Thinking about coming over

to the Trainz side. I've seen some really good locos and routes on some Trainz-related websites recently. What's really pushing me over the edge though, is that I just bought a RailDriver and I'm not entirely happy with the way it works in MSTS. I read that the Auran folks are much more forthcoming with the information needed to be successful. For those who are curious, I've attached a photo of my setup below. I trimmed the auto brake lever to the proper scale length and painted it red, otherwise the RailDriver is stock.I've been running MSTS since the day it came out, so my terminology is steeped in that environment .....Does Trainz have the equivalent of Routes and Activities? Are there well documented editors to enable me to fiddle with them?How about the equivalent of the .eng files? I modify mine in MSTS a lot. Are the sound files better documented than MSTS (it wouldn't take much)?I downloaded the UTC demo and was not impressed with the track texture .... are there add-ons that are better?Some of the early Trainz screenshots seemed to be darker and gloomier than MSTS. Has that changed?I really like the greater freedom in the cabviews. Is the cab editor user friendly?A lot of questions I know .... perhaps someone can point me to some good "newbie" sites.The other thing I really like is the friendliness of the this community. At MSTS sites, the mention of Trainz often gets people all bent out of shape. The reverse doesn't seem to raise the same ire here.Thanks in advance.krswen

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RE: Thinking about coming over ....., Boweavel, Dec-28-02, 02:34 PM, (1) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., Boweavel, Dec-28-02, 02:35 PM, (2) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., Kin_3, Dec-31-02, 01:11 PM, (3) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., ace6879, Jan-02-03, 01:07 AM, (4) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., bobo88, Jan-02-03, 09:21 AM, (5) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., krswen, Jan-02-03, 09:05 PM, (6) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., Kin_3, Jan-02-03, 11:58 PM, (7) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., akajim, Jan-04-03, 10:47 AM, (8) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-07-03, 07:14 PM, (9) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., CPR_Malice_96th, Jan-07-03, 10:48 PM, (10) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., MRRextreme, Jan-07-03, 11:31 PM, (11) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., GaryHoorn, Jan-08-03, 03:31 PM, (12) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-08-03, 06:39 PM, (13) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., CPR_Malice_96th, Jan-08-03, 11:45 PM, (14) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-09-03, 09:12 PM, (15) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., GaryHoorn, Jan-10-03, 10:16 PM, (16) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., kworth, Jan-30-03, 12:49 PM, (17) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-30-03, 08:42 PM, (19) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-31-03, 04:32 AM, (21) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., tark1054, Jan-30-03, 03:12 PM, (18) RE: Thinking about coming over ....., axe1970, Jan-30-03, 08:46 PM, (20)

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>I've been running MSTS since the day it came out, so my
>terminology is steeped in that environment .....
>
>Does Trainz have the equivalent of Routes and Activities?
>Are there well documented editors to enable me to fiddle
>with them? MSTS has a fairly simple scenario designer compared to trainz.. Trainz scenario's are all done by script.. Something only a select few can seem to do at the moment because of how complex it can be. But ! there is GUI planned somewhere in the next 6 months that should help those of us not gifted with scripting skills.
MSTS route Editor is a clapped out old Ford whilst the route editor in Trainz (called Surveyor) Is equivlant to a nice new ferrari, Cept the difference being that even 5 yr olds can design landscapes of there dreams.. Where as in MSTS.. people have taken a good year at it and still A: cant finish it due to errors B: errors finish it off for them. (Unless your known as Sniper or Rich Garber ;P)>How about the equivalent of the .eng files? I modify mine
>in MSTS a lot. Are the sound files better documented than
>MSTS (it wouldn't take much)? Called Config files in Trainz (eng) and easily configurable.. and as far as I know.. alot more accurate than a MSTS eng file.>I downloaded the UTC demo and was not impressed with the
>track texture .... are there add-ons that are better? I think Currently there are around 30 or more different track textures (Not to mention track types) And now one fella is even making set sized switches and yards.. curves soon too which will make track laying similiar to MSTS. Personaly I prefer the freedom that the 'spline' tracks (bendy) give , and there is a tool u can use to straighten a set lenght of track.. not to mention apply grades to >Some of the early Trainz screenshots seemed to be darker and
>gloomier than MSTS. Has that changed? Not really.. The fog has gone tho I guess theres always the brightness buttons on the moniter >I really like the greater freedom in the cabviews. Is the
>cab editor user friendly? Again.. not being a modeller.. I wouldnt truly know. I do know that the making of the actually cab model can be a pain to some since it has to be a full 3d model compared to MSTS flat 2d screen.. There is a option u can add to the game that will show the co'ordinates of the camera's so modellers can find that perfect spot and set it into there configs.>A lot of questions I know .... perhaps someone can point me
>to some good "newbie" sites. Cant get much better than http://www.auran.com/trainz/forum/default.htm for service and a smile>The other thing I really like is the friendliness of the
>this community. At MSTS sites, the mention of Trainz often
>gets people all bent out of shape. The reverse doesn't seem
>to raise the same ire here.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>krswen No, Thankfully it doesnt happen...(often enough to notice) Hope my little post helps in some way to convert you from the dark side mwhuahauahuha Catchya'

