Welcome to New Map Updates With The RWC Crew! In this monthly update, we're excited to showcase the extraordinary progress we've made in both our architectural endeavors and behind-the-scenes development. We will be unveiling the latest buildings and structures that have taken shape within our new map. Moreover, we'll introduce to you new and useful commands designed to enhance your gameplay and immerse you even deeper into the world of RailwayCraft. Join us as we unveil the magic behind our ever-evolving server. Before getting too far ahead of ourselves it is important to note that although we are showing some of our progress on the new map, we are nowhere near close to being ready; we are still waiting on a stable version of the Traincraft Rewrite to be released. During the writing of this dev blog, the former lead developer of TC announced his departure — if you would like more information on this, check the Traincraft discord (click here to join). Although his departure came as a shock to us all, it does not change any of our plans at this point in time. Which leads us into the most important part of this notice: because our main holdup is the most integral part of our server, we have decided to utilize the mod Immersive Railroading as a placeholder. Do note that IR will not make an appearance at the release of this map and we are still sticking with our tried and true Traincraft. Now that we got the bad news out of the way, the good news is we are excited to announce the addition of Immersive Engineering to the new map. Immersive Engineering offers a multitude of elaborate machinery to enhance not only your productivity, but the looks of your factories and companies alike. We look forward to all of the builds you will create when the map comes. This is the first of many announcements to come, so be sure to stay up-to-date on our latest news and devblogs. |
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Now that the preliminary messages are out of the way, we can move on to the meat of this month’s devblog; it will focus on two builds, Lanac Bridge and the Spawn Observatory Campus, and a brand new and completely custom warp system. Without further adieu, let us take a look at this month's subjects! |
Lanac bridge |
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of RailwayCraft, the awe-inspiring Lanac Bridge, based on the Arthur Kill lift bridge in Elizabeth, New Jersey, stands tall as a marvel of engineering and ingenuity. This magnificent blue bridge serves as a crucial link on the server's mainline. Spanning across the similarly named Lanac Canal, Lanac Bridge boasts an enchanting design that is sure to leave you awestruck! Taking workers several months to construct — meticulously maneuvering heavy beams while avoiding the watery grave that awaits should they misstep — the bridge's elegant arch and intricate steel lattice-work create a visually stunning spectacle that captures the imagination of all who traverse it. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the Lanac Bridge has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of unity among the Railwaycraft team. Whether gazing upon its azure brilliance from afar or traversing its lengthy span, the Lanac Bridge stands as a testament to the start of new adventures and beginnings on RailwayCraft. |
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observatory campus |
Elevated from the rest of the city, the campus of the RWC Observatory is a sanctuary of celestial wonders and scientific marvels. Located on the edge of Spawn City surrounded by a forest, this campus offers plenty of intrigue to all its visitors. As you step onto the grounds, you are greeted by the grandeur of two striking observatories, their gleaming domes made of only the purest quartz reaching towards the starlit sky. The first observatory stands tall, housing state-of-the-art telescopes and advanced astronomical instruments. Stargazers and astronomers alike gather here to unravel the mysteries of distant galaxies and explore the depths of the cosmos. In direct contrast, the second, larger, observatory houses a breathtaking planetarium, an awe-inspiring theater of the cosmos. Step inside, and you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of our solar-system. Nestled between the two structures sits a hall of scientific instruments on display which were used when the observatories were active. Now this campus is used as a tool for aiding the educational endeavors of anyone on the server interested in outer space. Surrounding the observatories, two display rockets stand as testaments to humanity's dream of reaching the stars. Crafted with meticulous detail, these rockets exude a sense of nostalgia and wonder, reminding visitors of the bold explorations of the past. One of the rockets stands as a historical reminder of RailwayCraft’s past, portraying the “Saturn V” rocket which is featured, as of 2023, on the current map. The second rocket on display is all-new to the world of RailwayCraft: the “Delta II” rocket. Built to commemorate the final launch of the rocket’s 29-year career, the model honors the legacy of the early space program. As night falls, the campus comes alive with ethereal lights and soft glow, creating an enchanting ambiance for evening star observations and stargazing gatherings. We plan to showcase firework shows and other smaller events at this location. |
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warp system |
Warps at their core are unchanged; each railroad owner is allowed one (1) warp which is to be placed at their capital city. This is where the similarities between the current and new systems end. The new system, while still having the ability to directly warp via command, features a brand new GUI organized into three (3) categories: Player warps, Event warps, and Spawn. Player warps are the capital cities; think Knapford or Sweeton on the current map. Event warps are places like Event Island or the North Pole. Spawn, which is self-explanatory, is the central hub of the server, Spawn City. Along with the new GUI comes a payment system. You now have to pay to warp to a new location (not counting Spawn or Event locations). The reason for requiring payment is simple: we want to see more players taking trains on the server. However there is a way to avoid this cost while warping: simply travel to your nearest capital city and warp anywhere for free! We find this to be a happy medium between the current system — free anywhere, anytime — and the new system of requiring payment. |
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wrapping up |
This is the first of many devblogs to come. If you have specific information you are looking for, or any questions looking to be answered, feel free to reach out and we will cover what we can in future posts. Remember, the new map devblogs will be released monthly so look out for the next one! |