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Post by Dan on Jan 23, 2008 5:34:43 GMT -5
Anyone know anything about them? I came across a reference to them while perusing Train-Sim.com the other night and naturally searched out their website and was very impressed with their dedication to trains, their American Classics package, and a number of their Freeware engines/trains/etc.  www.trainartisan.com/Therefore, the reason for this thread. While there a number of freeware engines available for immediate download, many of their other freeware models require either a purchase of their American Classics package or becoming a member by making a donation to a charity of their choice. While the American Classics package looks very nice - it also looks somewhat dated (2002-2003) as far as the overall graphics - so I'm hesitant to get it. Thus the question - how is it compared to todays packages? I don't mind donating to one of their sponsored railroad museums (one of which is the Southeastern Railroad Museum, which I've been too a number of times here in Atlanta - great Museum! But, if the American Classics is a good package - then I'll go that route. The main reason I'm extremely interested is the F3 CB&Q Zephyr posted below - absolutely gorgeous! But, it's only available if your a ClubTA member - if you are, then it's 'FREE' as well as other items, which you can't even look at until your a member. So, I need to become a member - one way or the other. Any input would be great! Dan …it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D |
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Post by kbr on Jan 23, 2008 6:18:12 GMT -5
I don't have it but someone recently was talking about having just got American Classics, I think it may have been Steve. I have noticed that many older routes for MSTS can still look pretty good.
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Post by AirCoaster on Jan 23, 2008 9:14:49 GMT -5
I don't have MSTS installed on my new machine, but I do have several of the American Classics train sets, and I find them very good to extremely well done. They also never gave me any trouble while using the session editor, and then running them in different routes. The money you spend would be worth the models for a person operating MSTS. Remember, many of these models came out after MSTS was launched, so they will fall into the range of 2002-2004. The models also have a built LOD feature if I am not mistaken to help with framerate on lower end machines for the time.
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Post by sgtmajor on Jan 23, 2008 11:01:34 GMT -5
I don't have it but someone recently was talking about having just got American Classics, I think it may have been Steve. I have noticed that many older routes for MSTS can still look pretty good. Kevin you are correct... I did purchase American Classics...however, I have only spent about 30 mins. in the sim as Rail Simulator arrived the following day. Dan - That is a beautiful F3 which I will have to look more into obtaining. I picked up American Classics at "Just Trains" and it seems to be a very nice package IF you can count 30 minutes as an appropriate trial run. I was looking for a nice payware steam engine which there was one included and it appears to fit the need. It's the New York Central run.... very nicely modeled. Southeastern Railroad Museum in Atlanta..... Hmmmm... I'm departing this coming Monday 1/28 for Atlanta for a weeks worth of business meetings. I seriously doubt I will have time to get to the museum as they keep us pretty busy from day to day, however, I will keep that in reference for next year. I may have to plan to stay over a couple of extra days next year to see the museum. Do you know.... is that where the train called "The General" is located? I know it's in Atlanta somewhere, but don't have the exact location. Cheers! |
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Post by jhefner on Jan 23, 2008 12:17:56 GMT -5
Do you know.... is that where the train called "The General" is located? I know it's in Atlanta somewhere, but don't have the exact location. The General is at the Kennesaw Civil War Museum in Kennesaw. I think it is down the basement; but not having visited in person, I am not certain about that. The other player in that adventure, the Texas, is at the Cyclorama in Grant Park in Atlanta. Also, if you go to the Coke/Underground in Atlanta; there is/was a Crown Metal Products 4-4-0 amusement park steam locomotive on display there; it may be gone now. It was from the Six Guns Theme Park in Florida; a sister engine is still running in Jefferson, Texas. |
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Post by bhk on Jan 23, 2008 14:55:18 GMT -5
Dan,
Train Artisan stuff is as nice today as it was five years ago.
It is certainly worth the small donation.
Alternatively, 3DTrains also make an F3 package and there is a freeware skin available in the CB&Q livery at train-sim.com. File is f3cbq121.zip (2001).
You'd still need to buy the 3DTrains pack, of course....US$15.00.
Bruce
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Post by Dan on Jan 24, 2008 6:55:14 GMT -5
Thanks, guys! That's exactly what I needed to know. I made a donation to the museum and I'm going to order the American Classics package. Besides the CB&Q Zephyr, they have the Empire State Express which looks about as classic as a classic can look! I've also got my eye on that Santa Fe Super Chief at 3DTrains! SgtMajor, if you get a chance to visit the Southeastern Railroad Museum it will be well worth the trip - this year or next. There are over 90 pieces of railroading on display and as noted, I've toured it a couple of times and always run out of time.  One steam locomotive they have, the Savannah & Atlanta #750 (4-6-2 Light Pacific), ran excursions between Atlanta and Stone Mountain back in the '80's. I took my three sons for a ride on it when they were in grade school - will never forget it! First time Steam for me - first time for them. www.srmduluth.org/exhibits.htm Jeff, your right - that's were The General is and The Texas is downtown Atlanta at the Cyclorama. I've seen them both and fascinated every time with the history of the 'The Great Locomotive Chase'. Also brings back memories of the Walt Disney movie with Fess Parker - that seems like 'history' as well. Dan …it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D |
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Post by sgtmajor on Jan 24, 2008 10:29:04 GMT -5
Dan.... great news indeed, many thanks! I seriously doubt I will be able to sneak away this coming week, however, I do intend to make plans for the next trip to Atlanta for a few extra days stay over.
