Downloading - Dazed and Confused

[westbaybob]

Hi everyone,

Although I've owned TRS2004 for sometime I've never downloaded anything because it looks very complicated. I'm not stupid but it's always seemed a lot to take on.

Thought I would have a go and installed SP4 to current build 2365 - version 2.4. to bring it up to date. I have tried to download a scenario and got as far as the install screen but when started it all just disappears and nowt happens.

My problem is whether to use download helper or not. It says install DH if you do not have SP2 installed. I have only installed SP4 - does this automatically cover all aspects of SP2 or do I need to install it as well?

Thanks

Bob

 

[lander]

Installing SP4 should be all you need to do. It covers all the aspects of the other Service Packs. Downloading is not all that complicated and will add so many interesting things to your Trainz program. Hope this helps.

 

[lander]

By the way, using download helper allows the download to include the dependant asset list (a list of other things needed by that particular item).

 

[nawlins]

Hi Bob, sometimes Trainz just doesn't download with Download Helper. I don't think anyone knows why.
I have TRS2004 and it wont download.(Nor '06 or TC3).
But don't worry, there is a FREE third party downloader that works every time. Trainz Downloader Pro at
http://www.gaurc.us/?p=82

Create a folder in your PC called 'Download cdps' or something. Set up TDP to download to that folder.
After downloading, double click the cdps and Trainz will install them. If you want, you can then move the cdps to an archive folder for safe keeping.

Give it a try, if you don't like it, you can always uninstall it.

Another thing is that you can also download free '04 stuff from Trainz Pro Routes (TPR) at
http://www.railserve.com/jump/jump.cgi?ID=18734

They don't have the selection that the DLS has but it's good stuff which is also on the DLS.

Cheers

 

[john259]

This is a very good introductory guide to downloading with TRS2004.

The section in that document about us is somewhat dated but we're still going. With us, everything you need is downloaded from our server so as to make the process as painless as possible. If you decide to give us a try and run into any problems, you can ask for help on our forum.

John

 

[westbaybob]

Downloading - Dazed and Confused.

Thanks for the advice, guys, much appreciated, plenty of ideas to work on. Nothing like a helping hand to keep you going.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[stagecoach]

With 04 you just go to the download station and select the item you want and click add to cart. A new window opens with your download selection, keep adding until you are ready to down load. DLH will open and scan your folders to see what you already have, then it will start to download. All assets are put into place automaticaly and you have a choice to save the CDP file to another location for any future need. This can be found by opening your auran/2004/bin folder and clicking on tainzhelper. Make sure you have entered your kuid in the edit kuid file and your username and password entered in the configure trainz option on the start up screen.

 

[westbaybob]

Still up shxt creek without a paddle!

I downloaded Trainz Downloader Pro, it loaded ok but not a hint of any instructions on how to use it, so I had a go anyway. Whilst scrolling through 'Scenarios', it seemed to want to load the one at the top of each page all the time, no way of selecting the one I wanted. In the end I just chose the one it listed anyway, it took about 29 minutes downloading files then it all went blank - I've hunted for them but can't see them anywhere. Are there instructions on how to use TDP anywhere? I tried the link on 'help' to their website but it just hangs.

Have also tried to download from the download station, have entered my user name and password in the config menu of launcher, chose 'firstclass.auran.com' as the address and '21' for the port in the download box but all I get is 'can't connect to Auran server, check your settings etc.
The only thing is where to enter my FTP user name and password, it's registered but do I have to enter it anywhere else?

I've been sat here all day doing this and am just off to the doc to see if I have DVT. :'(

 

[AnalogOldguy]

Hello Westbaybob,

The only two cents I can throw in here... Are you using Internet Explorer when you are trying to download from the Download Station?

Myself, being a Firefox user, have found that Internet Explorer is the one that works best for this, why I do not know.

You should not have to enter your password, user name, or anything else every time.

I can also tell you also that certain times of the day affect my using the Download Helper. Mornings and the middle of the day, it doesn't work well, so I use the download by FTP. Of course, then you have to open the .cdp's up one at a time, by hand!

It seems (for my time zone) around 6:30 in the afternoon, and into the evening, the faucet opens up, and it works very well. Best of luck! Bob P.

 

[westbaybob]

Hiya, AnalogOldguy,

Funny you should mention IE and Firefox. I always use Firefox but noticed when you try to download it always reverts to IE, I presume that's what Auran prefer. May IE on top of Firefox is causing a problem, I'll try again using IE.

You say if using download by FTP then you have to open up the .cdp's one at a time by hand - well this is something else I didn't know. I've read loads but never come across that piece of info before. Not in one single place can I find a decent and comprehensive download troubleshooter. Maybe I'm just thick.

