Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released

Hello all,I just uploaded a new activity for the Conrail Indy Route.Should hit the new files list in a couple days. You'll operate train TV-6 from Avon to Marion.WARNING - requires multiple downloads. Required cars listed in Readme.Feel free to e-mail with comments, questions and feedback.Enjoy.....TV-6 is a hot train...get to Marion ASAP.......Tim

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RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, Claude350, Feb-07-03, 02:42 PM, (1) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kmanc21, Feb-07-03, 05:35 PM, (2) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-07-03, 05:44 PM, (3) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, sixman, Feb-07-03, 09:07 PM, (7) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, brucek, Feb-08-03, 05:01 PM, (12) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-08-03, 10:46 PM, (13) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-07-03, 06:45 PM, (4) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, krswen, Feb-07-03, 08:15 PM, (5) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-07-03, 09:05 PM, (6) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, krswen, Feb-07-03, 09:19 PM, (8) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, Claude350, Feb-07-03, 09:51 PM, (9) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, krswen, Feb-07-03, 10:04 PM, (10) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-07-03, 10:47 PM, (11) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-09-03, 10:49 PM, (19) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, dmikulec, Feb-09-03, 09:55 AM, (14) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-09-03, 11:30 AM, (15) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-09-03, 03:53 PM, (16) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-09-03, 04:33 PM, (17) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-09-03, 10:36 PM, (18) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, dmikulec, Feb-09-03, 10:52 PM, (20) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-09-03, 11:04 PM, (21) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, brucek, Feb-09-03, 11:45 PM, (22) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-09-03, 11:49 PM, (23) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-10-03, 06:15 AM, (24) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-10-03, 09:10 AM, (25) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-10-03, 11:31 PM, (27) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, brucek, Feb-10-03, 10:13 PM, (26) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, joha107, Feb-11-03, 07:10 PM, (28) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, brucek, Feb-11-03, 08:59 PM, (29) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, Claude350, Feb-13-03, 08:47 AM, (30) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-13-03, 10:47 AM, (31) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, freddiebear, Feb-15-03, 07:54 PM, (32) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-15-03, 11:32 PM, (33) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, freddiebear, Feb-16-03, 04:45 PM, (35) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kmanc21, Feb-16-03, 04:15 PM, (34) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, freddiebear, Feb-16-03, 04:49 PM, (36) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-17-03, 09:19 PM, (37) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, mikei, Feb-21-03, 01:45 AM, (38) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, kevarc, Feb-21-03, 09:01 AM, (39) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-21-03, 10:43 AM, (40) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, henry3, Feb-21-03, 02:43 PM, (41) RE: Conrail Indy Route - TV-6 Activity released, TJTX, Feb-21-03, 02:57 PM, (42)

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I'm pretty sure this is an excellent add-on but IMO the extra work in downloading all those locos and cars could have been kept to a minimum.More time will probably be spent downloading the add-on than running the activity.Even with DSL which I do have I'm not ready nor do I really have that much of free time to download that all the cars and locos that are required to run this activity especially with the download speeds here.I'm pretty sure a few others will agree.This is not a criticizing session here.But I for one do question activities that are made that require extensive amounts of downloading when usually after completion it'll be some time before its played again.

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I would agree. I took one look at the list of downloads and decided to pass on this one. I also am not critizing the activity author (I know that I don't have the patience to do an activity, but if I have to download more than 6 or 7 pieces of equipment I usually pass on the activity.Ken

How did I survive before MSTS

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Well, neither will bother downloading the activity pack I will be uploading for the Indy Route. It has over thirty activities, but it also has a large number of downloads needed. There is but so much you can do with default or only one or two downloads. Just doesn't work. Offhand I think there are 10 engines alone that need to be downloaded for these activites. Then the activities for for the LV Route that I am fixing to do will also need quite a few downloads. Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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As long as the .zip file is included, downloading 10-15 files for an activity is not bad. trying to figure which .zip file is needed is the hard part. I am building a spreadsheet that has the .zip name and .wag/.eng name for the files in the train-sim library, but am only halfway through the boxcars. If I ever get close to getting it finished, I will post it.

