Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Samples of struktur technique

As I showed, you can make SOMETHING which is not included in any VRM package as a parts, by placing your own Struktur on a proper slope. After Shioji introduced to Japanese VRM users this technique, they brought out various sample on their website. Today I show you some of them.

Tokyo Tower by Shinden

Tokyo Tower is well known tower as a landmark in Tokyo; the capital of Japan. Vist the official website in English if you would like to know more about it.
Above sample screenshot was produced by Shinden(his screen name). He shows more samples on his website.

Amarube bridge by ghost

Above sample was built by ghost. You can also watch the VRMovie.
If you would like to know more about Amarube iron bridge, I recommend you to visit hotel Kawatoya website in English.

Cows by Shioji

Above screenshot comes from Shioji's work. This layout titled "Tsuruga;" a city name in Hokuriku District, won the VRM layout contest 2005.

Re460 by moko

Above screenshot is just a joke by moko. :-)

Monday, August 28, 2006

Tips: Sheep, sheep, sheep

Peopleless, inanimate layouts just give us the creeps a little bit. However, there is no miniature doll nor animal parts in Bahnsim PRO. What can we do!?

The answer is easy. Make it by yourself.

Watch the following screenshot. You can see two sheep over there. It is really output of BSP viewer, not processed with any graphic editor.


I wonder you are strongly interested in how to do it.

At first I prepared the following picture as "Boden struktur." You see two sheep in it, don't you?
The important point is background color of sheep; black. A pixel given a value R,G,B=0,0,0 will be optically-transparent on the viewer.


When you place the sheep struktur on a proper slope, you will see the following scene.


Umm... that looks bad!
Well, remove the struktur around sheep by "Bohrer" tool.


Ouch, the sheep are wafting!! Well, put "Baum" to hide their feet, and you will see the first picture of this article.

This technique was introduced to Japanese VRM users by Shioji, the author of "Alaska colliery railway." Thanks to his great and unique imagination!!



By the way, I will soon release my latest work with these sheep. Please love my sheep on your Bahnsim PRO.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Keimei's SF Jupiter layout

Today I introduce to you the most unique layout in the history of VRM3 user community. The author is Keimei(his screen name). He is well-known as one of experts among Japanese VRM users. Click here, you can jump into his wesite, written in Japanese.


The layout is named "Jupitar;" the largest planet in the solar system. Keimei drew a space station on a satellite of Jupitar in the far distant future with VRM3. Watch the background. You can see Great Red Spot up in the sky. I wonder it brings the movie "2001 -- A Space Odyssey" on your mind. I can say that he demonstrated unlimited potential of VRM3 with his work.


His original layout was built with many variations of the parts included in VRM3 0-6th packages. Click here, you can get a ZIP archive including the layout file which was rebuilt as a package limited one by ghost.

Keimei's original Jupiter layout

Thursday, August 24, 2006

I.MAGiC announced "Talent 644"

On 23 August, I.MAGiC announced that they will soon release "Talent 644" as a new product of EuroExpress series. The release date nor price has not been informed.



I learned of it in the mail magazine; "I.MAGiC VRM News." Click here, and you can see all of back issues. Of course they are written in Japanese.

In the same letter, they wrote about Bahnsim PRO. I translate for your convenience as follows.

Overseas edition FAQ

We received some inquiry as to our overseas edition. So I write about that.
Generally speaking, an overseas edition is made a sale by an import agent who got the exclusive marketing rights from the developer after translation by the agent. It is the same in the case of import to Japan. About the contents of the game software, generally there is no difference between original one and overseas edition.
However, theme "railway" has strong regional characteristics. So we added European rolling stock and buildings to master ROM of VRM. (They are produced as EuroExpress series in Japan.)

We can not answer about the release date nor the contents of the overseas edition because they are within the scope of business services of the import agent. Please inquire of the agent for the overseas edition.

As above, we can not talk a lot about the overseas edition. But you can find a hint in the list of our EuroExpress series. The rolling stocks in the list are built for the overseas edition. They are included in the master ROM of the overseas edition. You(readers in Japan) can get all of data for the overseas edition if you make up the complete number of our EuroExpress series.

I.MAGIC VRM News Vol.56
translated by ghost
I don't know what they mean via this statement. You can see "the list of our EuroExpress" here.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Mayukichi, the regional conqueror of Kyushu

Who releases the most VRM layout on the Internet?
Everyone understands that he does.

