One thing I’ve always wanted, but have never been able to have, is a rail system just as widespread and heavy as the American system, but with a wider gauge. Russian railways employ a gauge of about five feet instead of the standard 4 feet, 8.5 inches; India can run double-stacked containers on flatcars on their 5 foot 6 inch – gauge track. But neither of these I find to be quite right. While Indian practice is interesting, I felt their gauge to be just slightly too wide, while Russia’s doesn’t go far enough. So I’ve adopted the Irish gauge of 5 feet and 3 inches, and I’ve just made some track to that gauge in Blender. Once I texture these rails, Dertinia will finally have the track she deserves.

Looking down the rails:

On the shining trails of tomorrow.

If there’s one thing I cannot get enough of, it’s hard-working diesels slogging their way up exotic, mountainous terrain. And China’s got plenty of it. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find videos of Chinese trains–unless you know where to look. And this video is one of those places.

The video below showcases one of China’s most well-known lines, the Jitong line–which you may notice is the same line I’m recreating in my Evolution of a Route series. Yeah, this video is a big reason why.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy “The loops above Reshui…”

(Video not taken by me. All rights belong to the creator of the video.)

Early mornings in Sondia are renowned for their beauty, and this day is no exception. Here on the banks of the Yatazha, we sat for almost an hour listening to the world awake.

Then Pacific Southwestern train S-MDLT14 broke through the mist, and our cameras snapped as it clomped across the bridge.

One of our photographers gained access to a farm just across the river, and took this gorgeous shot of the train through the trees.