1966 - Kicking Horse Pass - Canadian Pacific

[bhk]

Just two screen-shots taken from an Activity I've created for the KHP v2 route by Maple Leaf Tracks.

The year is 1966 and the player has command of an F7 in the lead of a three-unit power lash-up; one F7 and two GP9's.

Tasked with taking a laden coal train from east of Exshaw to the yard at Field.
(Parts 2 and 3 cover Field - Revelstoke and then Revelstoke - Kamloops on Maple Leaf Tracks' "Rogers Pass" and "Shuswap" sub-divisions).

The first image shows one of the AI traffic pieces passing through Canmore. This train is hauled by two GP35s's and two GP9's on this autumn day.



The second image shows the player's train almost at the end of its 3-hour journey, just 5 kilometres west of Field, after having negotiated the twin spiral tunnels below Kicking Horse Pass.



Bruce

[kbr]

That sounds like fun. I don't have that route myself, Maple Leaf's stuff is payware isn't it? I'll have to check into it. Though my next train purchase will probably be Feather River, now that I have a way to control the sim that works better for me, I'd like to build up my MSTS library some.

[bhk]

kbr said:

That sounds like fun. I don't have that route myself, Maple Leaf's stuff is payware isn't it? I'll have to check into it. Though my next train purchase will probably be Feather River, now that I have a way to control the sim that works better for me, I'd like to build up my MSTS library some.

Yes, Kevin....MLT's packages are payware. Very reasonably priced and quite excellent in their presentation.

I've just updated my KHP route with a freeware, third-party (but with MLT's blessing) pack that enhances the textures & foliage and brings the signals to the same level as their Roger's Pass package.

I really like MLT's stuff.

Bruce

[kbr]

I just got back from visiting their site, and their stuff looks very impressive. Though I've got to recover funds a little before buying any addons, I did find a few freebies on their site. The free replacement for the Dash looks nice, so I've off to try it out.

[bhk]

If you end up buying KHP2, I'll set you in the direction of that update package.

Bruce

[kbr]

bhk said:

If you end up buying KHP2, I'll set you in the direction of that update package.

Bruce

Thanks, Bruce. I probably will be getting this one some time after Feather River, as MLT's packages look pretty good and are nicely priced as well.

[kbr]

With monthly bills out of the way, I felt that I could go ahead and get this, due to it's cheap price (Feather River will have to wait until I get my next paycheck)

I'm pretty impressed with what the addon offers for just 23USD. Thanks for the HU on the addon.

I'm probably not the best authority on train sounds due to my hearing trouble, but in my opinion, the engine sounds included are possibly the best I've heard in a MSTS train.







I was wondering if you could point me int he direction of those texture updates you mentioned? Thanks.

[bhk]

kbr said:

...I'm probably not the best authority on train sounds due to my hearing trouble, but in my opinion, the engine sounds included are possibly the best I've heard in a MSTS train....

Yep...they are the most complete of all.
Inside cab, head-out of cab, external viewpoint (2), external run-by view (4).....all superb, and then add the samples of radio-comms and it's a complete package.

Kevin, the update is available through a forum here..........
frankoburns.proboards46.com/index.cgi

You will then need to register and, once you can get in, scroll downm the opening page until you see a category headed "MLT DOWNLOADS".

Underneath that category is "MLT Downloads File Library". Click on it.
When it opens, click on the top-most category, "Routes and Route Updates".

Then the page that opens will list five files.
You want the second one, "Kicking Horse Pass 2 Upgrade".

Click on it and another page opens with text explaining the upgrade and a URL link to the file just above the image.
(Don't be concerned by the reference to "Rogers Pass upgrade" on the image. He means that the effects from RP will be applied to KHP ).

Bruce.

[kbr]

Thanks for the info, Bruce. I registered there when I bought the route in case I needed technical support and after responding to me registration email it told me that I have to wait until a staff member activates my account. I'll check out the update as soon as I can get in. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm pretty happy with this route, not only did it include the route, but lots of activities to get started.

[sgtmajor]

Finally picked up KHP this morning and hope to get her installed later tonight for a little rail driving!!

Any suggestions for the first event?

Cheers,

[bhk]

sgtmajor said:

Any suggestions for the first event?

Cheers,

Steve, if you like long runs, then any of the Activities which take you from one end to the other......there's one named "Westbound Sulphur Extra", which is a good challenge going down the Big Hill from Stevens.

There's no traffic in it, though (I always like to see some traffic), which is why I created an alternative, "Westbound Sulphur Extra NEW", available as a download from train-sim.com.

There are over 40 freight Activities for KHP available at train-sim.com, incidentally. Some require additional rolling stock other than what is available in the KHP pack.

Bruce

[kbr]

bhk said:

There are over 40 freight Activities for KHP available at train-sim.com, incidentally. Some require additional rolling stock other than what is available in the KHP pack.

Bruce

I was impressed with the number of activities for KHP over at Train-Sim. Must be a very popular route.

I'd rather do the West Bound Sulfur activity with traffic too, so I just grabbed your version from Train-sim. Thanks.

[sgtmajor]

Thanks Bruce..... I have enough train stuff to more than keep me busy for a while. I now know why you like Maple Leaf so well..... they have done some great work!! I must agree with you that I too like seeing traffic on the rails and the sounds with the radio chatter really make a nice relaxing evening. I just love standing on the back of the caboose and having one of my virtual cigars!! What a life! (smile)

[bhk]

sgtmajor said:

.....and the sounds with the radio chatter really make a nice relaxing evening. ....

Steve,
I've actually been so relaxed by the sounds of Maple Leaf Tracks more recent routes (I channel the sound out of the PC and into a stereo system) that I've found myself nodding off! ;D

I am hopeless on a train at night.
I can be wide awake, but as soon as that thing gets moving and the rhythmic noises start, I start to fall asleep.

When I was working in Sydney and commuting 60+ miles to the Blue Mts., I'd catch the 5:15 PM. There was absolutely no chance of me ever doing any work on that 1.5-hour trip.
Even reading the evening paper, I'd be lucky to make it to the Page 3 pin-up before dozing off. ;D

Bruce