As much as I’d love to work on this project with 100% of my available hours, there is simply work to be done that ends up paying the bills. This project is something I am committed to, but remains a hobby at best. I now have two other projects on my plate, I have been reduced to sneaking time into the continued development of this simulator on weekends.
That said, I have introduced the first tire and wheel models into the game. While a full truck is developed on paper, it hasn’t been coded into the game just yet. This weekend I’m spending time on this project to push it a little farther forward, and I’m looking forward to getting more elements of the first truck built.
The first tire model introduced into the simulation is going to be the BF Goodrich ST244TM, and the first wheel that will make it in is the Alcoa Dura-Bright 88367. The first truck will end up being the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. Though by the time I can roll to beta it will likely be introduced as a used truck.
This is probably a good time to make clear that all companies and trademarks are property of their respective owners, and Freightliner®, BF Goodrich, and Alcoa are in no way endorsing the production of this simulator at this time. These items have been chosen as the first to go into this production because either they provided the best – most detailed – information about their products, on their website, or they were the quickest to respond to a request for information. Freightliner®, for example, wasn’t only quick to respond to my request for information about the front axle setback on their truck, they made it easy for me by monitoring their Facebook page.
Support for the project is growing slowly, but I’ve been surprised a few times when I’ve looked and found more people following along. Even a few companies have visited and are following the project updates. I find the interest encouraging.