the availability code can be changed to end whenever you want, but most people just use a mod that has no end dates, so I didn't bother. sorry

Why is the availability so short? NS is still running these

@NoAchievement4U I honestly don't 100% remember what was included in the book as I haven't looked at it for a while. It's sitting on my desk at work. I know they at least have pretty decent photos of most of the individual cars. I also spent a fair amount of time on the train personally from locomotive to NS17 and can answer a fair number of questions myself.

I'll grab it when I go in on Monday and take a look.

@captainradish does it include car diagrams with painting? In particular, the observation cars? If so a pdf scan of those would be very much helpful.

One of the Pullman cars is supposed to be haunted, btw.

If it helps, one of the last things the head of Special Projects did before retiring NS was to release a book all about the executive special's individual cars. I got a copy of it and can give you some details about any of the cars. I used to have a copy on PDF, but I lost it several years ago, unfortunately. Let me know if I can be of help! I love this train very much.

Those all sound very cool! Thank you to NoAchievement4U and Donoteat in advance!

Since Steam has a limit on characters here is the rest of my reply:

Not everyone plays this game to transport goods or passengers. They play it because they can't make afford to make a layout or have no room for one in their homes. I fit into both categories and I saw a major lack of content for US rolling stock as well as engines. That is why I made the skins and had the commissions made (which more are coming, including: Dome car, Observation car, Observation Lounge Dome, Super Dome and maybe a steam engine or 2. But it will be over a period of months as Its not free to make this stuff. I use my personal money to have this stuff made and then I skin it based on what I would like to see in the game or if anyone has a commission request.

the double decker "Super Dome" as they call it, is a lounge car that is strictly for Executives only. The rear car without a wall you are referring to, is called an Inspection car. The window is for Executives to see potential areas for improvement as they tour the system. I made this skin for the sole purpose of roleplay.

I'd ask "what about the rest of the train?" but I know it's a bit of an oddball collection of turn-of-the-century Pullman cars to a '70's era double-stacked obervation car to a car without a rear wall (it's solid plexiglass) to a car that has an outdoor smoking lounge. The whole train wouldn't fit very well in the game.

I've ridden on this train multiple times in real life. Very special train. It looks very nice!

great work, as always! If I may ask, what other paint schemes are planned for this and the p 85?

okay

@bradenm0520 I may do one, but right now I am trying to get the sounds updated with more modern recordings. I am also trying to figure out how to get the speed notches to work...

would it be possible to make a union pacific livery?

@NoAchievement4U Well here's what I do when I get bored listen to this https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/20258/web and then pop this up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV9BKnJgkhs . The webcam is facing West looking at Randolph St. interlocking in downtown Roanoke. Yea I've had some similar experiences with excursions before. Taken a couple out of Steamtown in Scranton but I tend to just prefer standing trackside.

@Kuehhas I've been to Roanoke once on the way down to NC. I've been to the Altoona yards a few times. Never saw anything on either of those trips. I did get to ride each excursion in 2015. The 611, 765 and 4501. Then 611 again in 2016. Had some issues with the onboard crew in 2016 though. The guy in charge held seats he wasn't supposed to hold for anybody, but even though we were in line and boarded first, he had seats reserved for the best spots in the dome... I stood in line for a few hours just to ensure I got a good seat in the dome... and here half of it was reserved. I had a much better experience with the 765 crew and the excursion. I hope to ride behind 765 again. I got to ride the Lehigh Gorge special behind 765, they even had the domes right behind the engine. it was a perfect day. so much fun.

@NoAchievement4U Well come on down to Roanoke and you get to see some interesting things going in and out of the shops. Altoona might be a little closer for you though

@Kuehhas. I hate you lol. I have lived by the highline the Lurgan branch runs and I have never seen it.

Looks fantastic man. I really appreciate your skins (and donoteats models). I get to see the train relatively frequently so it will be nice to have it in game too

@Teapop311 - I didn't create the 3d model, I did the textures. I paid donoteat an undisclosed amount of money to have the 3d model made, same with the P85 coach. I have more being made. What we call "commissions" I am doing skin commissions for these 3d models to help offset the cost of having them made.

I can understand that. What program did you use to make the original F7 model? I want to give modding a try but dont know what program to use. I thought I would ask you since it seeems like you have experience with it.

@Batterykit I have the car ready, just no time free since I do this between work (Have 2 jobs), house work, outdoor maintenance, and other misc adult things that eat up time.

It’s not as simple as plastering on paint onto a skin, you also have to redo the code files to make them link to the proper graphics. In my opinion, its a very tedious task compared to doing the painting. I enjoy doing the painting the most.

very nice ! Wouldnt it be easy to also do a repaint of norfolk and western, as far as i know you´d "only" have to change the writing, well it shouldnt be too much of a hastle right ?

Would it be an idea to create some really old looking locomotives and wagons that looks like they have been abondend for a long time already? I would like to see an assets like that.. They should look damaged, rusty, parts missing, broken windows etc...

@Nick B. [US] Great to hear someone was waiting for this one. Took me a long time on just the nose.

Before anyone asks, yes, the NS OCS passenger car is coming, just not right away. This one took me longer than usual so I am going to take a break for a little bit before I release anymore new big skins like this one.

Been waiting for this for a while, awesome!