His name is Mayukichi(his screen name). Click here, and you can jump into his website, written in Japanese.

Mayukichi has released more than 380 VRM layout files on his website since VRM2. Most of them are based on existent railways in Kyushu; the third largest island in Japan. The number of stations he introduced in his work is already more than 700!

Mayukichi Kingdom

On Hatena map, I have registered clips at the places where he builds as VRM layout. See the above picture; a map of Kyushu. Click it, and you will see larger image. You see a lot of white clips all over Kyushu. They are VRM layouts by him!! When you follow the white clips, you know where the railway track goes through.

We Japanese VRM users call Kyushu "Mayukichi Kingdom" with due respect to him. His invasion has already started on the western edge of Honshu; the largest island in Japan. I mean he never stops!!

Over to you. Who conquer Germany or Switzerland, with the force of BSP?

Monday, August 21, 2006

Index of Japanese rolling stock in Bahnsim PRO

Bahnsim PRO includes several Japanese rolling stock. I wonder European users are unfamiliar with them, as same as we Japanese are not so hot on DB cars. Well, I'm writing about them one-by-one. You can see some photos of the prototype cars. They are voluntary contributions by Japanese VRM users.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Series 0; the original Shinkansen

Shinkansen; the bullet train is also well-known in Europe, I believe. It was born in 1964, and opened a new chapter of the high-speed train history. TGV nor ICE might not be developed if Shinkansen had not existed.

Series 0 is the first-generation of Sinkansen. It had been produced for 22 years till 1986. So there are several variations. Bahnsim PRO includes the first model of series 0. It is often called "big window cars" among Japanese railfans. Why? Of course, because series 0 with "small window" was born later in the interest of saving time to repair broken windows. "Small window cars;" series 0-2000 is included in VRM3-2nd package. You can see screenshots of them at CHO's catalog.

Series 0 exhibited in Oume rail park
photo by moko

About series 0, I have nothing else to talk. You had better visit wikipedia if you would like to know more. Well, let me explain why BSP includes both 1/160(N scale) and 1/150 model.

Excluding Shinkansen, most of major lines in Japan are narrow-gauged; 1,067mm. We face the problem as trying to model after non-standard-gauged trains. I mean discrepancy between the standard scale and narrow-gauge.

I know they go on the other model track from the international standard for narrow-gauge in Switzerland; such as H0m(12mm, 1/87). The founders of modellbahn in Japan followed a different path from them. They put 1/80 model on standard H0 track(16.5mm) for narrow-gauge. In the same way, 1/150 model is put on N track(9mm). That means Swiss people adopted uni-scale and multi-gauge but Japanese people did multi-scale and uni-gauge.

Series 0 on Bahnsim PRO

How about Shinkansen? It runs on standard gauge(1,435mm). Thus it is modeled on a scale 1/160 for N track. VRM/BSP follows that because VRM is compliant with JAPANESE N gauge specification. As the result, Shinkansen looks too small when we compare it with the narrow-gauged trains modeled on scale 1/150. So I.MAGiC decided to enclose 1/150 model of Shinkansen in the same package. That is like putting the cart before the horse. But most of VRM users seem to have little complaint about that. Because we Japanese are generally unconcerned about discrepancy between scale and gauge of modellbahn.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

45-50s' layout; Welcome to Japan, IC

He did again! 45-50s released his latest work, titled "Welcome to Japan, IC", for European Bahnsim PRO users.


It has a double track, and a dog bone track as the back ground. The double track; main endless loop twists and intersects with itself at the arch bridge. He hides the twist by his skillful creation of lands. That gives us an illusion of a false sense of acreage, but in fact the layout is not so large.


We are often seduced to build a huge layout. However, that sometimes falls by the wayside. Both BSP and your PC have the power with a limitation. Besides, building VRM/BSP huge layout takes much concentration. You don't have to try too hard especially if you are a beginner. You should compensate for the lack of
the power by the experience and wisdom of elders. 45-50s' work shows the point to learn; possibility to portray unlimited scenery in limited space.

Click here, and you can get the ZIP archive including the layout file.
You see BR-101 in the screenshots, but it is released only in Japanese market as EuroExpress series. BR-145 trains IC instead of BR-101 on your BSP environment.

Monday, August 14, 2006

VRM world conquest project

What kinds of layout do you construct with VRM/BSP? One of the ways to enjoy VRM/BSP is to recapture real route and landscape.

