Let's NOT start this over and over again....
NOTE.... SNIPS due to thread size limits....but the links show the FULL posts by N3V staff.
In a recently closed thread, N3V has said:
http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showpost.php?p=591108&postcount=144
Hi All
In regards to 'support' for the versions of Trainz, this must include the DLS. Mainly because older versions of Trainz include older code for downloading/DLS access. As we will be dropping all other support for these editions in September, any changes we make to the DLS after this point would not necessarily work with the older editions of Trainz, and as such no updates would be made available. This would cause the editions to no longer have DLS access, even though the DLS is supposed to still support them. As such, we would need to either continue support for all editions until the production of Trainz ended, or fully drop all support for these editions.
....snip...As part of this, and so as to work to improve the uploads system further, we will also be stopping uploads for older editions of Trainz (namely, you will only be able to upload for the oldest support version). This will allow us to remove the error checking settings for the old editions of Trainz (and hence will reduce the number of variations that need to be checked for if we make an update). This also means that the error checking used in Trainz will be closer to that used on the DLS, hence making it easier for content creators to ensure that their content is error free. As we do make improvements to the error checking, the error checking in TRS2004 is not close to that on the DLS, nor is the error checking in TRS2006. The DLS will pick up the same errors as in TRS2006, however it will also pick up on other errors as well (for example a missing texture is an error, and is now shown as such).
For those requesting a separate DLS for older editions, this is also costly as it would likely require a separate server. Or, at a minimum, extra code (and hence a fair bit of work), which is also costly due to the time required. As such, this server would not be a free server, since it would be operated only for editions of Trainz that are no longer supported (and would no longer be available for sale in the majority of stores, and will not be available from our store).
However, the main issue, as described above, is the issue of having to support the old editions of Trainz in any future updates to the DLS. To support them does mean that we would need to refrain from
any updates/changes that
may prevent CMP/TDH etc from accessing the DLS.
...snip...
The above is a description of some of the reasons for the removal of older editions from support.
On a good note, however, we are working on the issues with downloading for those older versions, if they have not already been sorted (it may take 24 hours for any fixes to fully take effect). This should include TRS2004 as well.
Thank you
__________________
Zec Murphy
Customer Support Rep
Auran Games
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and
http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showpost.php?p=595578&postcount=337
Hi All
As per my previous post, to maintain support for the older editions on the DLS is not as simple as not blocking them.
http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showp...&postcount=144
....snip....
As such, anyone who is using an unsupported edition may have direct (TDH, CMP, etc) access blocked after the End of Support date.
Quote:
Q: Can I still access the Download Station from within Trainz, Trainz Helper, or
Content Manager after the end-of-support date? A: Access to our servers from an unsupported product is not guaranteed, regardless of your level of Download Station access. You may need to download the content separately and then manually move it into the unsupported Trainz installation.
However, if you do either have an active FCT or a newer edition of Trainz in your profile, you will have access through other means (either via FTP downloads, or by downloading using the newer edition, then manually transferring it to the unsupported edition of Trainz). Of course, the access methods for unsupported editions of Trainz will change, either to the above, or to other methods in future. This is because we may change the DLS in future, which can cause problems with these older editions. We may, or may not, immediately terminate direct DLS access for unsupported editions, however we will not support their direct access if they do not connect after this time.
.....snip....For content already on the DLS, as has been said, we do not have any plans to actively remove content at this time. Our current policy is to only remove content that does not meet the Terms and Conditions for uploads, or breaks the COC. We may, in future, look at removing content, in particular content that is 'faulty' in Trainz. However, we do not plan to do so at this time. We also do not wish to break other items on the DLS that might require any items removed, and as such it is not an action that would be taken lightly.
In regards to FCT's, we do not promise new items with them. They are purely for access to the DLS without the download limits (100M/day, slower speed, possibility of server full messages, etc). This ability will not be removed, and at this stage, you will still have access to the thousands of items available for TRS2006 and older. Some items may still be removed, as per the above paragraph, however this is currently no our policy. By requiring a FCT to access the legacy content, you will be helping to offset the cost of continuing to host this legacy content, which does cost money to host, since it does require space on the server. And it is not free for us to do this, nor to provide the downloads.
....snip...Thank you
__________________
Zec Murphy
Customer Support Rep
Auran Games
...................................
and
http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showpost.php?p=597453&postcount=383
Hi All
In regards to content creation, the basic content (e.g. a house made for TRS2004) can still be done. It doesn't require fancy features.
However, by changing the build number from 2.8 (or lower) to 2.9, these basic items will actually start using some of the automated system, which help to improve performance. Granted, objects using the GMax exporters (or TRS2004 era 3DSMax exporters) will not be able to take full advantage of this, however they will still see an improvement in performance. And, as a plus, you can start using new functions if you so choose (e.g. if you made an object that had different versions for each season, then you can now make it in one object).
Effectively, your model itself doesn't need to change. Apart from ensuring that there are no errors in the model (as a note, if your model is shown as 'faulty' in 2010, then fixing it would likely provide better performance in all editions, depending on the asset), you do not need to do anything different. In fact, the situation with TS2009/TS2010 content creation is really no different to TRS2004 content creation. You have the 'hardcore' creators (those who enjoy trying every new feature possible, or try to make their content look like 'professional' content), and then you have the 'hobbyist' creators who just want to create simple/basic models. This is a
very simplistic view, since most people fall somewhere between. However, TS2009 does still cater for the 'hobbyist'.
...snip...However, to recap my original point. You do not need to do anything different in your content. The main difference is the slight changes in config formatting, and that by setting a 2.9+ build number, you will see some advantages in performance on most basic (non animated scenery object mainly) objects
Zec
__________________
Zec Murphy
Customer Support Rep
Auran Games
................................
You can interpret the N3V comments as you wish. N3V has stated over and over what they intend will happen.
If you are unable to grasp what N3V has said, then continue to believe all the posts made that are NOT generated by N3V.
Have a good day,
Any help on clarifying this matter would be greatly appreciated!