Braga
Project Page
| Tracks List Page | Pending |
| Category | Real Road Course |
| Configuration | 13-Turns, 1.8 Miles |
| NR2K3 Track Author | Norm Paxton (*see footnote at bottom) |
Update--Braga 1_2d (11/22/07)
Note: Available below and also from the Downloads page now.
Braga is a beta track only in so far as I have shown neither the ability or the inclination to create some simple 3D graphics; objects that I could put on a drawing board in 3 views with a perspective in 15 minutes have stalled this project for months. Inspiration (and time) to learn another program (or several as the case may be) has been tough to come by. So if you are a 3do specialist with a little time we need to talk--I can provide blueprints and I can paint the final product, it's that little process in the middle that stymies me. That said, the work creating the original track by Norm Paxton and the AI and LP by fortine_oo are stellar. So the graphics? Well I don't feel that they are bad-they're just not what I wanted in all cases. But I have come to the conclusion that it is wrong to hold this track back any longer. I have had more fun racing here than I deserve including a finish where I won over my old PWF nemesis by 6/10ths of a second. It is very raceable. This is another track that races so well that every time I visit it to contemplate some changes I end up driving a 23-lapper. Or two.
I've always been one who goes more for the flowing roadies and perhaps I still am. But there are a number of things I like about this "aim and shoot" or "point and squirt" track. For one, you can see where other cars are on the course. And while a slip will cost you you can get around the track quickly to start another. And finally, the AI work just great for me here. They may bang around a bit in the pits sometimes (due to a narrow access road) but they race clean on the pavement--they'll give but they won't give up. In fact they are relentless so don't plan on winning if you cough more than once.
I hope you'll give this a fair chance and enjoy it as much as I have. Realize that it takes about 2 laps to get your tires warmed up and then go for it. I run PTA whenever I can but the trucks get around here nicely too. Nascars if that's your thing but I like a lighter car that turns better on this type of track.
I still think I need a category called "fictional/real" or "real fictional". But that is what they all are after all aren't they? This track follows a slightly older configuration and some of the 3D models aren't correct so I guess it could be a fictional historic. I'm not a purist but I think it gives a 'sense' of Braga while driving it and most of the placements are pretty close thanks to the original attention to detail by Norm Paxton.
Screenshots
I tried to prune this album down to a manageable size but for some tourist-type reason I had to take pictures of everything. Beware of slow loads for a 56K connection. Enough said, here's the photo album.
The Original Article:
Note: I include the following only to provide a sort of timeline. I should edit out my old writings as many times they make me cringe. But I'm including them to show that I'm still maturing. I may yet figure what I want to do when I grow up one of these days.
I was told by a friend and Portugal resident that the authors for Braga and Porto have moved on to other sims. I really like this one and I'm going to attempt to add some buildings, etc to get it closer. It 'feels' right, in fact feels faster than lap speeds would indicate. I pieced a TA setup together that gives me the buggy-whip feeling that I enjoy (when it works). (Ed. note: A lie--it was a completely different setup for a track that I mixed up with this one). From the images I've seen (Google Earth, etc) it appears to be an accurate representation of the real course. It doesn't seem to need many buildings or special TSO's so maybe it won't take much to get it into race trim. But I can also see where one could really go to town on this one. If someone felt really creative they could add what looks to be an airplane runway down the center. And a little drive-through area that mimics the kart track next door. And if you're Scott Dillner some airplanes may take off or land during the race (you will also say that you've created an fps hog but the effects will all render fine in most systems in use today). I have no idea yet as to status of the AI or racing capabilities. (Ed. note: another lie--see the following update item)
Old Stuff: Update (06/07/07):
We already have a revision. Norm Paxton has added a race line, LP files and numerous improvements to the version I first drove. His work includes the armco barriers and surface detail as well. He has a working pit lane in place now also (first time I drove it I entered the track from the grass). Let me see, I think it could still use some 3D buildings if someone wants to volunteer--my preliminary measurements of the four (identical?) hangers seemed to indicate that they need to be about 80' x 65' (see enlarged photo). In the meantime, check it out and give him an "attaboy" for a job well done... it's almost there.
Aerial view of Braga (Click on image for large alternate view)
Project Files
| Orig. Track DL (or Loc) | Available here but why? Just get the update below. |
| Supplemental Files | None |
| Revised Track DL | November 2007 Update (15.4 MB) |
| Revised Track DL Description |
This version replaces the original folder and includes the updates listed above. Actually, hold everything. An updated update is very close as of |
Footnote:
I misunderstood the original message about Braga and Porto--the author of Braga is alive and well within the NR2K3 community. The original author and the update author are one and the same--Mr. Norm Paxton. He has another one now but it's a deep, deep secret. Let me just say that it's an addictive drive and I'm liking it--a lot. What is that? No, it's something all right... I think I smell a Radt.
Radt:
Har-de-har. Isn't that like an LK? "I've got a secret and I'm not telling anyone"... what a pud. But you know what? I know yer little secret... Can you say Finthen? I don't blame you though for not tellin'--ya wanna get a good lap before anyone else can drive it since it takes you 10-times longer than real drivers.