A new year, same old same old

martinvk

since 10 Aug 2002
It may be 2017 but it seems some of the recent threads and posts have not caught up with the calendar. There are still plenty of "I want it now, nothing works, they are not listening, etc." being posted. I thought that this side of the sales counter was a hobby, something to do to pass the time. From some of the messages, you'd think that it was a major world crisis that it wasn't perfect from day one. I don't know how Tony and Company can read some of the posts and not chuck it all for something easier like world peace.

As for me, I've had more than 14 years of fun. True there were some frustrating moments but nothing to get all worked up about. The fact that it has out lasted several generations of my computers speaks volumes for it's value as a product that delivers fun and enjoyment like no other. Like all products, you get out what you put in to it. It took time to learn how things worked, how to build a route, how to create simple objects, etc. Thanks to the many helpful people on these forums, I learned many of those techniques. No instant gratification. When the TotR program was still running, I joined and had a ball demonstrating the program to the publicat various shows. Meeting some other trainz enthusiasts was a bonus. When the call went out to help with developing new versions, I also joined, even if I'm not as technically able as some others, just by participating with the development helped me to understand how it all really works, what is possible, etc. All these experiences have helped to increase my enjoyment of Trainz. I'm sure that if I had simply sat back waiting for everything to fall into my lap, I would have given up a long time ago.

Oh, and Happy New Year too. :)
 
Agreed but: I think a lot has to do how N3V market their Trainz products. Especially TANE. It is marketed (at least you get that ideas from watching the video's) as an easy to get into program with thousands and thousands of pieces of content. While this is true this world is not as accessible as Nv3 make it seem in their video. Because before you can build that 'railroad of your dreams' you have to go through a learning curve that is thougher than you think at first. For example the learning curve for taming Content Manager in its various versions is steep.

What does not help is that the deep functions of the program like scripting etc are not documented well and only the "superusers" seem to know about it. Couple that with a forum search engine that is not THAT good and you are in for a long adventure.

Not complaining here because if you figure something out for yourself you get more enjoyment from the program. But it would help if the documentation included all aspects of the program including the driver commands and setting up scripted scenarios ETC. Because a lot is actually possible with Trainz and also with the older versions. It would also help if the Trainz wiki is expanded with more clear explanations.

While they have provided for now are for years are the essential tools (the Trainz program itself, the DLS and the DLC). And it would also help if they warn that you have to get a really powerful rig to be able to get TANE running. If expectations run to high you get complains.:)
 
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