Tag Archives: Train Sim

Train Sim Custom Environments

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I am happy to announce that another Train Sim update is now live on Google Play!  This time I was able to include 3 of the most requested features:

  • Custom Environments
  • Train de-coupling/Coupling
  • Improved Track Connections

Allowing users to build their own custom environments, is something I always wanted to add to Train Sim.  It is obviously something not easy to implement and previously I never had the time to focus on it.

However recently I added a similar feature to my other game Aquarium Sim and I thought, maybe this could be adapted to Train Sim.  After a few hours of effort moving the code over from one project to another I was surprised that it worked.  I was able to place objects on a Terrain on a predefined track.  I quickly posted a preview video on my Twitter feed and happy with my progress I went to sleep.

Next day I started the real work which would continue over the next 2 weeks.  First I needed to add 50 predefined objects to the custom environment editor.  This was easy but repetitive work as for each object I needed to create a small preview icon.  This involves taking a screenshot of the 3D object, opening it in Photoshop, cutting out a transparent background and saving the result as a PNG image file.  50 times.

I also had to build 2 separate tracks layouts and allow the environments to switch depending on the user choice.  This turned out to actually be that hardest part as none of the other scenes in Train Sim support multiple track layouts, and things were constantly breaking.

Add to that object rotation, Terrain Texture selector & the massive amount of testing around this feature, and I would estimate 100+ hours of total effort.  However I think it was worth it.  Here is one of the later preview videos of the Custom Environment feature (still only had 1 track to choose from)

The other major feature I focused on this release was Train De-Coupling/Coupling.  This was also a much requested feature from many users.  The actual de-coupling implementation was simple.  The tricky part coupling the Train again when it is backing up & from behind the train.  Each engine has a different size which means I had to adjust and test each of the engines plus double engines, plus tenders.  If that was not enough I also had to make sure I can de-couple go around the track and push the train from the back.  Again accounting for the variable engine size, testing each one. I even build a small track for testing this feature that allowed me to go around and push the train from behind faster.  48 times …

Here is one of the final video previews I shared on my YouTube channel.

In the future I hope to expand this by allowing users to drop off and pick up cars from the rail yard.

Finally one of my personal pet peeves in Train Sim were always the Track Connections.  Not only were they buggy, they also looked terrible as the tracks would visually just overlap with the main track always on top of the connection.

This new version of Train Sim fixes both this issues as Track connections now work much better and look much better.  The actual solution to this was very simple and I can’t believe I have not through of this in the past.

As always this new version of Train Sim is available on Google Play first with the other platforms coming soon after.

 

Another Month Another Train Sim Update

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Train Sim New Interface

One of the things that always bothered me about Train Sim was the User Interface (Buttons).  I never liked the look but more practicaly I did not like the fact that it used words.  Even when I translated the button labels into 7 other languages that meant there were still millions of users that did not have a translated user interface.

Furthermore there are lots of kids that are younger then 6 years old that enjoy playing Train Sim but do not yet know how to read.  My son was amongst those for many years.

So I decided that in this update I will focus on an improved user interface.  I have been posting in progress screenshots on my Twitter Account but finally I settled on the above look which is now live on the Google Play Store (Android).  Thanks to my Twitter followers I also learned that some people simply like the old interface.  So the Old Interface will still be available in Options.

In this update I also added a new (much reqested) Open & Close Doors Button that will show up when the train is stopped.  From now on that button will need to be pressed when the train is stopped at a station to let the passengers out.  It will no longer be automatic.

Train Sim Update is now Live for Android, with iOS, Amazon, Windows Store, Mac coming soon!

Train Sim Update Released

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I am happy to announce that another update of Train Sim is now live.  This time I focused on replacing the R160 New York subway model as well improving the Mountain Trail Scene.  I also added additional Leaderboards to Train Sim that allow players to compare their total distance traveled as well as the number of crashes.

Train Sim Mountain Trail

One of my favourite things added in this release were Break Sparks to all Trains & improved the Break Animations on steam trains.  When breaks are initiated the wheels will lock in place rather then slowing down.

I also updated some minor details such as the vehicles on all the scenes to the improved models I previously used in the Desert scene.  There were also some bug fixes, such as the never-ending rain in one of the train cars.

Train Sim Leaderboards

Currently the update is live for Android but I am working on porting it to the other platforms.

Train Sim Update Live

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Train Sim update is now live across all platforms.  These include: Android, iOS, Amazon, Mac Store, Windows Store.  You can now play this newest version of Train Sim, any time on any device.  No Limits!

Train Sim Rain

This was a large update that took me almost 2 months to complete.  The work completed includes:

  • Complete rewrite of the Ports of Call Scene
  • Improved Rain Effect (rain drips down windows)
  • Working Windshield Wipers on all trains
  • Longer Trains
  • Higher Resolution Textures for several Trains
  • Many Bug Fixes

I would like to thank all of my Facebook and Twitter fans for all your great suggestions and encouragement while I was working on this release.  I hope that you all like it.

