|
Post by Ferryman on Feb 25, 2011 13:52:08 GMT -8
As a long time Ship Simulator game user, they're finally releasing a Ferries Add on pack. They're adding 5 more ferries to the existing 3. They have a Double Ender (Staten Island Ferry?), River ferry, Catamaran Ferry, RO-RO, and a couple passenger only ferries. It looks like it could be entertaining to try out at least. Keep in mind, you already have to have the Ship Simulator Extremes game before you can buy the Ferries add-on. Its release date is March 8th.
Movie trailer on youtube.
|
|
|
Post by SS San Mateo on Feb 25, 2011 14:25:50 GMT -8
The double ender (labeled "Big Apple Ferry") is a Staten Island ferry (one of the new ones).
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 10, 2011 6:50:28 GMT -8
New forum member "Lar" (that's Larry) has been creating some flight-simulator backgrounds with local PNW ferries. He's used some of my photos (with my happy permission) and here are some results: Here is some of his work: skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&page=play&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!396&authkey=THSgsEZBjek%24 (yes, he's shown a ferry docked bow-in at Duke Point. Yes, we all know that ferries dock stern-in at Duke Point. No, we all don't need to point this out.... ;D) Hopefully, he'll come on here and tell us more about his work.
|
|
|
Post by Kahloke on Sept 10, 2011 7:58:58 GMT -8
Very cool! Thanks for sharing the link. I noticed he included "Little Toot" - aka MV Hiyu.
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Sept 11, 2011 5:39:25 GMT -8
Thank you so much Mike. This website is a fantastic resource for my little project. And thank you Kahloke. After looking again at the screenshot of the MV Hiyu in the link, I realized that it just did not look right. So she went into dry-dock, got split down the middle and 5 feet taken out. And once I got started, I could not stop adding more and more detail. :-)
Oh, and about the ferry docking. Microsoft Flight Simulator X is very limited in what you can do with ferry routes. It involves decompiling a special file, and then editing the route and the 'plan'. The plan tells the ferry what to do, and only specifies a route number, the boat ID, the starting time and repeat interval, and the direction to run the route. Beyond that the behavior is set by the coding in the simulator. So all ferries dock bow on, and at departure, they leave the dock in reverse, go to the first waypoint of the route, and then turn around! I have not found a way to get around this behavior, at least so far. But I'll think about it; thanks for mentioning it --- something to work on.
Larry
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Sept 16, 2011 7:22:50 GMT -8
Hello everyone, I've been surprised at how much I enjoy doing the Sketchup models of BC Ferries like the ones that are linked on this page: ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=nonBCF&thread=7880&page=1I've added a few more pics to this link too. I'm thinking of doing something appropriate for a number of the very short routes, like Denman - Hornby Is, or Quadra to Cortes Is -- there are a fair number of them. Do any of you have a recommendation for a model? Something suitable with enough available documentation? A good medium or high resolution side view image and bow on view would be enough, but the more photos the better -- and permission to use them! Thanks much, Larry
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 16, 2011 8:19:10 GMT -8
(just bumping to alert you to this previous post that I've moved into this thread)
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Sept 18, 2011 6:03:32 GMT -8
(just bumping to alert you to this previous post that I've moved into this thread) Thanks for getting the post into the right place! I thought that forum members might like to see a few FSX screenshots of forum member Steve Rosenow's fantastically detailed model of the MV Kaleetan functioning in Flight Simulator X. Thank you Steve for your kind permission to post this link here: skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&page=play&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!438 This is a beautiful model; a labor of love. And Steve writes that he has made significant additions since. I'd be delighted to try to answer questions if there are any, Larry
|
|
|
Post by Steve Rosenow on Sept 21, 2011 13:43:13 GMT -8
I am highly impressed with Larry's ability to port my SketchUp model to Flight Sim X. A former 3rd-party developer myself, this is something I'm very proud of!
As for the changes I've made to the SketchUp model since then?
More accurate No. 1 and No. 2 End configuration, more accurate Texas deck and funnels, the addition of railings, and an improved car deck.
Release has yet to be done to the 3D Warehouse as I've still got lots of work to do. The completed version will be the Super Class as they were when new, plus four variants of each vessel as they are now.
No interiors are planned due to the vertex count.