For example, I visited Oberwesel am Rhein in Germany this spring. My self-portrait in the profile of this weblog was taken there at that time. Oberwesel scenery cast a spell upon me. So I produced a VRMovie titled "Oberwesel" soon after coming back to Japan.

Not a few Japanese users enjoy VRM in the same way as I do. The triggers are not only trips but also photos in magazines, reports on TV, etc... Well, how many VRM layouts have they made base on real scenery? You can see them on Google map!!

Click here, and you can jump into Hatena map; one of the mapping web services based on Google map API.

We started to place clips with URI to lead them to VRM movies and screenshots based on real landscape since March 2006. Now we have already multiplicity of clips there. My latest VRMovie titled "Triangle" was also clipped. Click here, you can jump to the place as the following screenshot. You will see a small icon. Click it, and it will pop out. I wonder you can not read the title there because it is described in Japanese. Anyhow, click the letters on the top. You can jump to the contents with VRMovies or screenshots.


Hatena map shows the latest twenty clips in range indicated. So you have to come close to the ground in order to seek more clips. For example, here is URL to lead you above Tokyo. Control the slide bar on the left side. You can see much more clips there as coming close.


I named this project "VRM world conquest project" because our goal is to fill the earth with our VRM layout. Of course, we have already made a start to conquer Europe. Click here, you can see several clips straggling on Europe continent.

Why don't you join us? Hatena is Japanese domestic service, so I wonder you can not register by yourself. I can clip your BSP layout on the proper place instead of you. Just tell me as soon as you make such a layout.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Series 251; JR East resort express

Standardization all over Japan had ever been basic policy of JNR; Japan National Railways. For example, we saw series 485 from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. After JR started, the rolling stock specialized in each of region became mainstream. As the result, unified formal beauty had gone and individual showiness became marked.

Series 251 is one of the beginning of regional specified cars. Its stage is the line between Tokyo and Izu; popular resort well-known for spa and bathing in the sea. Each of cars is high-decker or double-decker in order to let the passengers enjoy fine coast view. The lead coach has several tiered seats above the cab. I hear that it is difficult to get the reserved ticket of them in high season.

Series 251, photo by moko

As I often say, JR limited express has each own nickname. In the case of series 251, it is "Odoriko (means a dancer)." It was named for title of the novel; "Izu no Odoriko" or "The Izu dancer," written by Yasunari Kawabata who won the Nobel Prize in literature. The name is so famous that any passengers can associate it with the destination; Izu. Before series 251 was put into the service, Odoriko had its own train mark with a illustration of the dancer as follows. It is now not in use.

Sereis 183 Odoriko mark, generated with VRM4

Bahnsim PRO includes the first model of series 251. JR East repaired and upgraded them in 2002. Now they are painted two-tone color; emerald green and ivory white.

Series 251 on Bahnsim PRO

Friday, August 11, 2006

Okinotorishima's layout; "Kiso valley"

Every year, I.MAGiC hosts VRM layout contest. Yesterday evening, I recieved an e-mail from one of the winners in last year. There I found his new package limited layout for BSP users attached!

His name is Okinotorishima(his screen name). He does not have his own website. Instead of him, I distribute his latest work titled "Kiso Valley" with a pleasure.


Kiso is a geographical name at the center of Japan. Do you remember that I wrote about Japanese pendulum car? Kiso is known as the first place where series 381; the first pendulum electric car in the world, was put into service.

Click here, and you can get a ZIP archive including his layout. According to his e-mail, the reason why he made it is because it is too hot this summer in Japan. With your Bahnsim PRO, see for yourself what he meant.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Kotetsu's Muri-Yari Structure

I often show you the parts combination technique by my layout; for example, the turntable in my latest work. This technique has a long history. I am just one of the mimics but not the founder.

Among Japanese VRM users, this technique is called "Muri-Yari Structure." "Muri-Yari" means aggressively or forcibly in Japanese. It comes from that a user forcibly builds prepared parts up to the structure not included in any package .

Today, I introduce you the godfather of this technique. His name is Kotetsu(his screen name). Click here, and you can jump into his website. Unfortunately he has already retired from VRM user community in Japan. So his website has not been updated for a long time. But you can see several contents left behind there. Not a few VRM users are still under the strong influence of his heritage, as I am.

I lead you to some of screenshots he showed as the samples of this idea, as follows.

These samples were made with VRM version 2. However, nothing fundamental has yet changed in VRM3 or later. What I showed you via my BSP layout is just an extension of his work. Here I express my deepest respect and gratitude for the great founder; Kotetsu.

