The new VR training module created a safe environment for training new operators, especially when training could be dangerous in a traditional setting. Some obstacles and hazards are difficult to emulate in the hands-on training, including pedestrians, cars, and emergency vehicles entering or blocking the track. However, in the VR training module, these could be safely tested and repeated by the trainee as desired.

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One of the most important aspects of this project was creating the cabin and 3D environment as accurately as the real-world counterpart. Our main 3D Artist handled most of the asset implementation, but I assisted with breaking up assets into levels and creating LODs. We needed to creatively use levels and LODs to optimize performance while ensuring the Portland environment maintained sufficient detail to represent the real world accurately. Having the environment faithfully recreated was integral to the adoption of the VR module, as it would allow trainees to become familiar with stopping distances at each station and with safe handling around specific curves and dangerous intersections.