Newbie Request for Clarity & Guidance

[CaseyJones814]

Hi, I am brand new to digital computer trains, have been playing TS2010EE for a month now and have just ordered TS2012 to be delivered air mail from OZ (3 weeks). Needless to say I am instantly besotted (age 49 married with 4) and will probably buy everything available, however, for total beginners there seems to be either too much assumed knowledge of how to get everything up to date (patchwise) and no sign of any "idiot's/beginners' guide/walk thru" steps of upgrading and downloading what is available either from Auran or the Community.

Some Qs

Q1. Can I also download TS2012 for free using my invoice number?
Q2. Where do I find patches, if any, for TS2010?
Q3. I tried downloading some community based free stuff but could not work out what was happening, or how it was supposed to happen.

Please give me some clues. My private email is

Thanks

Simon

 

[shaneturner12]

Firstly, I would advise removing your email address from your post - this part of the forums is public, and spammers can harvest email addresses if they are on posts (if people need to contact you there is a private message system)

Secondly, if you have bought a boxed copy, you are not usually able to get a downloadable copy as well.

Thirdly, to be able to advise on patching, we will need your build number (which is at the bottom right of the Launcher screen, which is the first screen that appears after double-clicking the shortcut)

In terms of the community-based content, there are several ways of getting that, and it depends on how familliar you are with downloading from the Internet on which method to use.

Anyway, welcome to Trainz - you will probably find yourself hooked once you have the basics sorted (and yes, the community here are usually able to help with any problems including me)

Shane

 

[Tanvaras]

\

Some Qs

Q1. Can I also download TS2012 for free using my invoice number?
Q2. Where do I find patches, if any, for TS2010?
Q3. I tried downloading some community based free stuff but could not work out what was happening, or how it was supposed to happen.

Please give me some clues.

Thanks

Simon

Welcome to the forums and Trainz Simon I would recommend removing your email address from the posting as spammer bots etc look for such things.

A1 - Not that I know of if you bought the boxed version. If it was a digital download then yes you can anytime by checking your invoices on your profile.

A2 - There are links to Trainz patches in Aurans Announcements in the forums - Top Forum section. Link - http://forums.auran.com/trainz/forumdisplay.php?f=2

A3 - I take it you are either using Trainz 2010 or 2012. Content manager can download items from the DownLoad Service (DLS) or you can use it to
Import CDP/Import Content from File option in Content managers menu bar. (For content from other sources or from older versions of Trainz etc.)

If you have any more questions etc, don't hesitate to ask away on the forums, they are a great bunch of people which are always happy to assist.

Cheers

Trent

 

[BLACKWATCH]

Hi, I am brand new to digital computer trains, have been playing TS2010EE for a month now and have just ordered TS2012 to be delivered air mail from OZ (3 weeks).
Some Qs

Q1. Can I also download TS2012 for free using my invoice number?
Q2. Where do I find patches, if any, for TS2010?
Q3. I tried downloading some community based free stuff but could not work out what was happening, or how it was supposed to happen.

Please give me some clues. My private email is

Thanks

Simon

Q1, Obviously (though the others don't seem to comprehend your statement) you have bought the boxed copy, so no, you cannot download the digital version.

Q2, As 'Tanvaras' has posted .... http://forums.auran.com/trainz/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Q3, As 'Tanvaras' has posted, although you are using 2010 at the moment, TS12 uses the same methods.

 

[shaneturner12]

I have a feeling that the OP did not phrase the question correctly (Q1), although I did state that if it's a boxed copy that is ordered, you cannot also have a downloadable copy.

If the OP posts their build number for TS2010, someone can point them towards the correct patch.

Shane

 

[dnevans8]

Tanvaras

Welcome to the forums and Trainz Simon I would recommend removing your email address from the posting as spammer bots etc look for such things.
Cheers

Trent

Trent

You tell the OP to remove his e-mail address from his post which he did, however, you quote it in your reply. I think you should clip the address from your reply.

 

[CaseyJones814]

Still frustrated

Thanks to the miracle of teenage sons I have now found and upgraded TS2010 to the latest build ...88.

I am disappointed that one cannot download AND get a boxed "back-up" of TS2012 without having to pay twice. What is the logic behind this? I have bought both.

Also, I have a first class ticket and the max download speed I have seen is 141kb a second. It is taking HOURS to download TS2012. I have checked my settings (all good), first class ticket activated and my provider (20MB/S) and done a speed test (18.4MB/s) so I suspect the problem is at your end.

Not only that but there are no download instructions, just an email with 6 links - do I have to work the rest out for myself?

 

[BigThing]

When buying trainz, you have 2 choices, you can either get the digital download version and have it there and then, or if you have a slow connection or prefer that new game smell then you can wait for delivery.

