Change of Philosophy

[rfranzosa]

The Buffalo set....

Why do people buy payware? To operate highly detailed, accurate models in accurate settings. On the activity building side of things, we take these sets and create passenger and freight activities. However, it would be unreasonable to ask someone to buy 3, 4 or 5 sets to accurately portray a region with multiple railroads, AND an activity built with a mix of highly detailed payware and less than accurate freeware just doesn't look right.

So, knowing that (with my new job) I do not have time to do multiple sets for multiple roads anymore, i looked for another avenue to support MSTS users economically (for them) and efficiently (for me). If I spend months of time working on a project and relatively few people buy it, I begin to wonder if I doing the right thing.

My plan going forward (starting with the Buffalo set) is to

- choose a locale (route)

- choose an era (decade)

- build a set that reflects that area at that time

So, with the Buffalo set, I am covering the Buffalo, NY area in the time frame of 1968-1976 (post PC, pre Conrail)

Going forward, here are some of my ideas:

- PRR 1945-55. This set will feature the postwar dieselization of the PRR on the PRR-ER route. I will need to create a lot of new cars and locomotives to supplement what I already have. The 1955 cut-off date means no GP9s, as an example (they were delivered in 1955 and later), but I will have to add Baldwin power, plus some connecting RR equipment (Reading, etc). I've started with 65' merchandise boxcars to get my feet wet As you can see, there is plenty of opportunity for growth (PRR 1955-68, PC 1968-1975, CR 1976, etc)

- Erie 1945-55. This set is in support of TriState rails. No 'Erie-Lackawannna' (1960), but plenty of old Alco and EMD power, with some locos and cars from connecting RRs as well.

- Boston & Maine 1945-55. The final days of mainline passenger trains out of North Station, including connecting roads (MEC, NH)

Each of these sets will be designed with activity building in mind. My goal is that activities can be built with only the one set.

The downside of this? These sets will take longer to accomplish. I believe they will be worth waiting for. Time will tell.

Thanks for reading



RGF

[frog3764]

Hey Rick - I'm confused about this Buffalo pack. Is there a route coming out to compliment this Mega Pack? When is this scheduled to happen?
Jim

[rfranzosa]

Teemu Saukkonen is releasing a monster Buffalo route. Last i heard, there are 1300 switchable sidings.

Denis Gionet is building an activity template to go with it. I'm not exactly sure when the route will be released, I believe there is a beta available at trainsim.com.

Here is the link to the activity generator project:

http://skylinecomputing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=629