Project "Blue Tram" - Rathgeber M5.65

We are thrilled to announce our new mega-project: BLUE TRAM PROJECT. We will recreate a tram that is very special for us, which ran in München (DE), and later in Bucharest (RO) - Rathgeber M5.65.

CONTEXT: the tram that you see in the images above was originally created by MichauSto , who later abandoned the project (without making it public). In the winter of 2020, RomanianWorks contacted the author of the tram and proposed that we take over and finalise the project. The answer was positive, and so the work begun on the tram, albeit at a low pace, while working on our Rocar De Simon main project. First we extracted a big number of genuine sounds for the tram. Then, last month, the model was imported in Blender to continue working on it. Besides the new sounds, the oldtimer Rathgeber needs massive geometry, script and texture overhauls. Which we will carry out. In time...

ABOUT THE PROJECT: the way we are handling BLUE TRAM PROJECT is different from our last project (Rocar De Simon). We still want to have a BETA version of the tram before final V1.0 release, however it will NOT be public. It will only be available to our GOLD patrons. Moreover, our Patreon page is where we will post the majority of status updates, various materials and behind the scenes of the Blue Tram Project.

One thing will remain the same: BLUE TRAM PROJECT will be 100% free for download upon V1.0 release. We are saying it loud and clear.

So, without further ado, welcome to BLUE TRAM PROJECT by RomanianWorks! We hope you are as excited as we are.

Jump to BETA release post: RE: Project "Blue Tram" - Rathgeber M5.65

PATREON LINK:

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/roworksomsi

Given the fact that the tram itself, as it was built by the original author, is looking okay, and the driver's cabin has pretty much all the switches and knobs already present, we have decided, until further notice, to stick to scripting only for the BETA version. We will focus on modelling all the systems and obtaining genuine, high quality sounds for everything. We will not be doing any geometry or retexturing for the BETA, this will be done after the BETA release, working towards the V1.0 public release.

We have also settled for how we want to deliver updates across all platforms. On Patreon, we will post detailed, weekly updates, with images and or videos, or even sound samples that will go on the tram. On Facebook and WebDisk we will put brief, monthly updates about the main work that has been done in the last month. We want our patrons to get the best value for their money, and that's what we are trying to do.

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

This being said, although for the last updates we have been starting slowly, the next updates will be way more interesting, to our opinion. The pace is picking up. We have made HUGE progress on Rathgeber's systems this past week. We will start presenting each system in detail (we have prepared photos and videos), starting from next week. We are very excited, and we hope you are as well, so see you then!

OCTOBER 2021 UPDATE

The first month of consistent work on the Blue Tram Project has brought significant script & sound overhauls to the Rathgeber M5.65. The main areas that we have worked on are:

- rewriting scripts of the pneumatic system

- rewriting door scripts

- adding functionality to the tram: microphone, weiche switch and more

- importing and implementing authentic sounds that have been extracted over the last months

On Patreon we have started discussing about each system in detail, as we implement it. Last week we dedicated the first chapter to the Einbremsung ("stop brake"), and this week we will be covering the indicator lights and more interestingly the weiche switch (+ the associatied water valve). Of course, photos and/or videos of the systems are included in each chapter. We have a fairly consistent backlog of systems that we need to write about, for our October's progress, while still developing and improving the systems on the M5.65.

If you are interested in this project and want to support us, you can join us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

See you around for next month's progress update!

Of course we would like to have a project that is "future-proof" and can have a continuation in LOTUS, whenever the opportunity may arise.

However, we think it is far too early to talk about this, as there are many variables that we have to consider. It's definitely a topic that we want to explore, maybe after the V1.0 release, but many things can change until then!

NOVEMBER 2021 UPDATE

The second month of working on the Rathgeber M5.65 tram has brought a huge milestone in the progress of Blue Tram Project.

- the tram has officially taken its first passengers. This was possible after implementing the route and destination boards, working IBIS and working announcements via the intercom system.

- other important developments include an almost finished pneumatic system which includes air leaks, water accumulations, potential failures and a realistic compressor;

- in the cockpit, the lighting system was completely redone and is now realistic, also thanks to a completely reworked battery system;

- almost all cockpit switches have so far been scripted and are working;

+ many other improvements and tweaks.

You can support us in finishing this project and you can also obtain a BETA version of this tram (once it is ready) by joining us on Patreon. There, we also post weekly detailed updates, photo galleries and videos. You can find us on Facebook too!

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/roworksomsi

See you at the end of December with the next progress update!

Are your gifts ready? 🎁🎁🎁 Ours is! Tomorrow we have arranged a smallish parade for you guys, to showcase all the work that we've put into the oldtimer Rathgeber M5.65 tram in 2021. Of course, a nosey RomanianWorks photographer took a sneaky sneak-peak of the arrangements and rehearsals taking place in the depot, in the early hours of the morning.

See you tomorrow, 25th of December 2021, to unwrap your Christmas video. Until then, Merry Christmas!

RomanianWorks

What a better way to enjoy Christmas than with a Christmassy tram parade? And now it's the perfect time to wrap up and showcase all the work that we have put into the oldtimer Rathgeber M5.65 tram in 2021. For this parade we have "rolled out" three trams with 3 different Christmas configurations.

We took inspiration from the real life Christkindl-Trambahn that has been running in München (DE) throughout the years. Our Bavarian friends might recognise a few boards and plates, which we tried to rebuild in the OMSI 2 world as accurately as possible at this stage in the project. Two trams will remain on static display for the event, while a third tram will be used for a round trip on the Nowe Piekary Bus & Tram map, to demonstrate some of the functionality and sound assets that we have implemented so far.

