Notice to all visitors and members of the Train-Sim.Com message forums: If you plan on using a signature banner in your posts, we would like to remind you that there is a maximum size for banners. That maximum is 450 pixels wide by 120 pixels high, and not to exceed 25k. Your compliance is appreciated. FORUM RULES Problems? There are two common reasons for problems with logging in and posting messages. The first is that you are running a firewall that prevents your messages from being sent to the server. The other is that you have cookies disabled; the DCForum software requires cookies to work properly.
I just posted three Chicago-area maps done by Dave Honan. I did not do any touch up on the maps because I was too eager to get them connected. I do think some touch up is required, basically to improve the switches in Barr Yard and smooth out some of the curves. Any volunteers?Alan, maybe you could 'grey out' the Barr Yard image the way you do on your own maps. I think it is a nice effect and makes for a better appearance.Also, the connection between Calumet and Dolton junction is semi-fictitious, but it will be improved in the future.Jim
RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., DaveHonan, Dec-27-02, 08:38 PM, (1) RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., romanrails, Dec-28-02, 01:22 PM, (3) RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., romanrails, Dec-28-02, 01:10 PM, (2) RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., DaveHonan, Dec-28-02, 05:22 PM, (4) RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., KingJPW, Dec-28-02, 05:48 PM, (5) RE: 3 new maps by Dave Honan., DaveHonan, Dec-28-02, 05:58 PM, (6)
Jim, what exactly are you looking for with the touch-ups? Curious so I don't make the same "mistakes" with Selkirk (which, incidentally, I haven't done much work on due the holiday and a brief bout of stomach flu -- what a great way to celebrate the holiday!).Regarding my participation as a "Team CSX" member... once Selkirk gets added to the system, I'll be "able" to start actually doing some work. At the moment, I figure I can class for Guilford (eastbound) and block for the west coast. Don't know what type of yards Alan is working on in Florida (flat-switching/hump), but SK could conceivably become CSX's primary class facility, dispatching pre-blocked trains for, well, anywhere. With 70 class tracks, the possibilities are (to quote a local car dealer) HUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGE! I just need to practice my humping skills... the cars seem to come down off the hump much too closely-spaced to be able to manually throw all the turnouts in time... not to mention having to keep track of multiple ladders. What thinketh you, Jim?-Dave QG 14.32, CSXT Selkirk Sub http://www.davehonan.gcdranet.com/ ...crude references unintended...
> Don't know what type of yards Alan is working on in Florida >(flat-switching/hump), but SK could conceivably become CSX's >primary class facility, dispatching pre-blocked trains for, >well, anywhere.Most of what I am working on in Florida is FEC territory with the exception of Tampa FL which is CSX I believe. Once the Florida maps are in there will be some good opportunities to build some more CSX maps since NS doesn't have much trackage there. I was thinking of doing Waycross, GA if no one else has that on their drawing board. It would be a major SE hub for CSX trains. It's also an important junction. Between SK and Waycross, CSX would have two good and well placed class yards, much like Calumet and DeButts for NS. Hey, this is just getting better and better! I just >need to practice my humping skills... the cars seem to come >down off the hump much too closely-spaced to be able to >manually throw all the turnouts in time... not to mention >having to keep track of multiple ladders. What thinketh >you, Jim? Dave, I've been practicing at DeButts and it is possible to do pretty accurate classification at the current speed. The trick is to not be afraid to hit the panic button (pause) when you start to get frazzled. That way you can do some quick planning for your next few switch throws - get a few cars through and then pause again if needed. Also, for areas with lots of yards, like California, I will do a two part classification. Once to classify by region and then to each yard if needed. Or I'll just forward the cars classed by region and let BNSF further classify. This makes it easier since the second classification will only be to four or five destinations if needed. Alan > >-Dave >QG 14.32, CSXT Selkirk Sub >http://www.davehonan.gcdranet.com/ >...crude references unintended...
I do think some touch up is required, >basically to improve the switches in Barr Yard and smooth >out some of the curves. Any volunteers? If Dave doesn't want to do it, I could once I finish with the Florda maps. > >Alan, maybe you could 'grey out' the Barr Yard image the way >you do on your own maps. I think it is a nice effect and >makes for a better appearance.Yes, that would be no problem. Will email it to you when finished.BTW, great maps! Krannert coal is actually shipped from eastern coal mines so the IN mine would be a better (more prototypical) map for the Krannert plant. The worlds largest coal-fired power plant is north of Macon, GA and will make a good future addition. It uses Powder River coal, so there could still be Powder River/Georgia coal trains in the future. Alan
Alan-Thanks! I'll do the Barr work... eventually...Alas, Chinook Mine is no longer active, although its tipples are still visible from I-70. The huge dragline that used to work the mine was moved to nearby Blackhawk Mine in autumn '01; some photos can be found on the "various other photos" page of my site.-Dave QC 177.60, CSXT Mohawk Sub http://www.davehonan.gcdranet.com/ Did you know: Jumping onto a plowed-up snowbank consisting of "powder" snow, as opposed to the expected icy chunks, results in a cold, wet railfan.
Nice website Dave. My dad has tons of digital photos that he wants me to create a database for. He would like to do something like your site, but doesn't have the skills. Anyway, please consider linking to yardduty.com on your site. Thanks! Jim
I'll find a prominent place for a link with the next update... whenever that may occur.-Dave QG 14.32, CSXT Selkirk Sub http://www.davehonan.gcdranet.com/