As for downloading TS12 you should download each of the files...

setup-1a.bin
setup-1b.bin
setup-2a.bin
setup-2b.bin
setup.exe

Once they are downloaded (the first 4 are 1.5GB each and so even with a FCT will take a while to download) make sure that they are in the same file and run the setup.exe file. This will then take you through the setup process like you would if you were installing from a disk. (except it will be faster because it down't need to pull the date from the disk) Just follow the instructions until finished. Then when you first open TS12 it will do a database repair, you must leave it be until it finishes (even if it does not look like it is doing anything). This is in fact the game building the very database of assets that you will use. Once that is completed, the game should launch and whala!

As for patching, just download the patch and run the file. (i believe that you may already be at SP1 as you downloaded after the release, if you check in the bottom corner of the launcher you will see a build number if you check that number with the name of the patch, if that number is the same as the lower number in the patch name, you need to install, if it is the same as the higher number, you do not.) Press start and leave it be. Even if it looks like it isn't doing anything.

As for downloading more content, you can use the content manager or the browser to search and the content manager is the download tool. I find the browser easier so I will tell you about this. at the top of this page there is a link to the download station, click it and you will go straight to it. Here you can choose any asset to download (i would advise you tick the TRS2004 box if you are searching for specifics as there is a lot of content for that). Once you have found the asset you want, click the download button and the content manager will open, on the left hand side will be your download list, here you will see everything that has not been fully downloaded. Add as much as you wish to the list and when you are finished just click start and the process will begin. Default settings are that assets automatically commit after being downloaded so all you have to do once it has finished is launch trains, sit back and enjoy your new content!

I hope this clears things up as it took about 20mins to type ,

BigThing

 

[CaseyJones814]

now nuts

Dear BigThing,

Thanks, I have now made several attempts, the fastest consistent speed I have seen is 160 odd. This means that the down loads now time out after an hour. This is driving me nuts. So far I have spent 5 hours trying to dwonload this game.

Your intsructions are clear - except that in the email there are 6 download links and none of them are labeled as you have helpfully done - number 5, which is called 191650 is for Set Up 3a.

Why are the standard email downloading insturctions neither clear nor logical nor helpful? Why are my download speeds so slow? (there is no one else in the house on any IT). And why do I also have an email with a single link to download Trainz12 which, when followed, gives me an "invalid download, error occurred" message?

And why, if I bought a version that will takes 3 weeks to get to UK by tea clipper, do I not get a freedownload - as with other games - how hard can it be?

And....why, when I am logged in to the site, do I need to log in separately again for the forum?

This is turning into a roling shambles

 

[BigThing]

With trainz 12 being released just a few weeks ago, the servers will currently be under a lot of stress with people downloading the game and also with the recent release, SP1 too. This could explain the slow speeds that you are experiencing. Besides, lets face it, the auran servers aren't really the most powerful in the world.

My instructions were for downloading were directions via the website, if you go to profile, order history, and click on the invoice number you will see the download links there.

"Why are the standard email downloading insturctions neither clear nor logical nor helpful?"

If they are just links then they would assume that you would understand how to download the files.

"Why are my download speeds so slow?"

The speeds are purely governed by the servers and the amount of access available at the time, as explained above they may be busy right now.

"And why do I also have an email with a single link to download Trainz12 which, when followed, gives me an "invalid download, error occurred" message?"

It may just be a broken link, an easy mistake for them to make, if you follow my instructions you should be able to download the files no problem.

"And why, if I bought a version that will takes 3 weeks to get to UK by tea clipper, do I not get a freedownload - as with other games - how hard can it be?"

I am not aware of this being available with any other games, it may be for some but i am pretty sure that it is not standard practice. The long wait would be the delay in customs, every item heading internationally gets stopped and checked in customs for illegal items.

"And....why, when I am logged in to the site, do I need to log in separately again for the forum?"

I am not sure, it may be just an issue with the coding, if you save your password for both of the settings then you will never have to login again.

"This is turning into a roling shambles"

Not really, no offence but i think that you are being quite ignorant and very impatient, If you were not so impatient then you would not have had to buy the game twice.

 

[Engioc]

Just to backup that answer I'd ask what games you believe offer both a DVD and download version? because in over 30 years of gaming I've not ever seen a game offering both for the same price, and I've played games on many different platforms from Commodore 64s, to PS1/PS2, to PC's. Many games these days offer you the choice of a digital download version, or a DVD boxed version, but they are not sold together, you buy one or the other depending on how fast you want your game and how you like to store your game for the future.

I'm not sure why anybody would bother to buy a product twice either, if you were buying a lawn mower and it hadn't been delivered yet would you race down to the store and buy a second one? You may complain its taking too long but you'd still wait for it to arrive or cancel the order, not simply buy it again.

