Making Tracks Discussion

Although my a/v doesn't 'like' the files (I do!! ), I incorrectly stated that they reported them as being 'malicious' which is not correct. They actually claim them to be "suspicious" , which is entirely different, apologies.

Hello World!

Well it is time to make some important announcements.
Firstly, I would like to welcome to the team Geoff Rowlands (mrmosky) as an additional 3D modeler and 3D cabview creator.
As you may be aware Geoff has been creating 3D cabviews, in particular the 3D cab that was released with my 37/4 class pack.
Geoff will be helping out working on the unreleased Making Tracks projects.

Secondly, the next pack for release is ready:



The Class 150s.

Due to a server issue on my end these are being released through the TSSH download site, which means they are already up and ready for downloading with no waiting times or speed limits!

You can find them, as well as the other MT addons and many others, here: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Regards,
Justin

And Coming out now is the 6th release:



The British Shunters Collection.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Justin

And Coming out now is the 7th release:



Petroleum Sector Class 31s with TTA and TEA tank wagons

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Justin

And Coming out now is the 8th release:



The Class 220/221/222 Voyagers pack.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Just a quick heads up, as there will be a slight break until the next releases.

Regards,
Justin

And Coming out now is the 9th release:



The Class 156 pack.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Just a quick reminder, as there will be a slight break until the next releases.

And thank you to all those who have been supporting this project.

Regards,
Justin

I just want to thank everyone concerned with bringing these MT stock packs to the community.

I have some MT routes in my set-up, and they seem to have been ahead of their time in terms of both stock and scenery.  Great Eastern is still one of my favourites.

Once again  -  thanks

Martin

Just to second that last post,terrific job

MS302 wrote:Just to second that last post,terrific job

And me!
I am currently running Great Eastern also my favourite Route.
Thanks Justin.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just a quick little surprise for everyone:



Regards,
Justin

. . and very nice too!

Just another tease:



Happy New Year Everyone!

Justin

And Coming out now is the 10th release:



The HST 125 pack.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

This pack contains the previously released MakingTracks liveries as well as some new liveries created by myself.

Liveries included in this pack are:

• Arriva Cross Country
  
• Original BR Livery
  
• First Great Western (Barbie Purple)
  
• First Great Western (Barbie White)
  
• First Great Western (Fag Packet)
  
• First Great Western (Merlin)
  
• First Great Western (Dynamic Lines)
  
• GNER White Logo (Blue Doors) *
  
• GNER Gold Logo (Blue Doors)
  
• GNER Gold Logo (Mallard rebuild)
  
• GNER Gold Logo (New Lights - Mallard rebuild)
  
• Grand Central (all black)
  
• GWR *
  
• Intercity Executive
  
• Intercity Swallow
  
• LNER *
  
• LNER Blue Grey Heritage Set *
  
• Midland Main Line (Original)
  
• Midland Main Line (New)
  
• NEXC (exGNER)
  
• NEXC
  
• Virgin (West Coast)
  
• Virgin De-Branded (West Coast)
  
• Virgin Trains EastCoast *
  

Liveries marked * are created by myself.

Regards,
Justin

Justin
Many thanks for this latest upload of exMT rolling stock, and how apposite bearing in mind that the HST's are now up in Scotland.
I've already had a brief explore with the classic Blue-Gray livery, and of course when the the Class 254 version started on the ECML I was still working in the North East.

And Coming out now is the 11th release:



The First Great Western Class 57 pack.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Regards,
Justin

Hi Alec,

I'm glad that you like it!
I was trying to get things done before the majority of the 125s were taken out of service, but held myself up doing the liveries.

Regards,
Justin

If anyone is interested,I have produced sounds for the 57/6 locos using freeware 645 sound files available at Trainsim.com.I have used the Class 66 horns,but of course you can substitute the 47 version if desired.

A Big thanks to Dave and any others involved at MT. When "the other site" went all RW/RS/TS20XX I'm afraid it sent me over to TS.com where my passion for Railroads was still well supported by a fairly strong MSTS and very enthusiastic OR crowd. LOADS of familiar UK "refugees" on the forum there too. Delighted to find the MSTS widescreen patch because some of my old UK stuff just didn't run well in OR and life's too short at my age to be modifying hundreds of physics files.

So obviously I was delighted to find that since my last visit here in 2018 there is still a fair amount of UK activity and as a former MT customer I was delighted to see Dave's generous gesture in making all his packs free.

