Long. & Lat.

[Fitz]

Just on a hunch, I loaded up Microsoft's Trips & streets (mapping software). I knew tracks were marked, but if you zoom in real tight, the trackage gets very detailed. You can also point at any spot and get the exact Long. & Lat. which is used in the MS Route editor for laying track. This would be perfect for those recreating real life Railroads. I'm sure other map software has similiar features.

[mmackin]

I had this very same idea, now if there was just an easy way to import it.

[railtester]

DeLorme TOPO USA 3.0 has what we need!

I just got Topo 3.0 from DeLorme and it has lots of features that I'm going to use when my copy of TS arrives.

If you don't know about it you should check it out: http://www.delorme.com/topousa/ . Among it's features is it's ability to make up a visual profile of linear objects such as roads and rail lines! This is exactly what is needed for the editor. True the data would have to be hand entered but at least it's available and represented in graphic form which is easy to read. It can also show you a 3D representation of the area you are dealing with. An existing route can be 'followed' with the profile tool and reproduced exactly. It's a very complete program that is a SEAMLESS topo map of the ENTIRE US. Visit their site and with the link above. It costs about $99.00 but its 6 discs and it's an awesome program and should be perfect for the route editor when it gets 'patched up'!

The address below is Trainsimfansite where I also submitted this message but with images. Chack it out

http://communities.msn.com/TrainSimulatorFanSite/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=25660&LastModified=4675325002333706015

David

[KingJPW]

I have MS Streets & Trips 2001 also. That's one way to do it, if you're a sucker for punishment. :-)

KingJPW

[railtester]

>I have MS Streets & Trips
>2001 also. That's one way
>to do it, if you're
>a sucker for punishment. :-)
>
>
>KingJPW

Yes! We are all suckers for punishment. How many times has the lure been cast out in front of us only to have the promised 'wonder ware' be much less than the 'box' tells us and realize we are using Beta 3.501.2. I started feeling like a Bass 10 years ago; and finally realized the being hauled into the boat and hit on the head is just part of being a Bass/consumer. We have all gotten used to 'working around' problems in software over the years and TS is no different. ON THE OTHER HAND, how could little David Drake write such a program? So even with all the faults I've heard... THANK YOU MS AND KUJU!

I'll let you know how it all goes for me when UPS arrives on Thursday!!

David

[Fitz]

No, I was just making a observation. I have been fooling around with the route editor and was getting desperate. I think creating a freelance route is the way to go for the time being. With the way things are for now, trying to duplicate even part of a shortline railroad would put you in a rubber room, much less than a Class 1 or regional line like many are asking for.