Also, it recommends to turn of the anti-virus and firewall before downloading, but this makes me nervous, is it a good idea?

Cheers,

Bob

 

[AnalogOldguy]

Hi again Westbaybob,

I can tell you personally. the Downloader Helper does not work for me with Firefox. Using IE, things are right.

When I find that the Download Helper is not working, I do things by the FTP.

First of all, it's good to make a folder somewhere for your Trainz downloads.

Then go to the black Download Station screen, find something you like.. click where it says "Download page" not "Download". Then at the download page, click Download via FTP.... not Download.

Then you will get a pop up asking if you want to save it. I always aim it at the folder I have made for my Trainz 2004 stuff. Then when the download is finished, it asks if you want to Open it. Yes you do.

This opens up the Content Dispatcher (if you are using 2004). Then you click Extract and that puts it into Trainz. All done. For me, this works best for Routes, not little items. Then when you go into Trainz, you go into Surveyor, and the route is there to have locos put into it!

This is the way I choose to do it, there must be different ways!!! Hang in there! Bob P.

 

[john259]

Also, it recommends to turn of the anti-virus and firewall before downloading, but this makes me nervous, is it a good idea?

No, it's definitely not a good idea. Personally I would avoid any program which gives such advice, as it could well be an Internet scam or written by someone with inadequate technical knowledge.

John

 

[westbaybob]

Thanks to the help received I've followed the instructions and downloaded the kuids for BR Class 47 Sector Construction (283805-47004) Before opening them I removed the world\cache\dispatcher.chump file which I had read about in another post.

I opened them one at a time using Download Page / Direct FTP link, ticking and downloading each box one at a time, they seemed to extract OK till I came to the last seven. Each one gave a message 'unable to find required user nametag in package.' When opened no details appeared in the extractor. I opened the rest to see what would happen, I opened Trainz - the loco appeared briefly in surveyor then vanished when I clicked on it.

I entered the key words from the message into Trainz search engine which came up with the answer 'no results' which is a bit scary, surely I can't be the first person ever to get this message?

I have also read if you are downloading a reskin then the original unpainted loco should be downloaded as well. All the BR Class 47s listed are reskins so I'm stumped there as well. :'(

Kiind regards

Bob

 

[johnwhelan]

If its a simple reskin you don't need the original loco.

Cheerio John

 

[john259]

If they're reskins, might they need PaintShed?

John

 

[nawlins]

If the reskin is of a Paintshed created model then you do need the original Auran Paintshed asset.

My private owner Class 50 (on the DLS) was created with paintshed in TRS2004 and it works great in all flavors of Trainz, including TS2009, but you have to drag the Auran Paintshed loco along when you install it. That's not hard to do.

Cheers

 

[AnalogOldguy]

I opened them one at a time using Download Page / Direct FTP link, ticking and downloading each box one at a time, they seemed to extract OK till I came to the last seven. Each one gave a message 'unable to find required user nametag in package.' When opened no details appeared in the extractor. I opened the rest to see what would happen, I opened Trainz - the loco appeared briefly in surveyor then vanished when I clicked on it.
Bob

Hello again Westbaybob,

Don't forget to start using the "Download with Download Helper" also whenever possible. The key is to try to find a time of day on the Auran Website when it works, otherwise it can actually lock up and stop responding.

For instance, last night I downloaded an MK1 passenger car that had about 15 parts to it (Using Download Helper)! And the darned passenger car worked beautifully! The Download Helper method automatically downloads all the parts all by itself. You just click "Download with Download Helper"it should work.

And don't forget you can also use the "Add to Cart" method somebody also mentioned here. I had a few BR Class 47 locos that put up an error for a long time, but they did work. Eventually I found a solution (I don't remember exactly how)!! There is a program called Trainz Objectz (free, or give a donation) that will show any missing parts and give the Kuid numbers. I have found some missing numbers using that ...

I have also seen that message about "unable to find the nametag". (mostly on Layouts). I don't fully understand it, sometimes the item works and sometimes not.

My philosophy on stuff that doesn't work is to just keep it (like that BR Class 47 you are talking about) until someday you eventually figure out what the problem is... And meanwhile, try to find some other Class 47's that work with no problems!

You can also "edit" the config file of the Locomotive using the regular Windows notepad (it is only a simple text file). You have to know what you are doing, but it is not rocket science!

Well, I hope you find many good items without "problems"! Bob P.

Actually, last night I downloaded a beautiful BR ScotRail MK2f BSO by peterdhicks. (which took about a half an hour on dial-up)!

 

[westbaybob]

Many thanks to everone that helped me on this, your input greatly appreciated. I have finally got my little grey cells to figure out the process and have downloaded several lovely loco's.

Thanks again,

Bob