This guide is intended to pull together the various aspects of modifying and developing a BVE route or train. It follows the approach of first becoming familiar with the way BVE works, then examining its components, and finally conducting investigations by modifying existing components and observing the results to demonstrate the principles and techniques needed to build a new railway or train. These steps are arranged in three sections as follows:

Concept. This section describes the BVE system, including the two basic modules: application (BVE files, including the BVE executable) and add-on (railway and train sections) and the simulation process.

Components. This section examines the components (files) in each of the two basic modules, describing the organization, relationships, and purposes of the files.

Investigations. This section develops a methodology for examining and modifying existing files as a means of learning how to create new ones.

Updates to this guide. This guide will updated as new material is developed.

Links. The following are valuable references that you should link to and print out. We'll be referring to them.

Reference 1. BVE Route Construction Guide at http://trainsim.org.uk/bveroute.html provides a summary of route commands.

Reference 2. BVE User's Guide at http://www.crotrainz.com/Guides.html provides a summary of cab panel configuration definitions.

Credits. BVE Developer Guide was created by Alfred Barten. There are no restrictions to its use, though it's always nice to give credit where credit is due.

Many thanks to Ernie Alston for his help and support in getting this project underway and for sharing his knowledge and experience.

Comments, corrections, and suggestions are welcome. You can reach me, Al Barten, at abarten@alfredbarten.com.

Top