UK BVE Route - Watford Junction to Milton Keynes
Updated 03/01/2001
On this page you can find some information and screenshots concerning the Watford Jcn to Milton Keynes BVE route. The route is still under construction. No firm release date yet, as there is still much to do. The project was started on 23/12/2000.
Highlights of the route will include:
1.Watford Tunnel, complete with photo real portal, and in-tunnel ventilation shafts.
2.UK style speed restriction signs
3.Speedometer measuring miles per hour.
4.Realistic BR Mk1 catenary, with overlaps, transformers, neutral sections etc.
(HIGH DETAIL VERSION ONLY)
5.Other trains on route (86/87/90, 321 if I have time)
6.Northchurch and Linslade tunnels
7.Tring Cutting
8.Tree lined embankments (Fewer trees in Low Detail version)
9.Rolling hills in distance, perhaps with fields, farms, hedgerows etc
10.Bletchley Flyover
11.Will also include in-cab indications for gradients in UK style.
12.If I have time, I will also include under-bridge sound effects, passing train sound effects etc.
Progress:
- Track construction: Track laid as far as Linslade Tunnel
- Trackside: Embankments & cuttings complete as far as Apsley. Some bridges in place
- Distant scenery: Idea testing in progress
- Electrification: Wires up as far as Northchurch Tunnel
- Signalling: Not started
- Station Construction: Platforms in place, no buildings yet.
- Other trains: Non yet
Percentage complete: 30%
Items still to be added include:
Other trains (Classes 86, 87 and 90, 321, perhaps others...)
Speed restriction signs
Signals
AWS ramps
Arch bridges, Foot Bridges etc
Bletchley Flyover, Carriage sidings
Distant fields, hedgerows, farm buildings etc
The route will be released as two versions - the High Detail version of the route, for Pentium III machines, and the Low Detail version for slower machines (Pentium II 400 recommended) This will have fewer trees and simplified catenary, but all other scenic features will remain. A good 3D accelerator that properly supports the transparency effects that BVE uses is necessary for both versions, otherwise strange things might appear on the track ahead...
