Would it be possible to create an OpenSim Mod (that would possibly work with OpenSim + ModRex?) for the open source train simulator OpenBVE?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenBVE BVE has been around for quite a while, and it seems to be the "standard" as far as Train Simulators (since Microsoft has left the plane/train simulation business), and OpenBVE is an open source project designed at creating an open source train simulator. I was just wondering if it would be feasible to create an "ModOpenBVE" module that would bridge the gap between the two different projects, and possibly help bring OpenBVE train functionality into OpenSim/OpenSim + ModRex. It would be nice having a library of realistic 3D trains with realistic 3D cockpits, sounds, and general realism and accuracy of OpenBVE from inside of OpenSim/OpenSim + ModRex. Even if there were some minor coding differences between the OpenBVE trains and the "OpenSimBVE" trains. At least the existing BVE and OpenBVE trains could be imported into the ModOpenBVE (OpenSim + realXtend) and the models, cockpits, sounds, and physics properties would all remain the same. Plus it would be nice to use existing tools or create content developer tools like the "Object Viewer", "Route Viewer", and "Train Editor" that were compatible with OpenSim (or OpenSim + ModRex). This way we could bring the OpenBVE community into OpenSim, and it would be nice having realistic train engines, with realistic train tracks, and realistic train routes (and for the train sim community to come join our "OpenSim" community). I know that OpenBVE is working on an "OpenBVE 2" (because they are looking for a version that will allow for online multiplayer support). It would seem that the OpenSim platform would give the OpenBVE community the "Multiplayer" functionality that they've been looking for. Plus it would seem to really cut down on the development time, if OpenBVE content could be used within OpenSim + ModRex. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenBVE This is the "future vision" of OpenBVE: http://openbve.trainsimcentral.co.uk/openbve2.html It would seem to make sense to maybe try and work together (as a community) and maybe try to bring the OpenBVE community into OpenSim / OpenSim + RealXtend. I was reading/discussing the vision of "OpenBVE 3.0" (from the posting of the core dev's vision for OpenBVE) and it would seem to make sense to possibly use the modular approach of OpenSim/realXtend and just work on creating an "ModOpenBVE" module. Possibly even create several modules, such as: 1) "ModOpenBVE_Train" module for train components (car physics/acceleration/resistance/toppling, etc. Brake systems, automatic air/electric command, etc., Car-to-car interactions/couplers, train-train interactions such as collisions, built-in security systems such as ATS/ATC) 2) "ModOpenBVE_Route" module for route components (route components such as scenery, signaling, CSV/RW parsers) 3) "ModOpenBVE_Signaling" module for signaling 4) "ModOpenBVE_UI" module for a user interface (for cab controls) - Built-in physics allow the train to follow the track, while taking toppling, derailments, gravity, torque, friction, air and a lot of other things into account. - Built-in brake systems allow to simulate air brakes and some more modern forms of brakes. Built-in coupler mechanisms allow the individual cars of a train to collide with each other, as well as with other trains. And finally, built-in security systems fetch data from transponders, present some indicators to the driver, and take over control of the train if deemed appropriate. It seems that the goal of OpenBVE 3.0 architecture is to allow multiple tracks that are interconnected (ex switches, signaling, etc.) and offer online real-time train simulations. It would seem to make sense that maybe OpenSim / OpenSim + ModRex could be used as a development platform to begin development of the OpenBVE 2.0 & OpenBVE 3.0 architecture. Hopefully everything could be made modular, so that the "ModOpenBVE" architecture could work hand-in-hand with OpenSim and RealXtend. Thus benefiting the entire community of both "Train Sim" enthusiasts as well as the "OpenSim/realXtend" community. (It would be nice having realistic looking 3D trains with realistic cockpits, with advanced/realistic physics properties and realistic textures/sounds/animations, etc. >From a development standpoint, wouldn't something like this make sense? To combine the efforts of various open source projects/groups, and begin looking at ways to work together as a community? -- http://groups.google.com/group/realxtend http://www.realxtend.org
