V Scale Creations has released a commercial route that is very unique and in many ways quite innovative. The route is called "The North Arkansas" and is based on a prototype that existed in the northern Ozark region from about 1882 until its demise in 1946. The era depicted by VSC's route is the 1901-1902 era, which was an era of expansion and construction for the North Arkansas line. The era in itself is quite unique, as well as innovative, for no other commercial offering to date has tackled such an era. Plus, VSC is the first commercial offering to release a steam oriented route.
VSC refers to the North Arkansas as a "concept route". That is, the entire "concept" is tied together and is congruent, from the look of the "period" structures, to the supplied equipment, even extending to the activities and operational practices. All of it "fits" the North Arkansas' concept and era.
The route has 34 miles of mainline, and two branch lines, one approximately 2 miles long, the other approximately 3. Total route miles is in the 39-40 range. The mainline twists and turns through beautiful Ozark scenery. Many of the towns have that "boom time" feel that was common during times of railroad construction.
The 23 activities supplied with the route are also quite innovative.
They are sequential and generally increase in the proficiency level
required to accomplish them. In addition, "story lines" are incorporated
into them in which the author draws from personal railroading experience
and exposure, as well as drawing from decades of resource work. The
result is that you truly will be immersed into a virtual world that is
far removed from anything the average Microsoft Train Simulator
enthusiast has experienced to date! So involved are the story lines that
the route and activity author, Andre Ming, has requested of his
customers to PLEASE not reveal the contents of the activities to others!
Another innovative features is the use of Train Orders to move traffic. The route has NO signals, yet, AI traffic is common and quite realistic in its application. Along the way you'll see AI trains waiting on you (only leaving after your train clears), or take the siding as you "hold the main", or steam past on the mainline as you wait with your train on the siding... AI traffic! Of course, successful "meets" require one to be an experienced "hogger" as well as follow your Train Orders, along with being able to hold a semblance of schedule... otherwise the infamous "Cornfield Meet" can result!
Another area of innovation is the physics supplied with the equipment. These have been adjusted to as faithfully represent the characteristics of period equipment as much as the MSTS physics system will allow. You'd better know your stuff when handling a train on the North Arkansas!
Still another innovation is the excellent steam sound package supplied by Stuart Williamson. These sounds have to be heard to be believed! The exhaust is actually synchronized to the driver rotation!
To help the newcomer to adapt to such authenticity, a voluminous Route Manual is included that covers an amazing array of topics! Included are such topics as a Glossary of Ozark and Railroad terms unique to the era or region, tips on handling trains using the new physics, tips on operating a steam engine, maps, route descriptions, town descriptions... quite comprehensive!
In all, this first offering of V Scale Creations was an aggressive project that certainly breaks new ground in several fronts.
You can read more about it at:
http://www.vscalecreations.com
Copyright © 2004 by Nels Anderson. All Rights Reserved.