Thursday, June 28, 2012

From Woodchips to Pulpwood

The chip hoppers I've been working on are finally out for a round of testing and while I wait for some feedback and a few final tweaks, I've taken on my next project.

This project involves recreating a version of a Magor wood rack which was, at one time, so very common in the Southeast. With this particular car, I'm taking a little different approach in an effort to recreate the absolute most accurate physics. So with that in mind, the car will be released in two versions, loaded and unloaded. Doing so will allow me to completely customize the physics to that particular car and its current state. The biggest benefit will be accurate braking. The cars are currently in a very early rolling stage, in game, and still require a lot of tweaks an adjustments.

Anyway I've included a few screenshots of the work up to this point.




Monday, June 11, 2012

So its been a week or so since I've posted an update. The funny thing is, I actually have several things to post but not enough time to do it lately. Anyway here is a quick update on the chip hoppers I've been working on. I'm including in game renders of the 7000 cubic foot version which I got rolling in game today. So now I'm up to two different versions of hoppers, the 7526 and the 7000 cubic foot versions. Each version has two or three different variations for the positioning of numbers. Variations includes the high, billboard style numbers (think Southern), low numbers grouped in three, and low numbers grouped in two. So you ask, what is the difference between the 7526 and 7000 model versions? Honestly not a lot except a few differences in the grab iron and hand rail arrangements on the ends of the cars. The 7526 version also includes low mounted handbrakes while the 7000 is mounted high.

 

 And to finish up, I've included a screenshot of a really rough mock up for the chip mill I am working on as well. Chip hoppers really need a facility to load right? Included in the facility is the log pile, log crane, feeder/sorter, drum debarker, chipper building, various conveyors and the rail and truck loading areas. I have no clue when this one will be finished but hopefully soon since this is a main focus point of the route I am working on/playing with.