Hiya! Time for another quick update! The Class 442 is coming along in leaps and bounds at the moment with an increasing amount of detail now being added. I have to say, the more time I spend working on this unit, the more I realise just how incredibly important textures are in the world of msts - they really can make or break a great model given the limitations of the aging graphical engine.

The unit really is beginning to look more and more vivid with every detail added, and I honestly can't wait to get it uploaded onto uktrainsim.com! I'm sure it'll look at home gallivanting along the fantastic Dorset Coast route.

I'll post some more screenshots later this evening - but just to quickly throw a few websites out there, one of the most useful and interesting reference sites I've been using over the past few weeks has been http://www.class442.co.uk/. Not only is it an excellent nucleus of information, but this website is the start of a journey during which you'll click through link after link and reveal a whole host of interesting bits of info about the history of the good old Wessies. There are some great links to online photo galleries as well. Also, have quick glance at http://www.hentis-rail.co.uk/, a superb photographic resource that specialises in a huge variety of traction. Of particular note are the sections dedicated to the 442's. Very useful indeed.

Anyways, I'll keep you posted as things develop! Stay tuned. :D

From Concept to Reality

An excellent photograph of one of the early conceptual renditions of the Class 442, which really gives a create sense of form, particularly around the frontal region. Given the robust MK3 base, the design was slightly limited in terms of scope, but ultimately, ended up being both flexible and functional, as well as having a some understated stylistic design choices that echoed the attractive red/white.blue striped NSE livery being used at the time.

An excellent image of the NSE Class 442 looking its absolute best. © 2008 Mr G White - All rights reserved. (http://www.class442gallery.fotopic.net)

Here's a fantastic video compilation taken from youtube - a great source of inspiration as well as a rather handy piece of reference material to make use of.

Hi again! Here are a couple of screenshots that show some progression, mainly in terms of accuracy and alignment etc. Things are really progressing now, and I'm having such a huge amount of fun with this train in MSTS even at this early stage! The unit has a certain elegance to it, which is unusual given its rather robust, blocky composition. Much of this has to do with the gorgeous NSE livery, which in my opinion suits this unit down to the ground.
Anyway, things are certainly coming along, and there are still many areas I have yet to work on.

I'll keep you posted as things develop, so stay tuned. :)

Here's an updated look at the Class 442 with a few minor details added to the front region of the unit. The top of the train is in need of a slight re-alignment, and there are a few other tiny aspects that need going over - but apart from that, the basics are pretty much in place. Now for the detailing! :D

Update - Class 442 NSE

Hi there guys! Here's the first screenshot of the Class 442 NSE 'Reworked' edition for Microsoft's Train Simulator.

The texture configurations and sheer resolutions being dealt with here make this project quite a bit more demanding than my previous creations in that this re-texture involves a heightened degree of precision and attention to detail. I'm investing a lot of time into getting things to look absolutely perfect - and what this will hopefully result in is something that not only looks great from a distance, but will be just as exciting when you zoom in.

Watch this space for more developments!