Mileposts

How do you measure for mileposts when building a route?

Roger S Gilbert

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I go from platform to platform. You place platforms at certain distances then make an activity from one platform to the other. You have to check the platforms in the Path window of the activity editor so that it can show the mileage to next station. Once done, open up MSTS and run the activity. Hit "zero" to bring up the compass and coordinates. As soon as the engine moves hit F10 to see how far the next platform is and keep that window on. Write down the mileage total to the next platform. As you go along, the numbers get smaller as you get closer to the platform. If you have ever ran a passenger activity you'll know what I mean. As you cruise down the track (it isn't essential to be on the mile every mile, but you can) hit F2. You could hit F11, but sometimes the window hides the coordinates. The little save window pops up, don't hit ok. Now...take the original mile distance when you started (let say 20 miles) and look at the distance to station in the F10 window. Let's say it is 18. Subtract 18 from 20 and you have 2 miles or milepost 2. Now...look at the coordinates above and write them down in relation to the 2 miles. Now hit ok on the save window and repeat the process until you get to the next platform. After you have done this, you go into the RE and go to those coordinates and place the proper milemarkers along the line. Just keep track of what mile marker goes to what coordinate.You may get the hang of it. Some folks do the whole route at once or parts at a time. Others add the track length for mileage. This may sound complex, but it is easy. If you want to, you can place a platform at one end and another platform at the other end and go from there. This is what I do and after placing signals I was surprised at how accurate the mileage was. This is my method. There are others I think.Kip
3DTS Route Developer
The Priest River Railroad "...it's so fictional, it's almost real"
PRRR Wesite Coming this fall: PRRR's Hoodoo Pass Route

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thats how i did the markers in the Casino Express but i just placed them every 10 miles..Patm41

Maglev Route Designer
Casino Express

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One mile = 1.609 km = 1,609 meters.Since track section lengths are in meters, just add up the lengths of successive track sections until you reach 1,609 meters. On curves, radius * 6.28 * number of degrees / 360 will give you the section length.In the real world, however, the mileposts aren't always exactly one mile (5280 feet) apart. Mileposts 261 and 262 on the Indianapolis Line (between Ingalls and Fortville, Ind.) are only 4,973 feet apart! It's really helpful to have track charts for the line you're modeling, or to have a good general idea of where the MPs are.Bruce Bridges
Conrail Indianapolis Line RouteScenery 80% complete!

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An alternate way of doing this to Kips' is to place one signal at the end of the new section. Then when you get to your last mmarker you can see the distance to the signal in the track monitor.Another way I've found without running up a bunch of 'saves' and having to delete them is just hit escape. Then write down your information per Kips reply, hit escape again and you're on your way.When you go in to RE to continue, simply delete the signal and go from there.

RobertR .. ADF-M&RM at http://www.adfrr.com

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Thanks for all the info guys, I will try one of those techniques and see. It all sounds rather complicated but I suppose its like anything else once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier. Railartist

Roger S Gilbert

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