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Hello:It's been a while since I posted to this section, but I wanted to let everyone know what is happening.About a year or so ago it got to the point where I was bored of running MSTS. Yes I got the waybill modifiers, and I wrote some activities. I downloaded activities, many of course neededing you to download alot of cars etc. I think when I heard MSTS2 was canned, I really felt a let down and thought why bother. So for the most part I continued to run TD3 even more. I enjoyed dispatching anyways, and in comparison MSTS was a 1 shot deal with only add ons limited to what the program would allow. TD3 on the other hand is time tested, and nearly as complete of a program you can get. It also has built in randomness to keep things interesting, and many new activities are still coming out to this day.Still as much as I love to dispatch TD3 is not very 3D. I always wanted to run Train Simulator and be surprised that the dispatcher was going to line me into a siding ahead by seeing an approach diverging indication. I wanted to know that the next time I ran the same train that perhaps a different train would be meeting me at a different siding. I think you get the drift.....A few months back I stumbled across something right here called MSTS Multi-Player. I tried some of the virtual RR's out there, and to me personally it was just the same old, same old (no offense - whatever makes you happy is what is important). But here was a concept that had you in explore mode running your trains, communicating over a simulated headset radio with a program called TeamSpeak (Free), being dispatched by a real dispatcher. The only catch is of course if you met these trains, you would never actually see them. But to me hey, at lease I had a different run, every time I went out.It didn't take me too long to dispatch my first session, and I started thinking what if we could take this 1 step further. What if we could actually have TD3 run a simulation. That way if only a few people showed up for a MP session there would be ghost traffic out there to keep things busy. Not only that but TD3 has random factors built in like signal switch, engine failures. The dreaded hot box detectors etc. Well in the past month I did manage to find 1 route called the Florida Funnel that was available for free on both MSTS and TD3. Now I enjoy hosting and dispatching sessions every other Saturday afternoon.My goal here is to make sure every one is aware of what is going on. I posted 2 recent messages on the Multi-Player forum looking for new people, and new information. I'd like to see other dispatchers come forward, and I'd also like to develop more TD3 simulations based on current routes. Those who have created, or assisted in the development of routes, I could really use your help because you are probably aware of what trains would run on those routes, at about what times, etc. Please take the time to visit the following 2 links for more information. If you want further info please check out my Florida Funnel Multi-Player site at the bottom of this messagehttp://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/DCForumID23/264.html http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/DCForumID23/265.htmlThanks for your time, have a good one!SeanFor information on the next Florida Funnel Multi-Player session visit...
Wow! I uploaded the Funnel almost 2 1/2 years ago, and it's great to hear that it's still getting use, despite all the advances in route design since then. I've toyed a few times with the idea of updating and adding to it, but never really got serious about it. However, shortly after it was uploaded, I did revise the signal files to make it more realistic at the Callahan and Folkston junctions, and I have attached a folder with the two files to make sure everyone has the biggest operational improvement to the route. Later, with Bob Pickering's help, we also discovered that activities for the Funnel can be more easily shared if you rename the Funnel folder in your routes directory to US3. I made a serious mistake in trying to change the name of the uploaded route, but the sim keeps looking for the US3 directory to install the activity files. Renaming the folder fixes that. Revised Funnel sig files attached. Just put them in the renamed US3 folder in the routes directory and overwrite the ones that are there. When we get TMTS, I WILL re-do the Funnel and run the Nahunta Sub further north. Until then, enjoy those fast trains, and look for me on the railfan platform at Folkston!
I will do that when TMTS comes out. When I did the route in 2002 (and still today), I'm just not familiar enough with the north end of the Nahunta and Jesup Subs.
Well it is a very nice layout that provides plenty of operations.Well Done!I've enjoyed both operating, and dispatching the Funnel. I've never had the chance yet to come down south and check it out in real life yet.I actually first got into the Funnel with the TD3 simulation. Once I found out about the Multi-Player community out there and put the two together, the Funnel was the most viable option, and still is at this point.Kicking Horse Pass, and a few other pay routes are the only close alternatives out there that you can run both TD3 and MSTS in a multi-player environment at the same time. As much as I enjoy it though, I'm certainly looking to widen the scope, and bring in other routes. But I thought getting the word out was a good 1st step.I look forward to your future creations.SeanFor information on the next Florida Funnel Multi-Player session visit...
Still one of my favorite routes. I still run the funnel on a regular basis.
Frank Roberts P&D Tractor trailer Driver for R&L Carriers Member of the Middletown Ct Office of Emergency Managment "Sometimes I dream about being carried off by a big giant squirrel. Does that make me a nut?"
