16 replies to this topic

[Steve Franks]

Greetings,

After a long 17 month sojourn I have a fresh interest in RCT2. To that end, I've been working on a final bench which removes much of the default redundant obj.dats, employs better and more flexible colorable objects, and hand picked freeware goodies. It will also include many of the fine freeware flat rides that, in many cases, put the imagination of the game's original author to shame.

Once the V2 bench is finalized, I intend to make several benches with the same objects but with different scenic themes; a flat bench, beachfront bench, pier bench, a ravine bench, etc., so that my coasters are not limited to just one flatland environment as is the case of my original RCT2 collection.

Of course that will require updating my collection of track packs so that they can take full advantage of the new benches and goodies. Each coaster will be updated to be visible on the new bench and have those tweaks and improvements the new obj.dats will afford them to increase their visual accuracy. New photos and amended documentation will also freshen the packs.

This is going to be a huge undertaking. Of course, new benches will also allow me to finish those RCT1 coasters that I did not get to before (which many of you have requested), and also create the fodder for new coaster projects as well. Hopefully, my new pages will appear in the next few months.



Regards,
Steve Franks

[wabigbear]

Fantastic news! This is really exciting as I'm someone who has used your coasters in every single park I've ever released. I loved your original benches, and can't wait to see the new ones as you complete them...I'll be back playing rct2 with these! Thanks Steve!

[catalyst]

Very happy that you're back, this is excellent.

[citytrader]

Wonderful, wonderful news! Just like Wagi, I have employed your coasters in every park I have ever done, so I am especially eager for this.

Welcome back, Steve!

[bernts_matte]

Good news Steve im like all you tracks.

[RCTtom]

I'm glad to see you've gotten back into RCT2 Steve Franks!. I was wondering when you were going to work on another bench for RCT2 and now you are!. This is fantastic news indeed I've been waiting for one for months maybe even years!. By the way, I loved your track packs and I hope to see you make some more amazing ones soon!.

[Steve Franks]

Greetings,

Thank you all for the enthusiastic support. I will need it in the months ahead updating packs and adding new ones. I am especially eager to make some kind of ravine bench so that I can issue my never released Kennywood Racer, Pippen, Thunderbolt and Jackrabbit. And let us not forget the wonderful Cyclone from Puritas park! This is the daddy of ravine coasters.

I have also been sitting on 3 coasters, a Wild Mouse, and a flume from Boblo Island since probably 2003.
There may be a few other goodies laying around that were never released that should be.

I do have a few questions about benches. I can see the value in a flatland bench with all rides available and unlimited funds simply for creatvie purposes, but as regards any other benches I create with themes (beachfront, pier, ravine, county fair, etc.), would you prefer the same unlimited options, or limit the park's operating capital and require research and development? One can always trainer in unlimited funds with TRG. But I'd be interested in your views on the matter. There are times when I like constraints when just having fun.



These are coasters from my RCT1 pack series that never made it to RCT2. I hope to rectify that with these final benches.

Boblo Island pack (mentioned above)
Big Bad Wolf @ Williamsburg
Cyclone @ Puritas Springs
Cylcone Racer @ The Pike, Long Beach
Flume Pack - Canyon Falls @ Wonderland, Drayton Manor, Samson's Castle, Logger's Revenge @ Santa Cruz
Giant Dipper @ Santa Cruz
Mantis @ Cedar Point
Ninja @ Magic Mountain
Race Thru the Clouds @ Venice, Ca.
Raging Wolf Bobs @ Geauga Lake
Steeplechase @ Pleasure Beach
Tivoli Icarus coaster
Top Gun @ Great America
Top Gun @ Kings Island
Vortex @ PKI

As you can see I have a very full plate.

[citytrader]

Personally, I would enjoy the challenge of having limited benches, and as you mentioned, you could always get around that issue with a trainer.

However, you would have to insure that your featured coaster was either already built, or enough cash is on hand to do so. Your recreations do tend to be a little pricey!

[Todd Lee]

I wouldn't mind either way, limits or not. I'm picturing a developed bench with an old coaster or 2 on it, that can then be turned into whatever the downloader wishes.. As mentioned, a trainer can make alterations as needed.

[RCT MIKE]

Steve...Glad to have you back...Cant wait to see whats next...