Here's something out of the blue, a brand new official map in the form of a small self layout set in the downtown industries of Miami!
I started working on this on the weekend just for fun, but i was so happy with it that i decided to make some new train liveries to go with it and include it in the game as an official layout.
It's only a small shelf layout, but the density of detail makes the most of such a small place. The layout is full of graffiti, references and little details that were a ton of fun to make.
Even though it's not from the same location, i couldn't resist the opportunity to add my favorite livery of all time: the Rock Island blue (aka "The Rock" or "Bankruptcy Blue"). This livery just fitted in really well with the urban-industry scenery theme and I'm sure people will be happy to see it!
This map is completely free (of course) and everyone can access it!
To play this map, simply find it in the "new game" options on the main menu:
(Just like with maps like Puzzling World and the Santa Fe)
Keep in mind this is just a small shelf layout, not very large at all. But the goal for this layout was to densely pack details more than any other map I've made, and I'm so happy with how it turned out!
In fact this layout is actually heavily inspired by a real-work model railway built by Lance Mindheim based on a Miami downtown spur. I remember seeing this layout in Model Railroader magazines years ago and i've always loved the sun-bleached soil and graffiti-covered industry it depicts, so it was a hell of a lot of fun finally making something like it in Rolling Line!
Here is the real-world layout I'm talking about:
A combination of Lance Mindheim's "Miami Downtown Spur" and his earlier small shelf layout with the same theme.
But that's not all!
this update also adds some rust decals which were insanely useful for detailing the rusty industrial buildings for this layout.
Modding update
The real major update that's in the works is modding, and bringing mods to the Steam workshop!
I'm currently working on a huge overhaul of the "QuickMods" system which allows you to set up and edit mods in-game, using and in-game UI and even a preview model that updates as you make changes.
These new mods will be shared and download using the Steam workshop too, so both creating and sharing mods will be 100x easier.
First off, im going to be releasing prop modding.
With prop modding you can import your own 3D models to add custom props to the game and use them as much as you want in your own maps!
Then after prop modding, I'll be releasing a full modding system for trains, which will have many more features to make use of (like custom headlights, smoke effects, even sounds).
This new modding system is a massive job, and It's going to take a while (and multiple updates) to complete it all, but this may very well be the most influential update in Rolling Lines history!
Once prop & train modding is released (and all handled through the steam workshop) there will be more props & trains available to use than i could ever make single-handed.
In fact many people have already started making mods in preparation, and it's looking excellent:
This modding update (well, multiple updates) are going to be in development for a while, at least throughout the next month. It's very likely though that the next Rolling Line update is going to be the first release of prop modding!
More advanced prop modding features, and train modding, will be coming afterwards.
So there's some pretty major stuff to look forward to!
Modding is currently in the testing phase, but you can try out making basic props if you choose to. I recommend that you dont get too attached to your creations as the modding format may still change in the coming weeks and props made during the testing stage may not still work on release. But none the less, you can still try out the system early if you want.
Here is an incredibly helpful guide made by Coconut_pie that describes how to access the mod testing features:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2139292988
Aside from the new layout, here are a few other features included in this update:
- Added the CSX and Rock Island liveries for the U20C model
- Added a new drawer "diesel 2" for all the U20C variants
- Added new drawer of rust decals
- Menu buttons no longer cast shadows (so the sun angle can no longer cause the menu to cast shadows on your layout)
- the drawer name list popup uses multiple pages now (previously this was only for custom drawers)
Also, the Steam workshop also now has categories for all of the competitions/jams done in the past, so now you can browse the entries for all the other comps:
I hope you enjoy the new layout!
And keep an eye out for future updates around modding, its going to be HUGE!