New Cajon Pass Actys are bad

Three new Cajon Pass activities have been placed in the download section today and they have all been uploaded using only the MSTS Activity Packager. I downloaded one of them and got an immediate problem with missing files and the package being corrupted.I have emailed the orginator and informed him of the problems and suggested that he use Route Riter to package the activities. Look for corrected copies to be forth coming.Bob

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RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, MSTS_Country, Mar-31-04, 09:15 PM, (1) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, jcnighs, Apr-01-04, 04:32 PM, (2) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, trainmanj, Apr-06-04, 06:16 PM, (3) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, jcnighs, Apr-06-04, 07:08 PM, (4) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, daylight, Apr-07-04, 07:17 PM, (5) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, kevarc, Apr-08-04, 09:11 AM, (6) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, daylight, Apr-08-04, 07:12 PM, (7) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, kevarc, Apr-09-04, 12:16 PM, (8) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, jcnighs, Apr-09-04, 12:48 PM, (9) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, daylight, Apr-09-04, 04:31 PM, (10) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, storkels, Apr-09-04, 09:02 PM, (11) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, kevarc, Apr-10-04, 03:22 AM, (12) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, westerngy, Apr-12-04, 10:03 AM, (13) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, JivaGoswami, Apr-15-04, 04:23 PM, (14) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, trainmanj, Apr-16-04, 03:24 PM, (15) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, oakpalms, Apr-17-04, 01:43 PM, (16) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, kevarc, Apr-17-04, 11:25 PM, (17) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, yardlimit, Apr-18-04, 01:29 AM, (18) RE: New Cajon Pass Actys are bad, goonybird, Apr-21-04, 03:58 PM, (19)

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Seems Like He Was Like I Was Before I Got Help In Making MSTS Activitys.John Reagon

John Reagon
Johnreagon_92@msn.com

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These activities still have a small problem - in addition to Cajon Pass and the MSTS 1.2 they also require the expansion pack 1 with the Amtrak and the Boeing rolling stock. The read me never notes this anywhere. I've e-mailed the author to let him know.

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I'm the designer of these activities. Obviously these were my first uploads and it didn't go so well. The original activity was repackaged with RouteRiter and the updated zips were given to the webmaster and updated.As for requiring the expansion pack, yes it does. I apologize again for not realizing the need.From this experience, I do not plan to upload any more files, sorry for the problems.

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I hope you don't think that people don't appreciate the effort. You shouldn't take these remarks as criticism, just trying to help everyone enjoy the activities. We need more activity uploaders not fewer.

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I think that activities that are to be uploaded/download should us MSTS default equipment. The recipient then can replace the equipment with there own. I know that the activity designers want to put there own stamp on them, I know I do, but I will concentrate on the activity in stead of what roadname is on the equipment.
Dennis

daylight

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NEVER!Kevin Arceneaux
DEFAULT IS FOR DUMMIES
Cry havoc and Let slip the dogs of war.
It's fun being CRAZY!!!!!
Lone Wolf Activities Forum and Activity Packs are on www.3DTrains.com

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Just curious. What do you mean by NEVER?
Dennis

daylight

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My sig says it all!Kevin Arceneaux
DEFAULT IS FOR DUMMIES
Cry havoc and Let slip the dogs of war.
It's fun being CRAZY!!!!!
Lone Wolf Activities Forum and Activity Packs are on www.3DTrains.com

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>I think that activities that are to be uploaded/download
>should us MSTS default equipment. The recipient then can
>replace the equipment with there own. I know that the
>activity designers want to put there own stamp on them, I
>know I do, but I will concentrate on the activity in stead
>of what roadname is on the equipment.
>Dennis But a lot of the time the default equipment simply doesn't exist. There is no default GP9, f7, f40 or SD70. How can you do a steam freight activity using the default equipment? Run 50 coal cars up Crawford with the Flying Scotsman? There's a lot of great free and pay rolling stock out there but far fewer publicly available activities. In a perfect world every new loco would come packaged with 2 or 3 activities ready to go.

