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 – 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.

 

 

Trains & Dinosaurs

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Its been a busy few weeks.  First I updated Train Sim with 2 (yes 2) new Trains; Class 91 & Bombardier Talent.  If that was not enough I also added a new Train Selector and fixed a bunch of bugs.

I am proud to say that Train Sim now features 44 Trains.  Thats 44 high quality realistic trains with full 3D cabins and custom sounds.   This update is now available on Android, Amazon & iOS.

Train Sim 44 Trains Free

 I have to say Train Sim came a long way in just over 2 years, I can only imagine where it will be in 2 more.

If that was not enough I also posted an Update to Dinosaur Sim.  Although Dinosaur Sim is a fairly recent addition to my game lineup, it has proven to be very popular.  So this week I added 2 new Dinosaurs (Styracosaurs & Kentrosaurus) to Dinosaur Sim.  I am happy to say that this update is also already available on Android & iOS with Amazon coming soon.

Dinosaur Sim

I am also working on a Windows 10 version of Dinosaur Sim, I may be able to submit it next week.

To keep up to date on what is going on at 3583 Bytes please follow me on Twitter.  I try to post every day so you should always know what I am working on.

 

Train Sim Update

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Last week I posted a new version of Train Sim for Android, and Amazon. This update features Double Engines which is one of the features most requested by Train Sim users I also took the opportunity to add Game Controller Support.  This is not a popular request but it does open Train Sim to devices that support Game Controllers such as Amazon TV or Xbox One.  Please let me know how the controller works on Android game controllers.  Lastly I fixed the direction of steam when trains go backwards.

Train Sim DoubleEngine

As always the iOS and Windows 10 update will come slightly after the Android releases.

 

 

Publishing to multiple platforms

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Need CoffeeOk so I have spent the last week porting the new versions of my games to various platforms.  Here is my list of accomplishments:

I still have to build the new version of Train Sim for Windows Store & Windows Phone.

Need More Coffee!