Modern Tehachapi Pass Route Developer's Edition

By Nels Anderson (8 January 2002)

In the few months that Microsoft Train Simulator has been out it's become clear that the biggest challenge for developers is creating routes. The available tools are not easy to master and use and apparently there are restrictions in the EULA (end user license agreement) that restrict what commercial route developers can do.

Still, there's always going to be someone up to the challenge, and one such group is 3D Train Stuff who has taken on recreating one of the more interesting mountain routes in the United States, the Tehachapi Pass which connects northern and southern California. This route was developed by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870's and is still important today.

For fans of American freight activities, this is a great route to run. The hills present a challenge in either direction and the route includes such interesting achievements as the "Tehachapi Loop" where the route actually crosses itself, gaining 77 feet in elevation is such a short space that it's quite possible for a train to cross itself.

What's Included

OK, enough of the history lesson, what's available here for the train-sim user? As advertised, the route includes "over 100 miles of mountain railroading at its best", including the main route from Mojave Yard to Bakersfield Yard plus some short spurs, three large yards and five interchange points. One hundred miles wouldn't be much if we were running the Acela or TGV but this is a freight route and this 100 mile run will typically take several hours end to end.

Unless you're already familiar with the area you should start out with the manual that is included on the CD-ROM as a Word .doc file. Included here is a basic map of the route, history, information on operations and instructions and notes. The operations section describes the types of trains typically operated on the route (so you can make your own activities perhaps, or just so you can do realist free running). A set of instructions is included describing the signs and signals found alongside the tracks, which are unique to this route. Covered here are mile posts, lighted signals, etc.

The remainder of the manual is a photo gallery--a guided tour of the real route. You can use this as a virtual tourist, or use it as research for adding your own improvements to the route (this is a "developer's edition" remember?).

Just What Is A "Developer's Edition"?

So, why is the extra label "developer's edition" added? It's because the route is a little empty on scenery details (due to issues with using default scenery objects) and so the intention is for the user to add their own.

If you've wanted to get into route design, here's your chance. The background work (elevations and track) have been done for you and now you need to fill in the interesting details--buildings, roads, etc. This is not for everyone of course, but the opportunity is there for anyone who wants to give it a go.

What If You're Not A Developer?

The route should not be ignored by people who are not developers and have no desire to become one either. Right out of the box the route is fully usable and even includes three activities to get you started. Yes, the scenery details are sparse, but they are not totally absent, as can be seen in the screen shots that accompany this article. The mountains themselves make an attractive backdrop to your railroading activities. The frequent tight curves, deep cuts, tunnels and so on you pass through, while fighting the steep hills with a heavy load, will keep you both busy and interested.

Activities

The three included activities are a good introduction to the route. There is one short activity to get you right to the highlight of the trip: the Tehachapi Loop itself. The other two are typical through freights, one in good weather and one in bad. There's a lot more that can be done with the route. With all the large yards some switching activities would be a nice addition. Perhaps 3D Train Stuff will offer some add-ons or some freeware will become available.

Conclusion

I'm not quite ready to jump into route design so I certainly would have liked a route that came with more scenery detail included. Still, I did enjoy running the Tehachapi Route and in fact found winding through the mountains more enjoyable than I initially expected. There is sufficient scenery so the world does not seem empty and objects important to the actual railroading (signals, signs, etc.) are well represented so driving the train in a realistic manner can be done. Though it might not be for everyone I would recommend this add-on for people interested in American heavy freight running.

Nels Anderson
nels@train-sim.com

Visit 3D Train Stuff at:
www.3dtrainstuff.com

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