On the General and "The Great Locomotive Chase"..... here's a story some may enjoy.
When I retired and came on board with this company, of course some of the offices I visit always wanted to know where I came from and what I previously did. That usually brought responses as.... "I was in the military.... my Dad, brother, sister etc., etc. "
One particular individual told a story about some distant relation receiving some type of award.... but wasn't sure of the details. As the years went by and I visited her office each year, she was going through more family history things and more information surfaced. I found out his name..... born in Ohio...... he was a corporal....... it was the civil war....... etc. THEN.... found out it was "The Great Locomotive Chase" he was involved in as one of the Union Soilders....(Andrews Raiders) and was one of the first recipients of the "Medal of Honor" Corporal William Pittenger.
All this was very interesting..... but last summer it got better. (smile) I received a call from Ms. Pittenger wanting to know where Fallbrook, CA. was. I informed her about 30 miles (approx. 40 kilometers) as the city is located outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton Marine Base..... why?
Ms. Pittenger informed me she had received a phone call from a gentleman doing research on Andrews Raiders and was inquiring if she had known she was a direct decedent. Additionally of course he was looking for any family information she may have and further asked if she had been to the museum and home of William Pittenger in Fallbrook? (Smile)
Needless to say I made a trip to Fallbrook the following day and sure enough..... W. Pittenger's home, where he retired after the war, is now a museum. It turns out he had authored several books about the raid and was a minister at one of the local churches which is still standing and being used. He is buried in the local cemetery at the church where a "Medal of Honor" stone was placed in 1988.
His home is located just north of Fallbrook Airport where I took flying lessons back in the 1990's. It's surrounded by fruit and avocado orchards and there is a small flower greenery just to the south of it. It just so happens that it was this home I used for alignment as my spot to begin my turn to base for runway 18. (smile)
Small world, huh? (smile)
Cheers!
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Post by beana51 on Jan 24, 2008 10:36:29 GMT -5
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Post by bhk on Jan 24, 2008 14:48:54 GMT -5
On the General and "The Great Locomotive Chase"..... here's a story some may enjoy....... Small world, huh? (smile) Cheers! Steve, What a great story.  It is indeed a very small world. Fate throws us together in the most peculiar or unusual circumstances which we shrug off as "coincidence"!  Bruce |
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Post by kbr on Jan 24, 2008 17:26:07 GMT -5
That's a great story, Steve. Thanks for sharing it. When I was a child living in Globe Arizona, there use to be a historical steam engine that was on display near the old train yards in Miami, the neighboring town. It wasn't to far from where my father had a store at the time so I was often able to head over an look at it any time I wanted. There was sort of a little park with benches around it and the huge towering buildings of the train yard in the background. The building themselves were old and rather in poor condition. In the tallest one, there was a row of windows near the roof and one of the windows were broken as though someone had thrown a rock through it. I used to sit in the little park and look at it and wonder how anyone could throw a rock that high. ;D
Sadly I don't remember the name of the train.
Vin, I have that movie in my collection of old movies. I've considered popping the DVD in my computer and taking some screen shots of the train in it and then touching them up to better quality (the 1927 film is rather degraded.)
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Post by Dan on Jan 25, 2008 6:26:59 GMT -5
Incredible story - wow! Fascinating how that has all come about over the years - amazing really! Bruce is absolutely right - fate is most peculiar - if we all only new why - but, don't think we're suppose to! Reminds me of a great book - "Fate is the Hunter". Read it in high school - I need to read it again. Thanks for the story Sgtmajor - remarkable! Dan …it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D |
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Post by sgtmajor on Jan 25, 2008 7:08:32 GMT -5
Sure glad you all enjoyed the story.
I don't think a week goes by where I'm not totally surprised by something in this old life.... and Dan I agree with you..... Bruce is ABSOLUTELY correct!! Fate indeed is most peculiar!
Cheers!
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One steam locomotive they have, the Savannah & Atlanta #750 (4-6-2 Light Pacific), ran excursions between Atlanta and Stone Mountain back in the '80's. I took my three sons for a ride on it when they were in grade school - will never forget it! First time Steam for me - first time for them.
