RAIL USA [Quenched]

[mibi]

Hm, I think I may agree with Mibi...scary.


--Andy

Well this change has been taking place since paage 10. I tis a little late to come in and say it is a bad idea.

WM

WM...I agree. I have had this situation happen before.
It is unfortunate, but in this case you are the artist and I beleive you have the final say, don't you?

I think you should keep the station board layout, but lose the pixel font. It really doesnt fit with the transcontinental train theme and espically not with the art deco font you have for the title. perhaps you could keep the layout and just date the whole thing. like maybe use some wood textures. keep it dark and get those lighting effects on it. oh and bring back the old background. i simply can't play this having taken the metro around DC for years.

[cairnswk]

I think you should keep the station board layout, but lose the pixel font. It really doesnt fit with the transcontinental train theme and espically not with the art deco font you have for the title. perhaps you could keep the layout and just date the whole thing. like maybe use some wood textures. keep it dark and get those lighting effects on it. oh and bring back the old background. i simply can't play this having taken the metro around DC for years.

mibi....i know someone who is going to be politely pissed!

[KEYOGI]

The map is fine as it is, WidowMakers has done a beautiful job. Plenty of people prefer the new look over the old. If you can't get over the background image and legend mibi, that's your own problem. Nobody is forcing you to play a map you don't like.

[Coleman]

I'd also like to say I have no problem with this, which conflicts with mibi a bit.

But since Keyogi kind of just conflicted with Andy the same way I don't feel bad.

[mibi]

The map is fine as it is, WidowMakers has done a beautiful job. Plenty of people prefer the new look over the old. If you can't get over the background image and legend mibi, that's your own problem. Nobody is forcing you to play a map you don't like.

yeah, i guess it works for everyone who doesn't know the background image is of an urban subway station.

[Coleman]

Well to be fair, he did kind of go with public transit trains and routes. I work with Union Pacific and they don't really follow our lines.

[casper]

Well I haven't posted in here in a while. Happy to see you implemented my idea for a schedule board. It looks awesome! Don't let anyone tell you different. As far as the background goes I think it's okay but could be better. Is it too late to change? It would be cool to see an image of an actual classic train in the background, even if it is partially covered up by the map. Something like these if high enough resolution images can be found....





Found here: http://www.railsusa.com/trainposters/index-1.html

[d.gishman]

Nah, the background is fine, it's just extra work to change it just to find that some people dislike the new background, and it's a cycle. I dont see anything that is visually wrong with the background

[cairnswk]

Whe I first started this project, I was considering this image for the background.

[WidowMakers]

It really does not matter to me if I change the background. If the community thinks that is best then OK. The issue with trying to find an image idea that works is the problem.

The small map and legend take up a large portion of the map. It would be almost impossible to use one of those backgrounds and be able to tell what it is.

I really like the legend the way it is now so if anyone can point me in the direction of a picture that could work in the space provided and still allow this legend Please show me. I will be looking as well.

[cairnswk]

I really like the legend the way it is now so if anyone can point me in the direction of a picture that could work in the space provided and still allow this legend Please show me. I will be looking as well.

I like the legend also WM....also the Art Deco title.
It would be good to find an Art Deco piece for the background if it is to be changed.....only my two cents worth.

[WidowMakers]

I agree. That is what I am going to try and do. The issue is the lack of actual dead space on the map. Most background pics are all covered up.

[cairnswk]

Found this one WM....might be something there.

http://www.trainartisan.com/taAmerican_Classics.htm

[cairnswk]

Can you do anything with this one WM...
http://thingskc.com/uploaded_images/38_1_b-743261.jpg

[edbeard]

train blog you can find pictures in there if you don't mind clicking around a bit

got this from there. not exactly what you're looking for but if you have time maybe dig around that site a bit


edit: almost forgot. this one is way better. click

[WidowMakers]

how is this. Version 20

A rail yard. Even though most of the picture is hidden, you can still tell it is a train yard

[cairnswk]

WM...i like your thinking on this, one would think and possibly it can be a great idea....but I feel there are too many lines in the rail yard conflicting with the map lines, i.e. running up adn down as opposed to the horizontal lines on the map....it becomes very confusing. Sorry, but the idea is great. Perhaps can you darken the image and blur it so the up down lines are no so prominent.

[mibi]

uh yeah, the first picture with the train was byfar the best. I'm not too sure why it was changed anyways. At least it worked with the map instead of just behind it.

[cairnswk]

uh yeah, the first picture with the train was byfar the best. I'm not too sure why it was changed anyways. At least it worked with the map instead of just behind it.

sorry mibi...but which first pic are you referring to...
my very first concept pic at the start of this thread, or the dark night pic that WM placed with mountains and the moonlight?

[KEYOGI]

The new background is too busy in my opinion. If it has to be changed, I think something more soft or serene like the last two images fits better.

[WidowMakers]

uh yeah, the first picture with the train was byfar the best. I'm not too sure why it was changed anyways. At least it worked with the map instead of just behind it.

The old legend was deemed bad. {Made new legend}

Now the old background was deemed bad with the new legend. {find new background}

Now the old background does not fit with the new legend! {MUST FIND NEW BACKGROUND}

[KEYOGI]

I'm sure I don't need to tell you guys, but keep copyright in mind ok. Make sure any image you use in the background is free to be used and manipulated.

[cairnswk]

uh yeah, the first picture with the train was byfar the best. I'm not too sure why it was changed anyways. At least it worked with the map instead of just behind it.

The old legend was deemed bad. {Made new legend}

Now the old background was deemed bad with the new legend. {find new background}

Now the old background does not fit with the new legend! {MUST FIND NEW BACKGROUND}

WM...I am going to throw something in the mix that everyone will probably say - "God he's bonkers" at, but here goes....
the planetary ruler of all thing beautiful (in astrologolical terms) - Venus - is currently having a little rest (retrograding) and this will affect all maps for some weeks....just thought you might like something to look forward to.

[mibi]

uh yeah, the first picture with the train was byfar the best. I'm not too sure why it was changed anyways. At least it worked with the map instead of just behind it.

The old legend was deemed bad. {Made new legend}

Now the old background was deemed bad with the new legend. {find new background}

Now the old background does not fit with the new legend! {MUST FIND NEW BACKGROUND}

i think the old bg will work with the new legend if you switch up the font. who ever suggested to use a pixel font does not have a firm grasp on the spirit of this map. it was a bad call.

[casper]

pixels are so unrealistic...