This is ALPHA footage, and anything that you see & hear on this tram may be subject to change for the future BETA early-access version (which will be published on our Patreon page) or for the FULL version (which will be published for free, online). We do not have any release dates for the BETA or the FULL version at this stage.

You can find more about Blue Tram Project and you can show your support on:

[Patreon]: https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

[Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/roworksomsi

We hope that you will enjoy our Christmas gift.

RomanianWorks wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

JANUARY 2022 UPDATE

Winter is a chaotic time, but even so, we managed to do quite a lot for the oldtimer Rathgeber M5.65 tram. The most significant advancements during December 2021 and January 2022 are:

- brand new geometries for the exterior: head and tail lights, reflectors, door buttons, frontal plate rubber and the shift number holders. Expect the same level of quality for the future.

- scripting of all cockpit buttons, to a high level of realism

- realistic wiper behavior, which depends on tram velocity

- door script overhaul, which includes (but does not limit to) a realistic inertia effect for opening and closing the doors while the tram is braking or accelerating

- new, authentic sounds added for wiper, ticket stamper ("Entwerter") and rolling around the curves

- last but not least, we organised a Christmas tram parade, showcasing a bit of what the tram can do so far, plus a number of heritage ChristkindlTram plates, boards and advertisements.

See you at the end of February with the next project update!

FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE

Another month has passed, and another crucial milestone has been reached in the modelling of the oldtimer Rathgeber M5.65 from Munich. Here is the summary of the latest progress:

- we have separated the air brake from the dynamic brake. Now we have the baseline for modelling realistic braking, as well as for finishing the scripting of the pneumatics.

- we've been working hard on the controller. Significant progress has been made, and now with the air brake improvements, we can model the relationship between air brake input and controller operation, which is a unique characteristic of the Rathgeber M-Wagen.

- we took the first steps to enable the tram to work as AI.

As you can see, this list is becoming shorter, while the items on the list are becoming more important. It's natural for a project that has advanced so much since October 2021. But we are not there yet! See you next month for the next project update. 😃

[VIDEO]: MARCH 2022 UPDATE

This month has seen little progress, as we focused on private commitments and our Rocar De Simon project. We do, however, want to make it up to you with a little "tutorial" video with the door controls of the Rathgeber M5.65 tram: everything we've implemented so far regarding door behaviour, functions and lights. Enjoy and see you next month for the next update! Until then, subscribe to our YouTube channel, as there are more videos like this coming soon. 😎

LINK:

APRIL 2022 UPDATE

March didn't see a lot of progress on the oldtimer Rathgeber M-wagen tram, but we've picked up the pace again in April. Here are the latest improvements:

- reversor key scripting: now you can insert & take out the key. This can be done only if certain criteria is met. In addition, we are currently working on adding 5 new positions (besides forward / neutral / reverse). This means that we will have a fully functional reverser key.

- controller key scripting: now the controller can be locked & unlocked by an additional key.

Last but not least (keep the most exciting news for the very end), a new system will "climb onboard" the tram. The Fahrscheinautomat. Many thanks go to our Bavarian friend who has been providing invaluable support to this project.

Let's see what the next month's progress update brings us. 🤓 Until then, why don't you visit us on:

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roworksomsi Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIwgcpI0LybBIWhapM0oG4Q

JUNE 2022 UPDATE

The last 2 months have been pure chaos for us, because of the summer exam session. This is also why we weren't able to give you the May update. Thankfully, that is mostly in the past now, and we can focus a bit more on our OMSI 2 projects.

Our oldtimer Rathgeber M5.65 took another great step forward in June. The basic functionality of the controller is working, and the tram is capable of braking dynamically, independent from the pneumatic braking. We are currently working on adding core physics scripting to the tram behaviour, which includes a new formula for dynamic braking power, tram behaviour on gradients and wheel-slip condition. In addition, the controller will go through more complex scripting, now that the baseline is ready. We will implement triggers and physical blocks on the controller, depending on the configuration of brakes, cockpit switches, keys, and so on. NO, this tram will not be easy to drive without a driver's handbook! 🤪

In parallel, we are working on the Fahrscheinautomat which we have introduced at the end of April. We have acquired all the measurements, textures and sounds needed to model this unique machine, which will really add to the M-wagen experience.

As this update is script-heavy, there's nothing new we can show you at the moment. See you in a month with the next project update!

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Patreon, where we will try to upload a bit more often over the summer period

https://www.facebook.com/roworksomsi

https://www.patreon.com/roworksomsi

JULY 2022 UPDATE

It's the middle of August but that won't stop us from showing you what we've been up to in July on our oldtimer M-wagen! 🤪

The Steuergerät has been completely modelled, with German precision in terms of dimensions and textures. Credit goes to our friend from Bavaria, to whom we are extremely grateful. Since this object was made from scratch, all geometries and textures are final and will be used later on version 1.0 of the tram. It's a good indicator of the level of quality that we will want to achieve with V1.0, after we release the BETA version.

We've also implemented the sounds, plus some basic script functionality. This machine will not have a real use in OMSI 2, but there are ways to replicate all the cool features of this unique ticketing system.

And of course, because we love to work once and work good, this machine is 100% setvar adjustable, so that you can have the entire system, just the support, or nothing at all. We will let you guess why that may be the case! Until then, see you at the start of September with the next progress update, and hold on tight because we promise to be a good one! 💙