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Oct 1, 2011 10:48:12 GMT -8
Thank you Steve, Actually, it's Arno's Model Converter X that did all the work in converting your model; I'm just learning how to use it. :-) Two weeks ago I took the Kaleetan to Bremerton for lunch and got some nice pics of the little Carlisle II. It was so cute I could not resist making a model of it, and that turned out OK, so I rode over last Sunday too for more images. I managed to get a number of suitable pics of the MV Tacoma, and here's the result -- the first test in the flight simulator: skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&page=play&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!460 A few more things to fix. That's the latest version of my generic US ferry dock by the way; it keeps evolving. Once I make a route for the Carlisle II, I'll see if I can get some screenshots of that model too.
|
|
|
Post by Steve Rosenow on Oct 4, 2011 8:51:06 GMT -8
WOW. I LOVE that model of the Tacoma! Even has the huge patches of missing paint!
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Oct 5, 2011 15:13:54 GMT -8
WOW. I LOVE that model of the Tacoma! Even has the huge patches of missing paint! Thank you Steve! Here's a link to a few pics of the model that inspired me to try something bigger. A lot bigger it turned out. skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&page=play&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!477 The trial route I made for it is in the San Juans, but I suppose I should make a proper one from Port Orchard to Bremerton too. :-)
|
|
|
Post by Steve Rosenow on Oct 5, 2011 18:13:49 GMT -8
That thing needs to sit next to the Kaleetan in Bremerton. Like, seriously. And yeah, the Carlisle II, in the San Juans? Not gonna happen. Ever. That thing's only home has been Port Orchard-Bremerton. LOL. Took a crossing on that little critter the other day. Great job on it!
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Oct 23, 2011 14:51:20 GMT -8
I’m wondering how many other forum members have had something similar to this happen to them while taking ferry pics: (I know there is at least one.)
I use Google Sketchup to make my ferry models, and I've started collecting my own images to use as the basis for various commonly used textures - vents, railings, doors, etc. So I'm wandering around the car deck of the Kaleetan a few weeks ago, taking pictures of such things. One of the ship's officers comes over, and I start telling him in a rather enthusiastic way about what I'm doing, about this forum, etc. I don't have a clue! It finally dawns on me that he's checking to see if I’m a terrorist. Maybe I look suspicious; old, gray hair, carrying a small backpack even…. :-)
|
|
|
Post by Barnacle on Oct 24, 2011 11:59:48 GMT -8
I’m wondering how many other forum members have had something similar to this happen to them while taking ferry pics: (I know there is at least one.) I use Google Sketchup to make my ferry models, and I've started collecting my own images to use as the basis for various commonly used textures - vents, railings, doors, etc. So I'm wandering around the car deck of the Kaleetan a few weeks ago, taking pictures of such things. One of the ship's officers comes over, and I start telling him in a rather enthusiastic way about what I'm doing, about this forum, etc. I don't have a clue! It finally dawns on me that he's checking to see if I’m a terrorist. Maybe I look suspicious; old, gray hair, carrying a small backpack even…. :-) Well, they tell us to make sure we aren't profiling...
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on May 5, 2012 7:06:08 GMT -8
After a not so brief respite, I’ve been doing a few more ferry models but now with an interest in having them also work in the Lockeed Martin Prepar3D training simulator. The latest version will even allow the operation of submarines! Here’s a link to some pics of the recently finished MV Kitsap, and the King County Water Taxi Melissa Ann along with some older models as they appear in P3D. skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!553&parid=root skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!553&parid=root Now I want to do a few more BC ferries, and Flugel Horn has graciously allowed me to use his images of the MV Tenaka on this forum for the photo-textures. Never having seen this very appealing boat, I thought I might post a few pictures of the partially completed half model at a point where it’s easy to fix major errors. I would be delighted if anyone has comments or suggestions. All the images that others have posted of the Tenaka have been very useful in trying to figure out just where things go, but even so I often just have to guess, as I suppose the pics will illustrate. Once I have most of the bilaterally symmetric features in the half model right, I can then make a copy and mirror image it, and join it to the starboard half. Then I can add all the centerline features and add or fix the asymmetric things --- like the color of the running lights. :-) Suggestions greatly appreciated! Larry Edited; hopefully functional URLs skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!583&parid=D9374555CBE355AA!574 skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!584&parid=D9374555CBE355AA!574
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on May 8, 2012 7:18:46 GMT -8
|
|
Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
|
Post by Nick on May 8, 2012 7:38:05 GMT -8
Very impressive! Looking at it quickly, I don't see any glaring errors, so you're probably making some good guesses.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 8, 2012 7:41:06 GMT -8
The model further along. I've had to guess at some of the details. Larry That's fantastic, Larry.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,150
|
Post by Neil on May 8, 2012 9:59:56 GMT -8
One small correction that I notice... the windows that are covered are actually on the starboard side lounge.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 8, 2012 10:15:18 GMT -8
One small correction that I notice... the windows that are covered are actually on the starboard side lounge. Good catch, Neil. - that's because that starboard saddle-lounge area is used as a crew area or storage area.