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LAST EDITED ON Feb-08-03 AT 05:02 PM (EDT)

".....There is but so much you can do with default or only one or two downloads. Just doesn't work...."I disagree, Kevin.By the very MTS-definition of the word, an Activity requires the player to undertake a series of planned events.Even if an Activity consists of nothing more than delivering and picking up cars from sidings and yards, it is almost immaterial what those cars represent. The event - switching cars - is the crux of the Activity.I say "almost" because it would be somewhat nonsensical to be switching cement hoppers at a furniture factory, for example.
However, even the default inventory would allow for the vast majority of industries to be catered for.On a through-run Activity, which requires the player to simply take his consist from A to B and which might include opposing traffic, the make-up of the trains is even more insignificant.It's for the purist that the non-default components are a must, not because the Activity won't work without them, but to simulate real life even more accurately.Since 6:30 PM yesterday I have taken Jim's TV-6 Activity and have changed all power and 'stock to a mix of default and some third-party equipment that forms part of packages from Maple Leaf Tracks and 3DTrainStuff.TV-6 performs without error and the experience is, for me, just as enjoyable and realistic as it would be with hundreds of items of additional 'stock.Bruce.

AustRail

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Bruce, it is a matter of personal preference. I feel that if I am running a train on CR, CSX, whatever, you need local flavor.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Hello all,First, thanks to all who will download my activity. It's my first one, and I'm glad to finally give something back for all the neat stuff I've found here.Second, I realize some may be scared off by the large number of required files. The activity is primarily aimed at those with high-speed connections or who already have a large library like I do.For those without high-speed Internet, I'm considering uploading modified consists that use fewer non-standard files. This will take me about a week, since I'm going to be away from the house for a few days for my work.One alternative for those who want to get up and running right away would be to unzip the activity and use Conbuilder prior to running it. Conbuilder will highlight any missing files and allow you to quickly change them. Timing is not a supercritical aspect of this activity, however I would suggest keeping the same approximate train length to keep the performance close to the original.I have successfully used the technique above to change most of the activities I've downloaded but want to make changes to...for example....none of my Cajon Pass activities have any UP equipment. If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.BTW, I don't mind constructive criticism presented well...its how we learn and improve.....but as Kevarc says below, modeling current rail ops is difficult without using the wealth of add-ons available here. I personally got bored using all default files, but I can understand the concerns of those who don't like downloads, so I'll work on some alternative consists.Thanks
Tim

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Well, I wouldn't mind D/L'ing the files if you gave the zip file names (I love the route). But the installed file names are USELESS if you don't already have them on your system ..... in which case it's a moot point because by definition they are installed! Or am I missing something?krswen

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One small problem Krswen....I don't know if you missed anything or not, but I don't have the zip file names. I delete zip files as I install them. In addition, some folks have made comments about directories. In several cases, I have had to make new directories to solve problems with nesting or duplicate names. As a result of these problems, I included the names of the cars to facilitate searches on line. I've used that technique to find things when specified zip file names or whatever didn't work. The search engine here will find the file names for each car. At any rate, I will make a new release with fewer downloads next week.Tim

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Hmmmmm .... what am I doing wrong? I go to "Train-Sim File Search", in the "Search for Text" box I type 50ft_hi_cube_SP2 hit enter and it comes back with "No Files Match". Is there another way to search (I'll admit I'm no wizard at this)?As I say, I don't mind the downloading and installing .. I think this will be a cool activity, but I'm stymied right now.
krsewn

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I may have alot of those files already but as others have stated without the zip names it's really hard to say.After I saw what was required to get running I decided to pass.