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Doesn’t MSTS come with Activity Editor? Can’t people, who download activities, edit them in there activities editor? I do not have all the different files for the different engine, cars, or any other piece of equipment that’s out there. I figure that if anyone wants to downloaded one of my sims, which I’m working on my first, they will want to put there own equipment on it. Or not. There choice. Dennis

daylight

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Activity making is an art to me. To me, if I want to create an activity about SP railroading, I want the SP engines and rolling stock that took place there and the most correct physics. That would best give the "feel". It is like a movie. A movie director would not put animation into his movie. Putting default equipment into my activites would be like doing this. The looks are substandard and the physics are wrong. I try to create the most exciting, challenging, and realistic activites (within the confines of MSTS)that I can and the people who run them appreciate it.Steve

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No they can't, if you do not have the equipment loaded, MSTS crashes. Like I said before, ain't no way I'll use default. It is for DUMMIES!Kevin Arceneaux
DEFAULT IS FOR DUMMIES
Cry havoc and Let slip the dogs of war.
It's fun being CRAZY!!!!!
Lone Wolf Activities Forum and Activity Packs are on www.3DTrains.com

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Agree with you Kevin on not using default but sorry,not into D/L an activity that requires over 100 D/L's like some of yours do so my choice is I don't.After trying two of yours and having problems with them I've stopped.I for others use default to a point and they then can change to what they want.Just Rollin Down The Tracks

Dale

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Hello! But hey, the author better not go away! “Bad” as this initial effort may seem, obviously it is light years ahead of anything this (and some other?)end user has put up here. I like other people’s activities. Making my own activities is sort of like tickling myself. There is no surprise. Getting someone else’s activity to run is (in my imagination) like receiving a work order. If items here are identified ... as to source, and incorporated appropriately, won’t this activity run?This new activity looks very promising! After consolidating the three files which specify the rolling stock required, and dropping the invisocar requirements which graciously come with, (and I hope don't cause extra problems) I am down to 79 required items. Some of these, such as items 40, and 41 in this list, even I recognize as probably MSTS defaults on hand already. Quite a few may will be included with the Cajon Route. Perhaps some are available here at Train-sim? Maybe some are payware add ons? Some might be free at 3D trains. If anyone here has familiarity with the source or default status of any of these items, it would help if you'd give input here. For example, if a line represents default rolling stock ... type "D"If it is downloadable here, type "TS"If it is at 3DTrains as Shareware ... go "3DTSShare"Or, if Payware, "3DTSPay"Or, if you're the author and you're reading this, do it again, with default stock. Are you game? This does look like a great activity! Respectfully
jivajiva (President Club Services)1. 3DPM_50HICUBE\3dpm_50hicube_GTW545.wag
2. 3DPM_50HICUBE\3dpm_50hicube_RB011.wag
3. 3DTS_3BAY_SFHOPPER\3dts_3bay_sfhopper_HUMP.wag
4. 3DTS_50FTBOXCARRB\3dts_50ftboxrb.wag
5. 3DTS_50FTBOXCARSF\3dts_50ftboxsf.wag
6. 3DTS_50FTBOXCARUP\3dts_50ftboxup.wag
7. 3DTS_50HICUBE\3DTS_50hicube_SP.wag
8. 3DTS_50HICUBE\3DTS_50hicube_UP.wag
9. 3dts_60ftboxcarbn\3dts_60ftboxcarbn.wag
10. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack.wag
11. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack_bn.wag
12. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack_bnsf.wag
13. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack_csx.wag
14. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack_sp.wag
15. 3DTS_BNCOAL\3dts_bnhopperfull.wag
16. 3dts_cargilltanker\3dts_cargilltanker.wag
17. 3DTS_CEMENT_HOPPER_UP\3DTS_Cement_Hopper_UP.wag
18. 3DTS_GATXTANKER\3dts_gatxtanker.wag
19. 3DTS_GP20_UP\3DPM_UP_GP20_493.eng
20. 3DTS_GP20_UP\3DPM_UP_GP20_496.eng
21. 3DTS_GP20_UP\3DPM_UP_GP20_496_AI.eng
22. 3DTS_PIGGY_BACK_CARS\3dts_rttx89flat_dole_pigs.wag
23. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70M_UP_4322_AI.eng
24. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70M_UP_4324.eng
25. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70M_UP_4882.eng
26. 3DTS_SD75M\3DTS_SD75M_BNSF_8255.eng
27. 3DTS_SD75M\3DTS_SD75M_BNSF_8257.eng
28. 3DTS_SD75M\3DTS_SD75M_BNSF_8257_AI.eng
29. 3DTS_SD75M\3DTS_SD75M_SANTAFE_242.eng
30. 3DTS_SF_GP20Ph1-3047\3DTS_SF_GP20Ph1-3047.eng
31. 3DTS_SFFLAT_SFWB\3dts_sfflat_notrailer.wag
32. 3DTS_SFFLAT_TRAILER\3dts_sfflat_trailer.wag
33. 3DTS_UPACFHOPPER\3dts_UPacfhopper.wag
34. 3DTS_UPCOALHOPPER\3dts_upcoalempty.wag
35. 3DTS_UPFLAT_TRAILER\3dts_upflate_trailer.wag
36. 3DTS_UPFLAT_TRAILER\3dts_upflatf_trailer.wag
37. 3DTS_UPFLAT_TRAILER1\3dts_upflatf_trailer1.wag
38. DASH9CSX\Dash9CSX.eng
39. DASH9SF\dash9sf.eng
40. GP38\GP38.eng D
41. SD402\SD402.eng D
42. 3DTrains_FreightPack\60ttx_cofc_1.wag
43. 3DTrains_FreightPack\60ttx_cofc_2.wag
44. 3DTrains_FreightPack\60ttx_cofc_3.wag
45. 3DTrains_FreightPack\60ttx_cofc_4.wag
46. 3DTrains_FreightPack\60ttx_cofc_empty.wag
47. 3dts_3bay_sfhopper\3dts_3bay_sfhopper.wag
48. 3DTS_BNCOAL\3dts_bnhopperfull2.wag
49. 3DTS_SF_GP20Ph1-3047\3DTS_SF_GP20Ph1-3047_AI.eng
50. 3DTS_SFFLAT_SFWB\3dts_sfflat_sfwb.wag
51. 3DTS_UPFLAT_UPS\3dts_upflatf_trailerUPS.wag
52. DASH9\Dash9.eng
53. US2HopperCar\US2HopperCar.wag
54. 3DTS_40FTBOXCARBN\3dts_40ftboxcarbn.wag
55. 3DTS_50HICUBE\3DTS_50hicube_bnsf.wag
56. 3DTS_50HICUBE\3DTS_50hicube_DRGW.wag
57. 3DTS_AUTORACK\3dts_autorack_csx_empty.wag
58. 3DTS_BNCOAL\3dts_bncoalempty.wag
59. 3DTS_BNGONDOLA\3dts_bngon_full.wag
60. 3DTS_BNGONDOLA\3dts_bngondola.wag
61. 3DTS_BRHOPPERC\3dts_brhopperc.wag
62. 3DTS_CANHOPPERC\3dts_canhopperc.wag
63. 3DTS_CPHOPPERC\3dts_cphopperc.wag
64. 3DTS_FTTX\3DTS_FTTX_EMPTY.wag
65. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70m.eng
66. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70M_SP_9808.eng
67. 3DTS_SD70M\3DTS_SD70M_UP_4322_NIGHT.eng
68. 3DTS_SD75M\3DTS_SD75M_SANTAFE_234_NIGHT.eng
69. US2BNSFCAR\US2BNSFCar.wag
70. US2CHEMICAR\US2ChemiCar.wag
71. US2EMPLOGGERCAR\US2EmpLoggerCar.wag
72. US2FCARRE2\US2FCarRE2.wag
73. US2FCARYE2\US2FCarYE2.wag
74. US2FCARYF2\US2FCarYF2.wag
75. US2FREIGHT6\US2Freight6.wag
76. US2FREIGHT7\US2Freight7.wag
77. US2FREIGHT8\US2Freight8.wag
78. US2GRAINCAR\US2GrainCar.wag
79. US2WOODCHIPPER\US2WoodChipper.wag

