Work has already began on the next version of Train Sim. I started with a feature that is frequently requested: Flashing Rail Crossing Lights.
Here is a short video preview of the new lights:
Tag Archives: Train Simulator
Train Sim Update Live
Train Sim Update is getting deployed to all supported ecosystems (iOS, Windows Store, Mac Store, Amazon, Android),
This process usually takes about a week or so. Its currently live on the Apple App Store & Windows Store, Mac OS & Android with Amazon coming soon!
What’s new in this update?
Completely redesigned rail system that allows me to produce fully 3 dimensional tracks as well as full 3D Electrical Wires. So far only the rails are rendered in full 3D, the sleepers or (crossties) are still just a 2D texture, mostly for performance reasons on mobile. However as mobile devices get faster, I will easily be able to extend this to full 3D sleepers (crossties) at very little effort.
In fact, I can now place any 3D object along or on the rail continuously or in spots. This opens many new possibilities in the future to allow Train Sim to grow well into the next decade.
Why did it take so long?
This was a complete redesign of a key system in Train Sim that affects every level. The rail system is so core to the game that updating it required rewriting other key systems such as track switching, track connections, train controller, wagon controller etc. Don’t even get me started on testing, every train wagon, track connection and level had to be tested. And then when a bug is found, it had to be fixed and re-tested again.
What’s next?
Once the 3D model is complete my next focus will be to add the Pacific Surliner to Tran Sim as fast as possible.
Testing, Testing & More Testing
What have I been up to lately? Testing, Testing and More Testing. This is my test level for Train Sim, That I use to test rail connections and how rolling stock behaves in various scenarios. You may find watching this 5 minute video a bit boring, but imagine doing this 20-30 times. Each time I perform a test if I find a bug, I have to stop, fix the bug, restart again. Over and over again.
The good new is I think I have finally figured out my last bug so I can start rolling out this update very soon!
Unless I find more bugs ….
Train Sim Improved Rails & Electrical Wires
Work continues on the next update to Train Sim with the main focus on improved 3D Rails & Electrical Wires.
This turned out to be more difficult than I originally thought, due to the fact that I had to update a major system in Train Sim that creates the tracks and wires on a predefined path. This means that all the tracks in Train Sim had to be remade & then re-tested.
Also because the the height of the 3D tracks have changed, I had to re-test all the Trains & Cars to ensure their positioning on the tracks is correct.
After a month of work and quite a few 12AM nights, I think all the tracks & trains are now positioned correctly. However I still have to check the positioning of all the cars & perform a full test cycle of the game.
Coming Soon to Train Sim
Train Sim Japan Update Live
The last release to Train Sim introduced a new Shinkansen Bullet Train. For this update I decided to add a Japan themed level for the new bullet train.
After months of hard work I am happy to announce that the new Train Sim update has been deployed to Android, iOS, Windows Store & Amazon platforms. You can now enjoy the new Japan level on your favourite mobile device or PC.
Train Sim Shinkansen Update Live
Train Sim Update for Android is now Live! Enjoy the new Shinkansen Bullet Train, new Rolling Stock and many Improvements & Bug Fixes. As always the update for the other platforms to follow very soon.
Christmas Trains Update
Since its now 60 days before Christmas I decided its time to update my Christmas Trains game in time for the Holidays! https://goo.gl/4ScW5X The update is now available for Android with iOS coming soon.
Train Sim California Coast Update Live
Train Sim Update with the new California Coast Level is now live for Android, Amazon, Mac & iOS. Enjoy the new California Level with beaches, cities, mountains and even a desert portion on your favourite mobile device.
I am currently working on releasing the update to Windows Store.
Working on new California Coast Level
This month I am working on a new California Coast Level for Train Sim. Work is going well, I did allot of experimenting but I think its coming along nicely. The new level will have a greener coast area and a more desert like theme further away from the coast. Here is a short preview video of the coast area including a beach. Coming Soon to Train Sim
Train Sim Updates
Work Continues on Train Sim as I am in the process of rolling out the second update in less then a month. The main focus of these 2 updates was getting regular train wagons/cars to properly connect to shunting cars found on side tracks. I have to admit this turned out to be allot more difficult then I originally thought. After 2 updates I believe that I worked out all the major bugs and you should be able to build larger trains as shown in the above video.
While I was busy working on connecting cars the drivers decided to construct a Hand Car. This beauty is now available in Train Sim at an amazing top speed of 10 mph.
Although in most updates, Trains are the main feature, adding interesting rolling stock is also important. The above train wagon with a full 3D interior is now also available in Train Sim.
Over the next week or so I will be rolling out these awesome updates to all platforms including Mac OS, Windows Store, Amazon, iOS & Android
After that I hope that the new 300 Series Shinkansen 3D model will be done so I can begin working on adding it to Train Sim
Happy Rails!