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on May 8, 2012 14:22:29 GMT -8
Thanks so much everyone! A special thanks once again to Mike. Suitable photos are the key; as close as possible to bow on, a view from dead aft, and a true lateral. His photos for this vessel were great.
I'll fix the window issue! I wondered if it was just some sort of odd reflection – I never would have picked that up! I should be able to flip the bow on texture right left and then adjust, and I can patch the port side windows.
I’ve got a suitable bench to add to the portside upper deck, across from the Avon. Is there a similar one on the starboard side inboard of the Avon?
I’ll see if I can readjust the color of the car deck too. Now what else was I going to fix? :-) I’ll post some more pictures when I’m finished with the current to-do list. Maybe both a port and starboard view. :-)
I’m already thinking of the next BC ferry to do. One problem of learning new methods is that I’m then not satisfied with my previous models, so I think I’ll go back and add some nice photo textures which I have permission to use to my older Queen of Nanaimo model. It should end up looking a lot better.
Larry
|
|
|
Post by Queen of Nanaimo Teen on May 8, 2012 17:43:19 GMT -8
That looks amazing!! I am shocked at how much it resembles the ship! The one little thing I'm a little disappointed in is the paint job... She would look a lot better in expo colors me thinks!! (Or maybe even the MOTH? It wasn't that bad...) Otherwise, well done!
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on May 9, 2012 5:56:22 GMT -8
The Tenaka model appears to have passed her sea trials. Here’s a link to a small album of the model in FSX, in the middle of Stuart Channel en route to Thetis Island. That’s the Bowen Queen in the background, heading for Chemanius. The automated routes in FSX and Prepar3D do not allow for stopovers, so I either have to make two separate routes, or just use only one leg of a route… at least as long as I want authentic docking. skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d9374555cbe355aa&resid=D9374555CBE355AA!587&parid=root A YouTube video would look a lot better; maybe I’ll have to learn how. I fixed the widow issue, added the port side vent in the ‘tunnel’, fixed the car deck, changed the railing on the top of the wheelhouse (still not right?) added some benches, added a small structure behind the wheelhouse, the purpose of which I have no idea! :-) But it’s there in the photos. Incidentally, I discovered, or should I say finally remembered a nice trick for getting the colors more realistic. In Photoshop CS5, you open a photo that has the general tone you want, say a photo that includes a ferry car deck, select an area that has the look you want, then open the photo texture in question and use the ‘match color’ feature, taking as the source your previous selection. Presto; your photo texture now has the right feel. The triangle vertex count is now almost half the absolute maximum, so I figured I’d better stop. I already have photo textures on the radars, on the searchlights, on the Avon, on the outboard motor for the Avon, even on the fore and aft running lights…. Any further suggestions or corrections greatly appreciated! Larry
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on May 9, 2012 16:24:50 GMT -8
Thanks much for the suggestions! I’ve fixed the flags. I think at one point I had thought that having them flying straight aft looked a little funny when the ferry was at the dock where it spends most of its time, but maybe aiming them a little bit off would be enough. And in fixing the flags I figured out that the wheelhouse extends farther aft outside the stacks than inside, and that there is a door on the inner side of the starboard stack. And I figured out what was wrong with the top of the wheelhouse too. It’s great to have this help! The wake effect is an interesting problem, the coding of which is rather arcane. The wake effect is strictly a two dimensional animation, although it’s possible that sometime in the future P3D will support 3D waves or the appearance of them from the water surface at least. The default wake effect(s) used in FSX and P3D are quite crude. My last attempt at coding an improved one ended up with the wake going straight up in the air! :-) However I recently discovered a really great set of replacement wakes by Voodoo: voodoo.wikispaces.com/Carrier+Enhancements These are *way* better than the existing default wakes, and even emulate the Kelvin wake pattern. (Thanks for making these available Voodoo!) I don’t understand much of this, but here’s a link that shows how far these fellows get into the subject: www.steelnavy.com/WavePatterns.htmIt turns out that Lord Kelvin was the first to mathematically describe the wake pattern of boats. I may be able to find the original references if any are interested. Thanks for the idea of a sound effect! The FSX effects file allows for looping of a sound file that plays when the vessel is underway, but the wake effect file uses only the sound of rushing water. Instead of using one of the default effects, I should be able to record my own ferry engine sounds on my next trip and use those. Thanks also for the suggestion about the Comox Queen. Having found a picture of the vessel, it would not be hard to do a conversion if I could get access to a few appropriate photos. Larry
|
|