Requesting Critique.

[Dudoronron]

After several failed attempts at getting into making GRFs, I finally made something I'm moderately pleased with, although am nowhere near to being on par with the good GRF makers.

Any critique/tips are much appreciated.

EDIT #1: Added Black on the \ and / Rear Views.

EDIT #2: Attempted to code a GRF. Failed, but it sort of works. It just has the same particulars as the train it replaced.

EDIT #3: Company Colours, better shading on the roof, all angles are consistent with light source.

EDIT #4: 2CC now hopefully available. I tested this in-game. It doesn't work, yet the 2CC green has identical shades to the ones found in the 2CC set. I have no idea why it doesn't work in-game, probably something to do with code.

EDIT #5: Better roof shading, dark Company Colour on the roof, added coach design, plus passenger walkways between the carriages, as well as doors. (uncoded)

[Benny]

-Deleted-

Blaah, nothing wrong with it, it was only my browser...


It's looking really nice! I can't wait to have it in a grf!

[Niek]

It looks a bit too big to me, but then, I'm far from a grf-expert.

[Purno]

Dude, that looks pretty cool! No worries.

You forgot the Virgin logo and the doors though.

[Pingaware]

It looks a bit smooth, but that's my only complaint. It's an excellent start.

[Dudoronron]

Well the train in the photo doesn't look rough. I don't quite follow how you mean it's 'too smooth'.

@ Purno: I didn't bother putting on the logo because, in my opinion, it would be better to leave out all markings that show it belongs to any company, so it fits into the game better.

I also had a foray into the world of coding. It's bloody hard, and I gained a whole new level of appreciation for the whole world of GRF making.

I managed to get the train showing in the game, but couldn't figure out how to change the name/speed/cargo and capacity, and make it so it's electric rather than diesel. I don't ask for anyone to waste time doing this for me, as this is just my first attempt of GRF making and will probably need many more before it becomes quasi-codeworthy.

Thanks for the feedback so far though.

[JacobD88]

My only recommendation is to make the GRF use company colours rather than fixing to the virgin red, this way it can be blended in with other sets...

Also i would recommend you look at the UKRS set as this has sprites to represent all the Class 220/221/222 ("voyager"/"meridian") engines and the "Pendolino" These may be useful to look at when creating your version of the engine

Love the version you've made too it's nice to see how artistic interpretation of the same engine can change the outcome so massively, but still be accurate... Your version seems to match the (e)GRVTS style better than UKRS does too

[Dudoronron]

I changed the red to a company colour like you suggested. While I was at it, I made the shading on the roof better. I'll check out the UKRS as well, I'd like to see how another artist has done it, and I may find some valuable tips in doing so.

[JacobD88]

I changed the red to a company colour like you suggested. While I was at it, I made the shading on the roof better. I'll check out the UKRS as well, I'd like to see how another artist has done it, and I may find some valuable tips in doing so.

Yep, looks much better and company colours are a big plus

As to UKRS, the engines appear in 2002, so you can download and cheat to 2003 by which time they will be available for definite in-game, and see what they look like, or try looking at PikkaBirds wiki or "pikka-rail" over at http://www.pikkarail.com/ttdp/ukrs/vehicles.htm#voyager / http://www.pikkarail.com/ttdp/ukrs/vehicles.htm#pendo

The pictures for the whole UKRS (minus the add-on though by the looks of it) vehicle set can be found here

http://www.pikkarail.com/ttdp/ukrs/vehicles.htm

[DJ Nekkid]

make the yellow 2cc green, and i'll add it to the 2cc set?

[Purno]

make the yellow 2cc green, and i'll add it to the 2cc set?

Not without the coaches, I assume?

[DJ Nekkid]

u assume correct

[Dudoronron]

Okay, I'll set to work on making 2CC trains and carriages. Is it okay if I do the white rather than the yellow? I think it looks better with the yellow on. Also it'd be appreciated if someone could teach me how to code vehicles. The tutorial I read to make the basic GRF isn't so clear to me on the more advanced points.

I think it's Action 0 I need to edit for cargo et cetera, but I don't know how to format it. I'd also like to learn how to make a livery override/make the train like a monorail (where it has a set number of carriages, and can't have any others added), and how to specify speed/train type (electric, diesel etc)/capacity/other important things.

[Purno]

Okay, I'll set to work on making 2CC trains and carriages. Is it okay if I do the white rather than the yellow? I think it looks better with the yellow on.

That differs from the 2ccSet defaults/guidelines, so, if you want your train included, I prefer if you'd replace the yellow.

[Dave]

*COUGH*bring it over to the BR Set Forum or even the BR Set Thread*COUGH*

Although we'd ask that you have it in the original colours if you were to do so.

A nice effort though. I'll point Gavin Dowland your way and he'll give you some advice. He's one of the best pixel artists for the British stuff.

[Dave]

*COUGH*bring it over to the BR Set Forum or even the BR Set Thread*COUGH*

Although we'd ask that you have it in the original colours if you were to do so.

A nice effort though. I'll point Gavin Dowland your way and he'll give you some advice. He's one of the best pixel artists for the British stuff.

Incidentally, is that shot taken at Rickerscote Loop?

[Dudoronron]

Can it be used in 2 sets or when it's used in one, does it them become the legal property of that owner?

And I don't know, I just googled for images of the Pendolino. I travel the Lancashire route in them a fair amount, and personally I think they are really nice trains, inside and out.

And thanks for (hopefully) getting him to help me with my pixelling. I'm not a bad pixeller, but I'm really not used to working with such a limited space and a set pallate.

[PikkaBird]

Can it be used in 2 sets or when it's used in one, does it them become the legal property of that owner?

They're your graphics. Unless you sign a contract to the contrary, you can do whatever you like with them.

[Dudoronron]

Ah. I wasn't sure what kind of licence the Kits used. Thanks for the clarification.

[Dave]

Can it be used in 2 sets or when it's used in one, does it them become the legal property of that owner?

They're your graphics. Unless you sign a contract to the contrary, you can do whatever you like with them.

All BRSet artists are forced to sign a contract saying that they will be murdered if they dare breathe a word of the set leader's sordid affair with a certain wheelchaired member of the community.

But we're not bothered how often you use your graphics.