I never persevered with RW. Bought it, installed it and even bought a few early US add-ons but somehow, even with all the eye-candy it seemed lacking to me. I didn't like the lack of freeware back then. NOT because I object to paying but because a surf of any of the MSTS freeware libraries will show that some of the most interesting and detailed stuff available was made with a love and timescale that no price could repay? I also hated STEAM ...and, rightly or wrongly, still do.

Obviously the latest UK routes are great but the current "state of the art" US routes are really worth a look. At long last the smaller fan base for Steam traction is getting a look in on ts.com. Obviously that makes for much more interesting routes, traffic and activities. I can well understand why many UK rail fans think US railroading is just a bunch of superpowered loco's hauling mile and a half long container trains over single track routes with the only AI being the odd train in a passing loop... A whole lot of US content is just that ....and it's about as interesting as watching paint dry. The "Transition Era" 1945-1965ish is however a whole lot more interesting both in stock, traffic and routes.

I know a few of you already frequent the forums there but if you haven't done give it a look over.

Thanks for the downloads. I've still got LSE and GE routes as mini routes so I've not ditched the UK altogether

Geoff

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for the positive feed back!
I know from time to time things do go quiet on this forum but I do suggest keeping a closer eye on the forum now as we are rolling out the exMT stock.

Speaking of which...

Regards,
Justin

And Coming out now is the 12th release:



The Virgin Tains Class 47 pack.

This pack contains the following engines:



This pack also contains the Virgin Trains and Intercity Mk2 coaches that were originally released to accompany these engines.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

Regards,
Justin

Has anyone had issues with the MT Class 153/155 pack (as downloaded from UKTS) throwing up errors when starting MSTS?

I mention this because after installing them the other day, on going to use the RGE this morning, I had to click through about 20 "error reading train database" (for Line 287) messages before the Editors front page would appear. It's not a huge issue yet as most of my route building is done in TSRE, but if this extends to other MT add-ons it becomes a case of 100 or more, it will be.

Any thoughts?

Hi Vern,
May I suggest that you don't have the Bin Patch installed?

Line 287 is "Unit ( 5 )" which is invalid for default MSTS but is accepted in ORTS and MSTS with Bin patch.

Cheers,
Ged

All worked fine for me.

That (BIN) would explain it as I also had a similar issue with the Class 120's.

Never been a huge fan of BIN as I'm sure at one time it interfered with the Editor functions and much of what it did is superseded by ORTS anyway.

Looks like I will have to install it then, for my sanity!

Edit:
…except it won't install. Gets to the start screen, click okay and aborts... hey ho.

Hi Vern,
You don't say what message is given when "it aborts", but the v1.4 Web update (available from Steam4Me) MUST be applied to MSTS before the Bin Patch can be installed.

Bottom of this page : https://msts.steam4me.net/MSTS_Updates/index.html By default, this installs into the original C:\Program Files\ location - it MUST be redirected to your MSTS root folder.
If you've already installed v1.2, you won't need the Class 50 or SD40-2 add-ons.

Cheers,
Ged

MSTS has always been upgraded to 1.4 plus all the other teaks and tips whenever I re-install it, Ged. Anyway I'll try again tomorrow and if still having issues start a separate thread, rather than clog this one up.

Edit: I downloaded the latest stable version rather than the beta release. First attempt failed, but when Windows prompted me to use compatibility settings, it worked. Editor suite now loads without any eng or wag error messages.

All is well!

Hi Guys,

It has been mentioned that if you check the latest upload (the Virgin Trains Class 47 pack) with Route Riter that it reports an error with the c57fans.sd and Dirver_Joe.sd files. It has been discovered that the files are not in Unicode format. However, this does not cause any issues with either MSTS or OR.

I have decided to go ahead and patch the offending files by re-saving them as Unicode format.
I have uploaded to the TSSH file hosting site the amended v1.1 files as well as a patch update for anyone who has the previous version so that you don’t need to redownload everything.

These files do not enhance or change the engines in anyway, so if you don’t use Route Riter for checking, or if you are just uncomfortable with applying the patch (which is a self-installer which will automatically put the files into the right location for you), then you d not need to use the patch.

Regards,
Justin

How do I get the driver to show in the model ?

The driver is a OpenRails only feature for now.
He should automatically be there when the engines load.

Regards,
Justin

Hi Guys,

It has been mentioned that the previously mentioned fault with Route Riter (that it reports an error with the c57fans.sd and Dirver_Joe.sd files) is also applicable to the previously released FGW 57 Class pack.

I have decided to go ahead and patch the offending files by re-saving them as Unicode format.
I have uploaded to the TSSH file hosting site the amended v1.1 files for the 57s as well as a patch update for the 57s for anyone who has the previous version so that you don’t need to redownload everything.