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Looks like most of the files are with the 3D trainstuff expansions. Other than the Boeing and Amtrak cars, I'm not sure which cars are default and which ones came with my other expansions.

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I think you guys are seeing a problem that I found some time back--identifying what rolling stock, services, and consists that come with the different routes and expansion packs put out by 3DTS. I have asked them to put out a list with that information so that we can all use it to make better actitities. With it we could put out an activity using only items that came with say Cajon Pass or Tehachapi II. Or we could make it with items that came with Cajon Pass and the expansion pack, or Cajon Pass and Sante Fe 3751 over Cajon Pass. I have all four installed so it makes it difficult to separate with out some kind of list to compare with. I am sure 3DTS is happy when we put out an activity that has bits and pieces from all the CD's we own because that causes those who have downloaded our activities to purchase the necessary CD's in order to utilize the downloaded activity that then becomes a problem for MSTS Train Simulator because it has missing components.I strongly suggest that anyone downloading any activity off of the forum make sure that they have a file replacement program such as MSTS Activity Analysis. That way one does not have to download a single file simply because you don't have it--all you have to do is swap that file for one you do have using the software. Of course, if you want to download a particular file to gain more realism and variety then do so. I think there are some other programs besides MSTS Activity Analysis (MAA) that replaces files and I don't want to sound like I'm promoting just one software package. Check around and see what you think is best for you. MAA is payware. I think they all are that will do the file replacements.Bob

