Full Bucket Line - Updated

[Darkhorse427]

For a little more than a year now I have been working off and on doing a scenery update to the venerable Full bucket line as it was one of the first that I freeware routes that I started using in the early days of MSTS. I started with the non scale rail version of 3.03 and was a fair way along with that one but I originally started is as a for me only project. so I was using many pay ware objects from routes that I have purchased in the past.

Then when scale rail was made available again. I decided that I should both convert it to the scale rail version and remove the pay ware shapes and textures, so that it could be released to the public. Well long story short that didn't go as planned and after several failed attempts I decided to just start over with the already converted to scale rail version, using only content available here and from a few other free sites.

So now I am getting close to what I may consider finished and could use a few people to beta test the route for me. A fresh set of eyes never hurts.

Here are a few screenshots from the project as it is. Open Rails 2024-01-25 06-12-44.jpg Open Rails 2024-01-25 06-14-01.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-42-01.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-27-24.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-23-01.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-27-49.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-44-06.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-43-51.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-29-03.jpg Open Rails 2024-02-01 01-44-34.jpg

If anyone would like to help beta test this route please send me a PM here.

Thanks
Russ

[eric]

Where's Dustin when you need him... Screenshots look great.

[Orbita]

WOW. I can't believe this is the treasured MSTS classic we all know and love. I can already see myself running some DRGW and SP power on this route.

[Darkhorse427]

I am also working on updating a lot of the original extra rolling stock to newer models, so far only two use pay ware shapes the rest are all freeware (mostly NAVS stuff) and making some new sets based on NAVS sets as well. some of which are in those screenshots.

[Train-a-Mania]

It's good to see the ol' FBL is alive and well. Tremendous work Darkhorse!

[CSRX]

I'll be honest, I was never able to really get into the FBL, or even the SeaView for that matter. However, the time and effort you've put into the route from the ground textures, to using ScaleRail, and scenery swaps, this route looks really great! I could see myself actually getting into it and maybe running some UP/SP/DRGW on it.

[mword77]

Great news and it looks fantastic!
This is something I had wanted to do for years, but just didn't have the time/ambition to take it on.
This will get me actually running the sim again instead of just farting around with files...

[Jdark34]

the full bucket line looks great Russ. you did an excellent job

[Darkhorse427]

the full bucket line looks great Russ. you did an excellent job

Thank you, It is still a work in progress. you know the saying, the last 10% of a project always takes as much time as the first 90%

I am getting good ideas and feedback from beta testers already. So thank you all for the help and encouragement.

[Jdark34]

your welcome russ.

[bwyrick]

I'd be interested in helping beta. I have some GEs that I repainted somewhat recently that I've been considering for upload that could go along well with the project. Both are based off of Streamlines/TrainSimulations shapes.

image.png

[Darkhorse427]

those would be a nice update to the old MLT Dash-9 freeware repaints.

[SD40-2]

I'd be interested in helping beta. I have some GEs that I repainted somewhat recently that I've been considering for upload that could go along well with the project. Both are based off of Streamlines/TrainSimulations shapes.

image.png

I was wondering when you'd bring those up. They're very nice indeed.

I've been beta-testing the route, and I've made some locomotives as well. 4 SD40-2s based on Danny Beck's freeware BN SD40-2, with a custom parts shape.

Open Rails 2024-02-08 04-53-49.jpg

Parker Boots.

[bwyrick]

Bit of an update on my end. Started a new version of the AC44s on a new shape that I've gotten permission to release when the time comes. Just one completed at the moment, but currently planning for at least a 5 pack.

image.png

[ftldave]

We love what we remember. Matt Levy's Full Bucket Line Commuter Edition has always been my favorite version of the route with FBL, Santa Fe, and UP freight AND passenger running.