Happy Rails!

Train Sim Release Preview

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I have been working crazy hours on a new update to Train Sim.  At this point I have 2 in-progress videos I want to share with you.  The first shows of the improved Ports of Call scene, while the second videos shows off the new “wet glass” rain effect  along with working windshield wipers (a very requested feature).

 

I don’t yet have a release date for this new version of Train Sim.  I still need to add working windshield wipers to about 30 more trains and I was hoping that the new Train 3D model would be done in time for this release.  (not sure if this will happen)

I am however very excited about this upcoming release as I think it will address many user requests.

Train Sim Inspired Art

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Last month I received an awesome email from an Artist named Steve Conway about using stills captured in my mobile game Train Sim to create art.  I quickly agreed and the result are these awesome art pieces currently available on Steve’s Flickr portfolio.

Steve is a self described “digital photo painter” and “train buff”, the combination of which is this awesome set of Train Sim inspired art I hope you will enjoy.

Train Sim Art Mountain SceneTrain Sim Art - CSX

Train Sim Art Steam Train

Train Sim Art - PendolinoTrain Sim Art - Intercity

I hope  you enjoyed this as much as I did.  My favourite of the set by far is the Mountain Scene with 2 CSX Trains.  I think I am going to print it and hang it in my office, let me know which one you like the best by tweeting to @3583Bytes

Train Sim – Another Awesome Update

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Train Sim New Farm Land Scene

I am happy to report that Train Sim has received another awesome update.  This time I focused on updating one of the existing older scenes.

I started by asking my twitter account, Which Scene I should focus on updating.  The Farm Land scene was a clear winner. (I think I will be doing more of that in the future)

Train Sim Twitter

Initially I focused on making a larger more interesting track layout. In the old scene the track was arranged in a circle, and I received allot of complaints about that from users.  As you will see from the top view of the track, the layout is much more interesting then before.

Train Sim New Scene Top View

I also wanted to add some new assets to the scene,  These included:

  • Improved Track Textures
  • Improved Horse Model
  • New Cow Models
  • New Large Grain Elevator/Silos
  • New Farm Textures
  • Improved Water Effects

However I wanted the scene to seem familiar as well, so allot of the old farm textures & small towns found in the old levels are still present in this new scene.

On top of the improved Farm Land scene I also added a new GE AC4400CW train with custom freight cars to go with it.  This brings the total number of trains available in Train Sim to 47!

This new awesome new update is already available on Android & Amazon.  And it is pending review in the Windows Store.  I am still working on updating Train Sim on iOS.

 

 

Train Sim New Trains and Menu

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Although I had the Acela Express model ready for a while, I did not get a chance to ad it to Train Sim in the last update .   Adding the Indian Scene was already a huge story and I wanted to make sure I limit the amount of changes in a single release.

So over the last 2 weeks I focused on adding the Acela Express & the Southern Pacific 4449. to Train Sim.   I think you will agree that the quality of these Trains is really awesome!

Acela Express & SP 4449

I also spend some time improving the Main Menu for Train Sim. The important change here is that the scenes are now represented by text and picture, making it far more kid friendly.  (This has been on my backlog for a long time.)

Train Sim New Menu

These changes are now live on Android & Amazon, and waiting for review on iOS.  I should have the Windows Store & Phone version live within the next week or two.

 

 

Recent Updates

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Its been a busy month, lots of updates and work in progress.

First I added 2 new Dinosaurs to Dinosaur Sim. Pachycephhlosaurus and Argentinosaurus are now playable Dinosaurs. I still have at least 2 more dinosaurs to add in the near future including the requested Pteranodon. Although I already have an animated pteranodon I need to first add a larger playable world (so you can fly further) and implement flying (which is not easy)

Dinosaur Sim

After that I did some much needed updates to 3 Jewels.  This was a major overhaul to the game-play system.  Originally 3 Jewels only had 1 mode of play I call endless mode.  This meant that you could play for hours until you run out of valid moves, which was mainly up to luck.  Now on top of the existing endless mode, 3 Jewels also has over 50 challenge levels that allow you to compete with a limited number of moves. This update also came with new game-play features such as Jewel Bombs, Blocks and Slide to Move.

3Jewels

Also during all these updates I have also been working on a new version of Train Sim.  This new version will feature a new Indian Scene which has been requested by many Indian fans of the game.  Work is moving along well although I still have a few weeks remaining to ensure high quality and a nice finish.

TrainSimIndianScene

Finally I am celebrating 1 millionth download of Flight Sim.  This is one of my favorite games and I am so very happy that over 1 million players got to enjoy the value that Flight Sim provides.  Most other games ask you to pay for each airplane but Flight Sim gives you 18 free airplanes with no in game purchases.  (Like all my games)

FlightSim1Million