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The first thing after I install a route are delete all the services, paths, activities, and consists. I prefer to make my own.I also do not use any existing ones, except Amtrash, in my activities.BTW, since I got a couple fantastic testers, I do not have all the problems my early work did.Kevin Arceneaux
DEFAULT IS FOR DUMMIES
Cry havoc and Let slip the dogs of war.
It's fun being CRAZY!!!!!
Lone Wolf Activities Forum and Activity Packs are on www.3DTrains.com

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You know; every developer goes through this. After I uploaded my first activity, I spent two weeks feverishly working with folks from
(literally) all over the world in an effort to get things right.You learn a lot. Most problems do involve rolling stock, and how to integrate it into the activity. The tendancy of the developer initially, is to get all tunnel vision focused on the activity concept, and treat the rolling stock as an afterthought --like I did.I won't re-live everything I went through, except to point out that I did get everything straightened out eventually, and developed a philosophy about how to organize things. Each activity gets a little better. If you are willing to create activities, don't let difficulties discourage you. We all have egos. Thats probably why we do this stuff. I think we all appreaciate the efforts of those who sink precious time into this work. We should do what we can to encourage them.I agree with Kevarc with regard to default: It'll bore ya to tears.For better or worse, I have developed a compromise approach. I personally feel that as a developer, I must make it as easy as possible for the user to enjoy the work, but at the same time, like Kevin, I am unwilling to limit creativity just to keep it simple.In my current project, and for the forseeable future I will limit my rolling stock to anything in the Train-sim library. And God knows, there is plenty there. I will not borrow from far-flung sites whose stock may become obscure. The next thing I will do is to create a train-pack with everything in it neccessary to run the activity. Depending on size, I will package it with the activity if it is practical. Otherwise it will be seperate. In the train pack I will
include not only the original zips, but each and every car folder and its contents, lifted right off the developement platform. (compressed of course)Outrageous! How can I do this? Why will I do this? First of all, I am not suggesting for a moment that others should do this. This is my own self-imposed standard. I have my reasons. Others can do what they will. This is mostly to keep me out of trouble, and to keep the user out of trouble too.Is this a lot of work? Yes it is, but not as much as it seems. I don't make a lot of activities, but I will try to make each one entertaining enough to qualify as a "keeper," and at the same time
try, to the greatest extent possible, to make it easy to set up.I'll summarize some of my reasons for this, in no particular order:The quantity of rolling stock, flaws in the wag/eng files, and folder name conflicts create an exponential probability to wreak havoc with even the best designed activity. I know. The experienced user will
fight through it reluctantly, and prevail; the newbie will make a complete hash of it, and will be your e-mail pen-pal for weeks.
(no offense to newbies) Just as an example; in the current activity I found 60 per cent of the rolling stock suffered from the well known coupler buffer flaw. I corrected them all. If I hadn't, there are at least three places in Marias Pass 3.1 that would have broke that train in half -slicker'n snot. You can't expect every user to know stuff like this, or deal with it.In many instances, I make custom helper.eng and/or .sms files, and alias stuff here and there. I like stuff to sound good. You can write a three pager on how to do this, but what user wants to read it? So I have the files all ready to pour in like pancake batter.Yeah, Yardlimit, but those files will be huge! Yes they will, but not nearly as large as some of those route files. Inescapeable. Welcome to the wonderfull world of broadband. Get DSL. If you don't have it already, you'll soon want to. Besides, its cheap and getting cheaper.Maybe this is my most compelling reason for this approach:I usually spend months in the developement of a single activity.
I agonize over them. Test, sputter, and fume. Then the would-be user runs across it in the library, takes one look at the file requirements --and moves on. I could quickly become the J.D. Salenger
of MSTS activites. Author of great works; read by none. See my point?I'm convinced that the only thing that will save me from this awfull fate is one simple line in the description text:"All required files included." or "See also xxxx.zip for trainset."

Yardlimit

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-21-04 AT 03:59 PM (EDT)

It's no surprise to me that this topic has evolved into the somewhat exciting subject it's become for all the respondents here, so I'm running by the idea I set out in the following linked forum posting of mine here:http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/DCForumID7/2098.htmlSo, would such a macro interest anybody? The only problem I foresee is trying to match the power output of the substituting consist with that to the one being ditched.The macro would require some effort from the downloader her/himself in that that s/he would have to manually edit the macro by inserting the filenames of the substituting consists into the corresponding macro fields.As an afterthought, however, I wondered to myself if anybody would dare to download a macro onto her/his machine.Cheers,
goonybirdUpdated March 14, 2004: http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Bayou/4804/ a fictitious network serving London, Weymouth, and points in between

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