These files do not enhance or change the engines in anyway, so if you don’t use Route Riter for checking, or if you are just uncomfortable with applying the patch (which is a self-installer which will automatically put the files into the right location for you), then you d not need to use the patch.

Regards,
Justin

Hello all.

Still glad to see the amazing MT stock still being uploaded and updated so well done to all those working on it.

I have a question reguarding a different piece of rolling stock.
Do we know if the class 165/166 from uktrainsim https://www.uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php?form_fileid=20514 is part of the MT stock passed over?

Any thoughts??

Hi cgood124,
How about a name, friend?

Although the 165/166 set you mentioned was created by members who also created stock for Making Tracks they were never available from MT.

Cheers,
Ged

Hi cgood124,

I have to agree with Ged on this one.

But that doesn’t mean at some point in the future someone will make an updated version.
But don’t look at me for it for a few years as I have my hands full at the moment with the MT projects, and unfortunately my main computer just decided that it didn’t like its version of Windows 10 anymore and completely spat its dummy.
I have installed an older version of Windows 10 to get it up and running to back up the data from its main hard drive, but it needs to be on a newer version of 10 to properly operate.

Hopefully I can get this sorted out within 2 weeks as I am working full time at 38hrs/week, and my commute is 2hrs/day meaning I have very little free time save for my days off.

I still have my laptop working, so I can do a limited amount of MSTS work, but simulator testing and model work is out until everything is back up and running again.

Regards,
Justin

Hi All,

Just to update the updates…
It has been revealed that the 57 3d cabview .sd files have the same coding problem.
This has now been corrected and the files updated again to v1.1a.
Ged has kindly pointed out that the 3d 57 cabview is also present in the 47 collection, this has been removed, there are no other changes to these files.

Regards,
Justin

Greetings.

Thats fair enough in reguards to the class 165 and 166, I only mention these ones as the Wessex team are in the final parts of sorting out a route which these units do run on at present.

More info in due course.

Oh and my name is Craig

Hi Craig,
The only Class 165/166s I can find released were in EuropeanBahn's Great Western add-on but I doubt permission would be obtainable to do any reskins!

On the other hand, going though the ex-MT files passed over by Dave Babb, I found just one Class 165.  I don't know how close it is to being usable - it appears to use the freeware Class 465 cabview from UKTS and the RailWaves Class 150 sounds (as used with the MT Class 150s), although they may just have been 'placeholders'.



Cheers,
Ged

Hmm that is interesting, maybe this the same model as uploaded to ukts, of which is using the FGW livery

Hi Craig,
Almost certainly, they are the same model, shape-wise, but the main texture of that from UKTS is 2048x2048 whereas that from the ex-MT files is 1024x1024. All except one of the other textures match, size-wise, but one or two are in DXT1 format. Please don't ask me to explain the difference, because I don't know!!

Cheers,
Ged

Hi All,

Dave Babb in 2002 released a Class 165 in NSE Livery ( UKTS 732 ). I agree with Dave's comments in his description but as there aren't any others in the NSE Livery I continue to use it. With it I use the Class 168 cabview which is very similar to the real Class 165.

Regards,

Stephen

I've been diving back into the old Making Tracks LSE route and wondered if there were any plans to give some of the stock from that a makeover? In particular the various "Thumper" DEMU's which were always very iconic (to me) and characterised the non-electrified secondary lines over many years. The main issue probably being the Driving Trailer cars do not have working cabs, so it isn't possible to Ctrl-E in Open Rails. Otherwise, for stock release ~2004 they have held up quite well, particularly the sounds which give the Armstrong Powerhouse Class 205 for DTG TS a good run for its money.

I was also pondering what Making Tracks policy would be on using some of their assets from the route in a freeware project, given the original is effectively out of production and can generally only be picked up secondhand off Ebay or whatever supply UKTS have left. If that's taboo to mention then forget I, erm, mentioned it but apart from the Bexhill branch buildings there's not much SR stuff on UKTS or anywhere else for that matter. (Ironically Trainz has a huge amount of Southern Region based buildings, but no Thumpers other than the Class 203.).

Hi Vern,

The Thumper project files do exist in the collection of inherited projects, I am not 100% sure on the sounds though.
I will have to verify the state of the files on my main computer before saying how complete they are.

At this stage I am trying to get various things back together personally so they wouldn't be on my list for a few years yet.
BUT! If any one would like to pick up this project please get in touch!