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I went into RouteRiter and figured out that what is listed in the Readme is the .wag file names (and .eng filenames).With over a thousand cars and locomotives I thought I had a good selection, but I only have 15 of the 251 listed cars and locos.Sigh ......krswen

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I pulled the activity just to see. You really do need to list the zip files. If you do not have them you need to log in and search for the zip's and list them. If I can't find it in the files before I back them up on CD, I search the DL Library till I find them. 251 dl's is a huge number for one activity, considering that you can only dl 100 befoer you have to log off and then back on. That is one of the reasons that I created the repackaging of cars into packs. It lowers the number of DL's.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Hiya KRS.....I see the problem you're having....please accept my apologies....Its not as easy to do the search as I thought. Like I said, this is my first stab at this.Don't give up on the activity just yet.....I'm going to work on reducing the downloads and getting zip file names next week and re-release the activity.If Kevarc and the other multi-pack authors agree, I will only use cars in those packs, along with a fair number of CR engines from the library. I feel I can sacrifice some variety in cars, but seeing different engines is a realism issue to me.....you wouldnt see the same 2 SD-40s on every train if you were a real engineman on this route....so to stay prototypical.....I think engine variety is important.Thanks for your patience....I'll fix it....Tim

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Tim,One solution that might ease the download pain would be to use all default rolling stock and locos but include the names of your consist files in your "readme" text for the benefit of those who wanted to change them to suit their own personal preference. This I think would keep most folks happy and allow more folks the opportunity to enjoy your activities.Just a thought.Stuck on dial-up since 1983,Dave Mikulec (dmikulec@bellsouth.net)
Ohio Southeastern System - a freelanced route
http://www.rdimages.com/OSE/

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Default is not an option! I'll be damned if I am going to run a CR route with default. I will not even do a BNSF with default. I much prefer the 70's and 80's.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Hey everyone,Still not back from my trip, but when I do get back, as I said I will knock the downloads down significantly.......I will also include the consist files to make things easier that way. Good suggestion and one I just overlooked.To all who have requested the zip file names, I just dont have a list of them. I didn't think to keep a log before deleting them.Kev, I agree with you....it will NOT be all default, but I can cut down the downloads....Can't say exactly how many till I look at it, but it will be a lot less.Bear with me a couple more days and I will get an update out.Thanks
Tim

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Can I recommend something? John and I have done a lot of repackaging of cars in packs. I try to use them in activities. Enocell has some excellent packs also.But them you also need some that
A) can't repackage because of the readme' or
B) it just does not lend itself to easy repackaging.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Hi Kev,Good idea....with your permission....what if I utilized only cars in your download packs????That might solve the whole problem.....Let me know
Tim

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"Default is not an option! I'll be damned if I am going to run a CR route with default"Sorry ... it just an idea. Guess I'll just stay out of the way ...
Dave Mikulec (dmikulec@bellsouth.net)
Ohio Southeastern System - a freelanced route
http://www.rdimages.com/OSE/

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Dave...No worries pal.....thanks for the input.I'm planning on relying a lot more on default cars, but it wont be all default.....that would take too much flavor out of it....Tim

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Kevin, that's fine for you and all the thousands like you who wish to replicate real-life to the nth. degree.As I said in another post in another conference relating to such things, consists using nothing other than default 'stock will not appeal to the purist.
Thankfully, for these enthusiasts, there is a wealth of third-party content to cover their needs - or most of their needs.But it seems that whilst I can accept and support your particular preferences, you can't accept mine - or others similar to mine.
Instead, we get pilloried for even suggesting that Activities such as yours - and Jim's - could be run with consists made up of nothing but default equipment.Showing your intolerance, aren't you?Bruce.

AustRail

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I understand your preferences, but since I am the one taking the time to create them I will do it they way I want to. When you start doing them for release you can do them as you want. It is like I said in another thread, I am not getting paid to do them. To me it is fun to see what I can do with cars and engines that others have taken the time and effort to do. That way they get to see that there work is appriciated.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Kev....do you mind if I use your car packs to help solve the download problem???Thanks
Tim

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That is why I did them. The same with all the others. BTW, if it is the DL library you don't need to ask if is ok to use them.Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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Hey Kevin....Great, I'll use them. As far as my asking, I made one mistake that seems to have ruffled enough feathers....sometimes folks seem to get upset pretty easily around here so I figured it couldnt hurt to ask and avoid making another......Tim

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"........since I am the one taking the time to create them I will do it they way I want to...."
Of course you will!
I'm not disputing that, Kevin. In fact, I thoroughly agree with you.
And it doesn't matter whether payment is requested or not, surely? What's the fact that you're not being paid got to do with your creative preferences?Be that as it may, you either misunderstand my point or are being deliberately obtuse: there are people out there in MTS-land for whom default equipment (or default plus whatever additional equipment might be installed as part of a third-party package) will cover all that they ever need or want.It is these people - and they probably form a very large part of the MTS community - to whom activity creators should also cater, in my humble opinion.
That is my point, not that they should only create activities containing route-specific equipment."....When you start doing them for release you can do them as you want."Thank you, that's most kind of you. Bruce.

