have no problem with that if I knew how to do so. I seem to think that Goetz or Simonjackson1964 might have told me how but I really can't remember. Perhaps it might instil a few constructive comments and advice as well as potential criticism but all would be welcomed. They don't call me rhino hide for nothing. All I ask is that you bear in mind that there is much unfinished and plenty half finished. Like a butterfly I flit from one bit to another as I have a different idea. Very shortly I hope to tackle some of my junctions after which I should be able to introduce more vehicles but for now I limit them to certain tasks. So if you would kindly remind me how to post said layout without sending it as an mbp I would be most grateful. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Many thanks for that. Like a true dinosaur I overlook the obvious and do everything the hard way. I know the follow me tool is there I just hadn't thought to use it. No wonder most things take me hours to work through. So now it's time to experiment. I started my Fairmont layout back in 2019 using V4. As the layout got bigger I sort of lost interest in it and started a new layout, Belfort, which I think you have already seen my progress there but to a point. With much to do on that particular layout in terms of turning it into a more professional one I keep moving between it and Fairmont. The latter taking up more time though now as I am keen to get more of it running better as I learn different techniques. This layout is 14000 x 6500 'N' scale with over 8200 objects and and 5,938,336 polygons so at times thing run a little slow but generally speaking with a bit of careful juggling I can keep fps to 30fps and above. Modifying scenery is the bit that takes time now but I am hopeful that V7 will have sufficient modification to improve on this. Presently I have around 70 'T' junctions most of which work in a fashion but I have also been experimenting with my own version of a proper working junction and feel that I am almost there. For me vehicles approaching junctions have to perform as they would in real life. Some move quicker than others, some take longer to make turns as do others including pulling out at junctions. A car will pull out much faster than a truck or bus. In my experimental junctions there are perhaps 30 different elements. Perhaps someone with a much greater knowledge of these sorts of EM work would be able to cut this down but I'm learning on the job, so to speak and enjoying every minute. You are right too about the European nature of my layouts. Initially I set everything up to run as in the UK but could not accept my bus passengers having to embark and disembark into the middle of the road so I switch everything to EU format. The only thing I have not switch is the rail track layout. My trains are still running as in the UK. I had set much of this track and completed a lot of the EM before I realised this so for now we are a mixed hobbyist !!!! Once again many thanks for your further advice. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Just thought you might like to see the result of your very kind advice so I have attached a screenshot of a very small section of my Fairmont2 layout with the crash barriers in place. I think they fit in really well so thanks again. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Just tried your recommended metal crash barriers. They look good. A metallic grey would be preferable to white as the white looks a bit like a picket fence from a distance but beggars can't be too choosy now can they.!! As I mentioned earlier what took me around 4 hours with the fmkBerlin barriers I was able to redo in just over ten minutes. To get it to fit perfectly using Leitplanke 4 to do both sides of the road at the same time simply meant adjusting the size from 1 to 1.1. A great result, a brilliant suggestion, many thanks once again. Kind regards Pete

Hi Hubert Many thanks for your reply and advice. I was aware of the concrete ones and suggestions 2 & 3 but I had not spotted your last suggestion. Having taken a look at them I do admit that it would be the best alternative to those I have currently been using. It would be much quicker, perhaps more accurate than my attempts with those offered by fmkBerlin but I must also admit that the latter are perhaps still the most realistic especially for country roads. If I was looking for crash barriers for a motorway or dual carriageway then the concrete ones would be a better choice. Before posting my request I completed a section of road, which was on an incline and with several curves. Having used 25 sections of the fmkBerlin items and having spent around 1 hour 30 mins completing this I decided to copy and past on to the other side of the road. All went fine apart from a few minor adjustments until I suddenly noticed that the barriers on that side of the road were the wrong way round. What a muppet I thought. Of course they would be if you simply copied and pasted and so they were deleted and I redid that side the hard way. It now looks fine but three hours work is rather time consuming, especially after calculating that I have approximately another 280 barriers still to include. I will simply have to try your suggestion on a section of road and see how it looks along with all of the other scenery. Once again many thanks for taking the time to reply and to offer the alternatives. Kind regards Pete

Hi I'm not too sure how, or if it is possible, to direct this question to the publisher of the crash barriers going back to 2015, fmkBerlin, but in the hope that this does reach said person I would like to know if it is at all possible for these to be designed in such a way as to allow for a flexible application. My layout is now quite large, I have many areas that will benefit from the inclusion of crash barriers and whilst the items currently in the catalogue are perfectly suited to this task the time taken to ensure a perfect fit, especially on inclines, is proving quite extensive. Always wanting to look for a more time efficient method then flexible elements would be a brilliant solution. It's just a thought, it might not be possible or practical but if you don't ask the question then you will never know. Kind regards Pete

Hi Frenkyboy A good friend of mine and MBS guru has been reading your thread and sent me this solution, which I attach. I take no credit for this, I'm not clever enough yet. This was sent to me 18 hours ago and I have only just picked it up so perhaps your problem is already solved but see what you think anyway. Having looked at both mbp files all seems to be quite straight forward, just as long as you have the knowledge to fully understand it. For my sins it will take me a little while to fully work out the whole solution being offered as I try to implement it into my own layout which is why I send this to you in the format that I received it in. Regrettably I do not speak German, I'm just a lazy Brit when it comes to languages, so I'm sure you will have no problem in fully understand all. Good hunting. Kind regards Pete (T.D.) Stopereien sehr kompackt.mbp Stoppereien.mbp

Hi Neo Brilliant. What more can I say. I look forward to V7 with great interest. Many thanks Kind regards Pete