Model Train Simulator
by Robert Brim · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 04/01/2002 (11:39 am) · 11 replies
Tim's (I think) post about new games mentioned a train simulator.
It got me thinking and It hink this would be a great game.
A train simulator...
Person signs on to the server...
They select one of X number of routes (if not in use). The server then makes that route inaccessible to other gamers.
The user can then select a pre-made train, or can make a train from any available models of boxcars, engines, passenger cars, tankers, and even cabooses.
Once the train is selected, the user's train is placed on the tracks.
The GUI would have controls (also mapped to the keyboard) to accelerate and brake, blow the whistle, uncouple a car (on a side track), load and unlaod passengers, load/unload coal, logs, etc....
Screen should be switchable from overhead view to front of the train view.
Elsewhere on the map (you could see other people's trains on the overhead), cars would be travelling the roads, crossguards come down over RR Crossings, cars would stop.
The town would be fully functional, just not under the control of the players.
There would be no actual "point" to the game except to have fun.
The only thing I would like to see that the playes would have to "worry" about is the train derailing when going around a curve too fast.
If it does derail, it should not cause massive damage to the town and/or people. (Dont want it turning into a bloodfest).
It got me thinking and It hink this would be a great game.
A train simulator...
Person signs on to the server...
They select one of X number of routes (if not in use). The server then makes that route inaccessible to other gamers.
The user can then select a pre-made train, or can make a train from any available models of boxcars, engines, passenger cars, tankers, and even cabooses.
Once the train is selected, the user's train is placed on the tracks.
The GUI would have controls (also mapped to the keyboard) to accelerate and brake, blow the whistle, uncouple a car (on a side track), load and unlaod passengers, load/unload coal, logs, etc....
Screen should be switchable from overhead view to front of the train view.
Elsewhere on the map (you could see other people's trains on the overhead), cars would be travelling the roads, crossguards come down over RR Crossings, cars would stop.
The town would be fully functional, just not under the control of the players.
There would be no actual "point" to the game except to have fun.
The only thing I would like to see that the playes would have to "worry" about is the train derailing when going around a curve too fast.
If it does derail, it should not cause massive damage to the town and/or people. (Dont want it turning into a bloodfest).
About the author
#2
Unfortunately, I am not a programer or artist. I am a web developer.
04/01/2002 (1:06 pm)
Well, I just took Tim's idea and fleshed it out a little, and would love to see this implemented.Unfortunately, I am not a programer or artist. I am a web developer.
#3
04/01/2002 (1:31 pm)
Well you could always get a team together!
#4
04/01/2002 (2:03 pm)
I think that IncaGold actually released a game called Model Train Simulator overseas that used the LithTech engine. I'm also pretty sure one of my friends worked on it. Not to stop you from making it :), just thought you'd like to know. 
#6
Jeff Tunnell GG
04/01/2002 (8:04 pm)
We did a product called Train Town at Dynamix. One of my favorite titles. I think there is a lot of mileage left in the model train sim market. I probably would not do it as a sim, but as a builder/toy product that is fun to build and run. Making it multi-player is the hook. I would love to see somebody take this project on.Jeff Tunnell GG
#7
You shouldn't have crossed the tracks on that one! :-
04/01/2002 (8:12 pm)
Jeff, that pun was horrible.You shouldn't have crossed the tracks on that one! :-
#8
04/01/2002 (8:56 pm)
Lego did a RR builder called "Lego Loco" - it's quite cool, but 2-D.
#9
The toy/plaything approch may work better...
some ideas to toy with:
*allow players to build thier own engines...not just put different skins on them...but sort of engineer them from the ground up (useing model parts of course)...in multiplayer players could engage these train engines in a game of "tug of war"...basicly set two engines back to back on the same track (with a line marking where they join)...the first train to pull the other across this line wins.
*extend this engine designability to include "missions" or challanges..."design a engine that can climb Pikes Peak"...or "design a train that can carry a ship from build site to the ocean"...maybe you could attach two trains side by side so they run on a set of pararell tracks...or even "design a train that can act as a remote launch for the space shuttle"
* allow players to trade thier original train designs and such online through thier own "model train shoppe"...basicly exploit the idea that these are model trains...allow players to design a track layout that something like a screensaver can be generated from (or a set of plans allowing them to create a actual model train...merchandiseing tie ins with model train manufactorers?
I'm going to have to do some more research on the subject...I'll post some more ideas then :)
04/03/2002 (7:20 pm)
I agree with Jeff...a model train SIM...seems in the least to mirror established train basied games like Railroad Tycoon...The toy/plaything approch may work better...
some ideas to toy with:
*allow players to build thier own engines...not just put different skins on them...but sort of engineer them from the ground up (useing model parts of course)...in multiplayer players could engage these train engines in a game of "tug of war"...basicly set two engines back to back on the same track (with a line marking where they join)...the first train to pull the other across this line wins.
*extend this engine designability to include "missions" or challanges..."design a engine that can climb Pikes Peak"...or "design a train that can carry a ship from build site to the ocean"...maybe you could attach two trains side by side so they run on a set of pararell tracks...or even "design a train that can act as a remote launch for the space shuttle"
* allow players to trade thier original train designs and such online through thier own "model train shoppe"...basicly exploit the idea that these are model trains...allow players to design a track layout that something like a screensaver can be generated from (or a set of plans allowing them to create a actual model train...merchandiseing tie ins with model train manufactorers?
I'm going to have to do some more research on the subject...I'll post some more ideas then :)
#10
04/04/2002 (12:08 am)
i think u should make it a racing game. have it timed how long a round trip takes. and have derailing and other various hazards. there definatly arnt any plans out there to make a train racing game. :) 
#11
I would love to play the Addams Family Railroad. You start by entering the Addams family house and going to the train room to play. You put together the railroad and place your dynamite charges. When you are ready, you run the trains around the track - crash them into each other and blow them up as they collide on the bridge. You could have the collision and then, just like in the TV show dub in the old black and white videos of the train collisions.
Of course it steps on about 15 copyrights and trademarks, and it would be a bear to build and control properly with the torque engine since most of it goes against the basic design.
But it would be a blast to play!
04/05/2002 (6:56 am)
Ok I know I will never have time to do this on my own - especially with all the other projects I have on my list so I'll suggest it here.I would love to play the Addams Family Railroad. You start by entering the Addams family house and going to the train room to play. You put together the railroad and place your dynamite charges. When you are ready, you run the trains around the track - crash them into each other and blow them up as they collide on the bridge. You could have the collision and then, just like in the TV show dub in the old black and white videos of the train collisions.
Of course it steps on about 15 copyrights and trademarks, and it would be a bear to build and control properly with the torque engine since most of it goes against the basic design.
But it would be a blast to play!
Associate Ken Finney
Tubetti World
ie. A passenger buys a ticket to TubettiWorld. Hops on the train - while the train is enroute, the pax are d/ling the TW client in the background. When the train arrives, they can hop off, and visit.
Or, without an actual visit/join (no ticket): if everyone uses standard torque objects & terrain, you could have your train connect to various other game servers and just breeze through the countryside. You would just need to have the servers provide tracks for your train to ride on (ie. a path through the served world). While enroute, your train simulator contacts the other server, d/ls the mission file, and uses it to display the world outside the train.
If you do this, contact me - I would be very interested in supporting such an approach in TubettiWorld.