AustRail

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if you don't like downloading a whole bunch of files to use an activity then don't download the activity or get conbuilder or whatever it is and change all the files to default files. there should be no argument, you can't please everybody and you shouldn't have to cater to everyone's needs. it should be at the activiy designers discretion as to what he or she wants to create not what everyone else wants and therefore he or she should be able to decide what to use or not to use. i'm on dialup but it's not really that big of a deal to download a few files or a bunch of them and i find it more interesting when someone can recreate a certain location and time accurately. but thats just my opinion...joe

future Penn Central engineer (i'm only 20).

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"if...........etc.........etc........ but thats just my opinion.."As was the content of my post.Bruce.

AustRail

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All this fussing over nothing.Hell I thought everyone was entitled to their on opinion but when it's expressed someone get's their panties all wodded up and away they go to the great beyond.Whewww can't we get along.

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Hey Claude....I haven't gone anywhere except back into Conbuilder and searching the library to figure out zip file names and modifying the consists......Might not get them done before I go back to work tomorrow....but Im trying...Thanks for everyone's patience while I straighten out my mistakes.Tim

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I have tried to run the activity and it doesn't work. I have all the Wags. and Engs. and still it says I am missing a Wagon and shuts down. I have no idea what to do about it this is the 3rd time I have tried to get it to work and it's getting upseting that I took all the time to download everything all for nothing. Anyone can tell me what is going on I would enjoy hearing anything to get this to work. Fred

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Hey Fred,Could you tell me which .WAG file you're having trouble with? Try using Conbuilder to look at the consist files. It can tell you what's missing. Sorry youre having trouble, but I need a few more details to help you out. Thanks
Tim

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Tim I sent you and email also but for anyone esle who may be having trouble with this it is the MPBox2. I have it in the trainset under the wagon name MP x4166.Fred

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After installing the activity and all the downloads listed, I ran Route Control and found the following were missing (I have listed the zip file names here at Train-Sim):Milw60a.zip
sp245828.zip
nw6126.zip
railbox.zip
acfhprs1.zip
swripac2.zip
n&w_box2.zip
sswbwcab.zip
crbox.zip (am kind of guessing at this one as it best matches what RC says is missing)In addition, I found a couple of folders and several wag files have been renamed from those in the download list.Hope this helps anyone else having problems.Ken

How did I survive before MSTS

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I was missing those to, but was able to fill them in with the Route Control. It doesn't put thing in if they don't have the same file name as it has in the activity. I found that out the hard way.Fred

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Kman....Did you install the revised version??? I thought I took MILW60a, SSWBWCAB and CRBOX out....SP245828 should be in the SP pack listed. Tim

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You should Have the addon files with the Activity. Having to hunt
down the files is to much work. Haveing them in a download pack, is
much better. And I do have highseed inernet. I mite even have those files. going through a dozen CD's to fined the right file takes sometime, to much time. Mikei

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Yes and it makes the upload huge. Kevin Arceneaux
It is time for Amtrak to become a fallen flag!

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I looked into including the files....wasn't feasible for several reasons, file size being the main reason. Sorry you don't like the activity.TJ

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Can anyone imagine what would happen to Nels' server space if every activity designer started including all of the add-on files with the activity?Then there's the matter of getting permission from *each* of the parties involved to include their part of the overall package.Folks keep bringing up this idea, but it's going nowhere!Henry

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Henry,You just brought up the other huge problem with including all the addons.......author permission. As I said, I thought about making a download pack, but there were too many obstacles. There is a fine library of work here if one is willing to take the time to utilize it....Thanks
TJ

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