I beg a favor of you; Bahnsim PRO users in Europe. Please try to make your own Muri-Yari Structure with your Bahnsim PRO. And show us what you can build. I'm sure that you have quite different sense from us based on difference between your culture and ours. We will have a great pleasure when we see what we have never seen.

Monday, August 07, 2006

I.MAGiC Limited express collector's edition 2

On 7th August, I.MAGiC announced that they would release a new VRM3 package titled "Limited express collector's edition 2" on 8th September 2006.

They have already released a VRM3 popular edition titled "Limited express collector's edition 1" which includes cars and parts of VRM3 0th-3rd packages. The new one is the subsequence of it, and it includes cars and parts of VRM3 4th-7th package. The price has not been expressed clearly. I guess it will be the same as LECE1; 13,000 yen or about 90 euro. Unfortunately European Bahnsim PRO users does not have the way to get them because I.MAGiC prohibit any export of their direct products.

Let's say you get them with non-proper way, and they will be gone to pot. Each of parts does not have its own name in German. That means you have no way to distinguish the parts on BSP layouter. How nonsense!

I feel very sorry that bhv software shows little response about this matter; when the next BSP package with much more cars and parts is available. However, an old man says "haste makes waste." I see how things go for a while.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

ghost's Drehscheibe layout

My newest work; "Drehscheibe" have a turntable as the title shows.

Turntable? Where is it in the parts window of Bahnsim PRO?
The answer is "No." It should be built up with several parts, departing from their own original usage.


Look at the above picture. There is BR145 on the turntable.
The main body is "Balkenbrücke 192mm" in fact. The circular frame around it is constructed with the top of twelve "Querträger 50mm" buried into the ground. Its cab is just "Maintenance Office."

Four "ÜberfhgSchild 128-132mm B" are placed as the base floor. Their atlititude is -4mm. They should be hidden by the ground texture if we leave them as they are. Well, use "Bohrer" tool for clearing away the texture on them. It is principally a tool for treating a tunnel. In this case, I employ the same technique on level surface.


Four trains are automatically running when the viewer is launched. Key [1]-[4] are assigned for switching each of trains. The above picture shows an Inter City. Bahnsim PRO does not include IC coach (in Japan, it is already released as EuroExpress series). I use the intermediate cars of Kiha 283 in place of IC coach.

On the right side of the layout, there is a cubic interchange. You can not drive into the overpass with any train because it is just dummy course. But I'm proud that it imitates a typical railway junction in Europe very well.


Click here, and you can get the ZIP archive including the layout file. Enjoy it with your Bahnsim PRO. Even if you do not have BSP, you can enjoy the movie here.
In the movie, you see BR101 with IC coach is running. It was import from EuroExpress series. Unfortunately, you can not drive it on your desktop yet. Pray for the next package of BSP.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Series Kiha 283; JR Hokkaido pendulum diesel car

Speaking of Japanese railway, I wonder you conjure the image of electric cars such as shinkansen. However, the electrification rate of JR is not so high especially in Hokkaido and Shikoku; two large islands in Japan. There we can see a lot of high-speed diesel cars of limited express. Series Kiha 283 is one of the culminations. For your information, "Kiha" is jargon that means diesel car or DMU.

It is worthy of special mention that Kiha 283 is pendulum car with controlable tilting system. There are a lot of sharp curves even on main lines because we have many mountains and valleys in Japan. Pendulum car is one of the best way for speeding up for us.
Therefore, we put it to practical use the first in the world as series 381 EC in 1973. It contributed to improve time distance in electrificated lines.
It had been very difficult that they implement pendulum into diesel cars because of technological reason. Necessity always is the mother of invention. In 1989, JR Shikoku made it into reality at last as series 2000. It was also the first pedulum diesel car in the world. Series Kiha 283 can be said to be direct descendant of it.

Series Kiha 283, photo by toukaidou211

Regrettably, VRM viewer does not show the action of the tilting system.
By the way, I'm sure that you know the name of KATO; one of the most famous modellbahn maker in Japan. It is also known as HOBBYTRAIN brand in Europe. KATO released N gauge model of series Kiha 283 in 2004. It has tilting action just like the real car.

Series Kiha 283 on Bahnsim PRO

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Index for your convenience

Here are classified links to still valuable articles in the archive.

Downloadable layout files

I.MAGiC trends

Introductions of VRM users in Japan

Tips

Misc