Content Creator Feature – Kevin Martin a.k.a. ‘Kevmt’

Kevin Martin is the creator behind the first wave of completely custom UK content to be released for Rail Simulator without being connected to the original development team. Featured here is a brief insight into Kevin’s excellent progress and what he feels Rail Simulator has bought to the Train Simulation hobby.


How long have you been enjoying train simulation and what began your interest?

My family has been involved in railways for the last 3 generations so it's not surprising that I was interested in railways from an early age.
I first became interested in Train simulation when I discovered a cab simulator called Boso View Express during an internet search for model railways. This would have been about 7 years ago. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of Microsoft Train Simulator. This offered something to encompass my main hobbies/interests in one - Computers and railway modelling. However, Train Simulator does not support Narrow Gauge railways, so compromises had to be made.

When did you first start modelling your own content and what have you enjoyed the most to work on?

I started modelling in July 2001, when I heard about a modelling program called "3D Canvas". While all previous attempts at modelling had ended in disaster, I found Canvas very easy to use. As a result, my first steam locomotive was up and running in about 1 week. This was a model of the Ffestiniog railway loco "Prince" which I released in September 2001. Since then I've made over 300 items of Rolling stock and scenery, with most still available on www.uktrainsim.com.

Although it's difficult to name one particular thing that has given me the most enjoyment, I can say that the number of friends I've made with train simming has certainly been a pleasurable and satisfying part of the hobby.

How have you found developing content for Rail Simulator?

I found it a little tricky to begin with, however this wasn't helped by choosing a Steam locomotive as my first model. Having said that, I still managed to get this locomotive up and running in Rail Simulator on the same day as the 3D Canvas Pro exporter became available.

Also getting used to the new concept of using Blueprints to setup content is the trickiest part. Once this is understood, content creation becomes much easier and more powerful than with other simulators.

What do you think Rail Simulator offers to developers over previous titles?

For me as a modeller, the greatly improved graphics, when compared to other simulators, has to be one of the big improvements. Trains look much more realistic and satisfying in Rail Simulator.

Another improvement is that it has allowed me to model and incorporate narrow gauge very easily. Realistic narrow gauge track has been simple to make and add, coupled with better sound and graphics, resulting in a much more satisfying experience.

How much have you already developed for Rail Simulator and can you give us a clue as to what you plan next?

So far, I have released 4 British Steam Locomotives - 3 Standard Gauge and 1 Narrow Gauge. I've also released a narrow gauge coach and wagon.

In progress, I have another Standard Gauge locomotive - British Ivatt Class 2MT; a couple more Narrow Gauge items; another Corris engine; a 2ft Gauge Hunslet Class locomotive called 'Britomart' and some Ffestiniog Rly stock to go with it.

What feature would you like to see that is not implemented in Rail Simulator?

I would really like to see the implementation of cab sway added. This is something that no commercial simulator has included yet, and I really feel that the driving experience would be enhanced by it.

We would like thank Kevin for taking the time to answer our questions and we wish him all the best in his continued endeavours with Rail Simulator. All of the models released by Kevin are available for download at www.uktrainsim.com