Unfortunately,none of the scenery or routes have passed over to us for release.
Technically, our little team is being viewed as a continuation of Making Tracks (though a non commercial version) so the Brand is still in existence and Dave still has the final say in this project. He is allowing all the rolling stock that he specifically had a hand in to be released, but the routes were a group effort and are not part of the release agreement.

Regards,
Justin

Thanks Justin. It certainly would be nice to see re-mastered Thumpers at some stage.

Point taken about the routes. The Oxted Lines in particular could do with a makeover as the terrain is essentially flat and little to nothing where the towns, villages or even field patterns should be. Hence my thoughts about doing an abstracted route - South Croydon or Oxted to East Grinstead and Uckfield. Unfortunately unlike the other sims, MSTS (OR) does not readily lend itself to simply referencing items from other routes, so the end user has to be a bona fide owner to run the new freeware. You have to bundle the items via the Shape and Texture folders. The manual is actually fairly specific in that regard. Guess I could try approaching Contact Sales, see what their stance is.

Sorry to post again, but the old Class 33 from the same pack could do with a bit of an OR update. Trying to work the Tonbridge to London Bridge parcel train activity, you cannot keep the train brakes released. Presumably this is the old vacuum/air brake mixture in the consist which OR throws a hissy fit at. (Similar issue referenced in a post from 2018 with the RailAir rescue activity).

Vern,

Can you please tell me the folder names of the "Thumpers" that you mentioned a few posts earlier. If it's a question of getting a working cab in the Driving Trailers, I can have a look at that (and co-ordinate with Justin if I get something that is ready for release. )

Regards,

Bob.

Just put a cabview and controls statements into the files in question,just like making a driveable engine from an AI.Re enhancing the route,I would be surprised if many people do not have it,still around on ebay etc,so if some kind soul would do an enhancement,I cannot see a problem.

MS302 wrote:Just put a cabview and controls statements into the files in question,just like making a driveable engine from an AI.

I suspect it's not quite that straight-forward.  If the Driving Trailers are .wag files you can't just drop in the cabview lines.  You have to first change it to an .eng file and then add the cabview.  Then you have to adjust the power settings of the front .eng and the back .eng (under the MSTS peculiar way of combining power of two powered units) so that you get the correct performance out of the consist going either way.

(In case you're wondering whether I know what I'm talking about, I went through the same procedure on the push-pull consists for SCE when it was being developed at Making Tracks.)

Bob.

(The reason I asked about the folder names is because, not being UK-based, I have no idea which ones are the "Thumpers".)

I'll put a list up tomorrow, Bob. As a rough guide it's the Class 201/202/203, Class 205 and Class 207 unit types. (Don't think a Class 206 tadpole was included).

Edit:

Folders (I can see) are:
MT_DB_Blue_CL201
MT_DB_Blue_CL205
MT_DB_Blue_CL207
MT_DB_BlueGrey_CL201
MT_DB_BlueGrey_CL205
MT_DB_BlueGrey_CL207
MT_DB_Green_Cl207

With reference to the Class 201 there were 6 car versions that included a TFK. The units included in MT's LSE route, etc. didn't have this having a TC instead, but I understood there was one somewhere in the MT system? In addition they were only painted in Blue and Blue-Grey livery. Back in 2010 - I think - I did a repaint in BR Green and even posted a screenshot, which of course I had to immediately withdraw for all the obvious reasons. If the TFK was available and if my repaint in BR Green was acceptable, perhaps somebody could upgrade the Engine file and a combined effort might generate an upload?

And Coming out now is the 13th release:



The BREL Class 90 pack.

Available now through the TSSH Download site: https://tsshonline.weebly.com/

This pack contains all 50 members of the class as well as a few of the special liveried versions.

Regards,
Justin

Justin, thank you for the latest upload.

For those who might be interested I have agreed to work on the ex MT Thumper Project, and it's proving to be an exciting challenge. This has come at a time when being of a mature age "Lock Down" means minimal time out of the house. The aim is to produce new models of the Class 201, Class 205 and Class 207. From the Class 201 it should be possible to develop Classes 202 and 203. In the very first days of TOPS the two car version of Class 205 was given the code Class 204 but these were eventually reclassified within Class 205. Class 204 was then used for a hybrid DEMU comprising two car Class 205 sets with 2EPB DTS as intermediate coaches. Class 206 was of course popularly known as "Tadpoles" and comprised a DMBS and TS from Class 201 together with a DTS from an ex 2EPB EMU - these were later used in the Class 204.

This work is in a very early stage of development and is unlikely to see the light of day for some time.