-------======== RegioRunner ========--------

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Oh and for Auran and Rail Driver, See Gregs post (2nd one) in this thread for more information http://www.auran.com/trainz/forum/showthread.php?s=6bcca5da24ac0e487af94c2733dee70e&threadid=24496Catchya

-------======== RegioRunner ========--------

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Krswen,
I have both. I am a driver not a creator as of yet. Yet even I can make a route in Trainz. I find the addon content is so much easier in Trainz. For example to add a new route simply download it, unzip and click on an icon and it is loaded and ready to use. If there is missing content Trainz will let you ingore it and run anyway. Or on the download just use the open option and it will ask you do extract and that's all there is to it. Lots of good routes and activities for downloading. The only thing is there is not a lot of steam but what there is is very good. Read all the forums and find the diffenent links to other sites for good content. This maybe me but Trainz seems to be more of a world community than MSTS. To me MSTS is more a USA site. I enjoy both and use both, when I tire of one I use the other. Here is a couple of my favorite links:
http://www.steammachine.com/prowler/ (steam locos)
http://www.trainzproroutes.com/ (great routes,etc)
http://www.trainzproroutes.com/

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Hey guys, Well, I must say I am thinking of coming over as well. For those that know me, (And to tell the truth, tonight is the first time I have even been IN this forum, but I recognize ALOT of us!! ) I am a staunch MSTS supporter.BUT....a frend of mine who's handle is REALSQUASH has shown me some INCREDIBLE locomotives he has built....I was intrigued..so I looked at some of the posts in here...Now I am excited!!!So tonight, Jan 1, 03..I am making a resolution to try Trainz!! BUT...I have tried all night to download the demo to NO avail!! Most places tell me it don't exist....so...I MAY just go buy it outright. So in the next few weeks, I may be asking MANY new 'Noobie" type questions. But I now know, Trainz is NOT the "toy" I thought it was when it came out!! You fellas have done wonderful things!!Now, I wonder if I will be able to "Light" these locos and cars as well? Will I be accepted? I have seen the light!!! LOLFirst question, where do you download the best add-ons and such. I have a preference for "North American" prototypes, just for reference.Thanks much, and see you soon!!!Kelley D. Ellison



CSX A-Line Chief lighting engineer
NALW Lighting engineer
Dekosoft Lighting engineer

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Kelly, check Bows' post above for the link to "Aurans" forum. Feel free to read as much as you can. Welcome to the Trainz side. I run both MsTs and Trainz. It's like having the best of both worldz If you decide to purchase Trainz, please make sure it is the UTC version. UTC is a stand-alone version and is all inclusive of the prior versions & patches plus a ton more content included. It also contains the "Paintshed" with it. Most say they don't need paintshed, because they are not interested in painting, but you need paintshed to D/L and use most re-paints that so many admire!I would like to WELCOME you to the Trainz world! Please visit our small but growing world over at Auran. You will become very comfortable and welcome immediately! If you have ANY questions, post in the General Forum. Most folks bend over backwards to help out the "Noobie"http://www.auran.com/trainz/forum/default.htmBobo88 :cool:
Bob Oster

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Ordered UTC last night. Now if I can work some O.T. and buy a faster machine (1.3 GHz Gateway w/256 RDRAM right now .... lusting after a Falcon Northwest) I should be set.How do you display framerates with the Demo? I got it to run, but I'm curious what the framerate is.I'm running XP Pro and just D/L'd and installed DirectX 9. Will UTC benefit from the upgrade, or do most of you run Open GL?krswen

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Krswen,
Go to Auran's Trainz site and look in the forums there for a utility 99 something, it will display the frame rates. Something else is Trainz has great activities. The dispatcher talk to you via your soundcard. Only bad thing is you can only save at certain savepoints. Try Trainz Pro Routes site for great routes.

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Good morning;
Today is my first visit to this forum, and I was prompted by some of the screenshots of some diesels done by RealSquash; posted over in the MSTS forum. I know Kelley ("ACE"), and am familaiar with his work as well. I don't like to use the term "coming over to your side", but rather; "the best of both worlds"; or "having your cake and eating eat too"; etc.-etc.
So, like Kelly; you may be seeing me here more often too. Ron K of Rockford

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Welcome aboard.
AXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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Tried the new demoI love the sounds and the rocking motion of the trainzI am still not "sold" on purchasing it !!Not to mention I saw it up here in Canada for freakin 70 bucks !!WOW Expensive much ??LaterTim Kent

"Power for You"

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Maybe Trainz should be referred to as "Train$"

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I have both MSTS and Trainz. Each is different, each is good. I like the really long routes in MSTS and the Weather that can be configured. I also like the "looped" Layouts you can make in Trainz. Bob (Bobo88) made a small Layout and you can run 6 Trainz on it at the same time. Jumping from one to the other and controlling as you wish. If you are in the Mood you can put them all on Auto-Pilot and just watch them run! I have downloaded and installed many add-ons in both Sims. The Trainz Layout Creator, Surveyor, is quite simple to use. You can go "wild" if you so desire. There are a number of 3rd Party Add-Ons to simplify the obtaining of Assets.
Sad to say for the gentleman who ordered UTC the Paint Shed Program does not work properly in DX9 yet. Any add-ons you have will display properly but you will not be able to Create until their Patch comes out. Soon (tm). Auran is working on the problem. They are extremely responsive to User Input. There "Top Brass" even browses the Forums and answers questions.
Summing up IMO each has its "nitch" and when I tire of running one I run the other
Gary

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Tim, Is that Micheal Sweet with the guitar. Sweet somebody anywho. Yellow and Black Attack.RegardsAXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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>Tim,
>
>Is that Micheal Sweet with the guitar. Sweet somebody
>anywho.
>
>Yellow and Black Attack.
>
>Regards
>
>AXE Yup sure is.I was a HUGE Stryper fan in the 80's / early 90's. I am recently getting back into them. Dream Theater has totally been my main musical influences since 91, but Stryoer is probably second on my favorite bands of all timeBUTNo one beats Stryper in the vocal harmony department. The band I play in has just started playing " Always there for You " and I gotta tell you, it could be some of the hardest harmonies 5 of us have ever had to do !!We have a female singer, so Micheal Sweet is pretty easy for her to sing !!LaterTim Kent

"Power for You"

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Going off topic here I have a couple of Stryper Albums, on CD and vinyl. I loved there Against the Law album, even though that was a change in direction for them. I also have many artists in the same vein. Like Barren Cross, Bloodgood, Deliverence, Torniquet, etc.... However it has been a long time since I have bought anything new.
I caught the movie ROCK STAR with Mark Warberg in it recently, and I was reminded of the Skidrow/stryper sound. I enjoyed the film as well. Anyway back on topic….. Trains, Trains, Trains…..Regards
AXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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Quote:
"The only thing is there is not a
lot of steam but what there is is very good."There are many excellent Steam Engines for Trainz. Here 2 of Franz Schaupp's creations in the Swiss Alps Note the open Doors on the consist on the left. Can be opened and closed by the Driver. Also an animated fireman who shovels coal into the Boiler...
Gary

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Hi, I'm a new member to this forum also...I bought MSTS when it first came out; I thought it was a great simulator, and it ran well on my older system (PII-300MHz).Recently, I saw that Ultimate Trainz came out, and I downloaded the demo. I was very impressed with the detailed scenery objects and the layout editor. It's all very cool.The one thing that Trainz seems to be missing that MSTS has is...shadows! I think the MSTS "stock" scenery objects are not up to par with the Trainz objects (and the editor is much better, too) but the MSTS screenshots seem to have some real "depth" to them because of the shadows. UTC has some very impressive layouts, but I haven't seen any shadows from light-casting objects, like headlights, streetlights, or even the sun. Am I missing something? Maybe it's there, but I haven't found the correct way to turn them on in the demo. Without shadows, the Trainz layouts looks kind of "toy-like" to me.I could be wrong. Please let me know what you think. Regards,
K

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There is a option to turn shadows on or off before you start Trainz, ( maybe not in the demo )and trainz looks so much better with them inabled, but I think Auran need to work on the shadows, there is room for improvment there. The good thing about Auran is that they often listen to it's users wants or needs. Just look at the progress from Trainz 1.1 to UTC. Alot of the extra features were from requests by people like you or me. However looking over mountians in the early light, or early evening shows you the depth the light shows over the land. It is truley spectacular. I will post some shots tonight.RegardsAXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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Ok here is a shot of a Santa fa Dash 9 on the Tephachapi route. Can you see the shadow ? RegardsAXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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About the dimness of Trainz--I have found that if you use only the add on bits you can put them into photoshop or the equivalent and just brighten them up. You can also change the System names quite easily. I changed mine from D&RGW to Southen Pacific Lines with only a small amount of time-I will ty to get a couple of screen shots of my route and I think you will like the briteness of it. Even the ground tiles can be brightened up.

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For news on "Raildriver" controls check this thread over at the Auran fourms. http://www.auran.com/trainz/forum/default.htm
Good news for the fanz.RegardsAXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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