In future you'll be glad you have a hard copy on DVD for those times when Microsoft, Adobe or someone else updates and newer versions screw your PC up needing a complete format and rebuild.

 

[CaseyJones814]

Dear Both, for an example in your 30 years of getting a free download with a surface mail order see Gary Grigsby's War in the East (WITE) - Matrx Games, released earlier this year. Consider yourself, Engioc, enlightened.

As for being "ignorant"....

I have tried following the instructions for trouble shooting and it says:

"If you are having troubles [sic] downloading from our FTP server via a web page, please try installing a FTP client."

What is an FTP client? And how does one install one?

the note gives FTP addresses but does not say, in easy speak (for us ignoramii) ,step by step, HOW to do it.

But don't worry I will Google it and find out how to do it myself.

Frankly, there is too much assumed knowledge from your "expert" end, and now there is too much defensiveness becuase you won't admit the instructions are shoddy - they are shoddy. And yes I am getting a tad impatient - this is taking DAYS, and is UNACCEPTABLE.

And then, just to add a small stab you decide to start insulting me - really.

I have tried again and again at all times of the day and speeds vary from 900Bytes (yes Bytes - I actually laughed at this) to 250KB - still not fast enough to beat the timeout. Thus far I have managed to download parts 1a (which is called 191644 - obviously) and 3a (secretly called 191650 in the link)

What would be easier, for future purchasers, and the generally ignorant, would be for the links to be labelled 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b etc etc. or, 1 thru 6. And an sentence that says, please click these links in turn to download parts 1 thru 6 and the set up. Save them to your computer. When complete click the set up downloaded file and follow the instuctions.
(you will find an example at Martrix Games Steel Panthers).

tell you what - why don't you have a go at it? or better still get someone over the age of 45, failry familiar with computers, to have a go. I would love to watch the progress.

 

[Deano5]

Hello Simon and welcome to our stressful world of Trainz.
I would just like to point out to you that the people here trying to help you are just the game players and not connected to Auran/N3V in any way, we do not write the programs or design the web sites.
However there is a tab at the top of this site marked "Helpdesk", try there if you wish to contact the game producers for more assistance.
Good luck and I hope you have fun when your finally settled down to a session run. :wave:

 

[CaseyJones814]

Hi Deano,

Thanks for making this clear. Actually what is interesting is that the instructions found going via Profile and Order History (how does soemone new find this out?) do have the Download Links labeled logically. One wonders why this is different to (and better than) the muddle of labelling and emails recieved with the e-order.

I am 1 hour into what might be a success downloading part 2a, with speeds reaching 315Mb initially. This has dwindled to around 150Mb so we are back to 2 more hours to wait - I was almost giddy with success at one stage.

What does disappoint is that one pays extra for a first class ticket, and expects to encounter few problems downloading a 7Gb+ game - only to hear from a vet that the auran servers are not very good at the best of times (and this contrary to the lavish praise in the FCT sales blurb).

If the servers are not up to 1.46Gb chunks (I would say "at peak periods here" but I have been trying for days at all times) then they should be upgraded or the e-download removed.

None of my 3 late teen sons, who are all computer savvy, either know what a FTP client is nor how to set one up - I will ask the helpdesk for simple instructions.

Very best

Simon

 

[Deano5]

Hi Simon, a FTP is a File Transfer Protocol, better explained here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTP
It is a way we can download a single item from the Download Station (DLS) with out using the download helper software within Trainz.
I notice you did not mention a third party download helper with your Trainz12 purchase, from what I have read, it is a highly recommended piece of software to use in this very large download as it prevents broken/corrupted file transfers.
Get one from WWW.download.com .:wave:

 

[Hot_Box_Detector]

You have a private message

Casey:
go to the top of this page, look to the left and find "user cp" click on that then, on the left look down for; private messages > list all messages. Click that and you should see it...

 

[Engioc]

Dear Both, for an example in your 30 years of getting a free download with a surface mail order see Gary Grigsby's War in the East (WITE) - Matrx Games, released earlier this year. Consider yourself, Engioc, enlightened.

Well then they are indeed one of the very few companies to provide you with both a DVD and download version, I gather they're a rather small company desperate to do anything to get more customers, two for the price of one. Having said that one could argue Auran need that same attitude since they're not exactly the biggest most successful game company either.

Can I ask you one thing though, why would you want both? I mean why does one need two copies of exactly the same thing? Are you really so impatient you cant wait for the mailed one to be delivered? If you are then just buy the download version and forget the DVD, burn it on your own DVD.

**Edit
Just to be fair I've checked out the game you mentioned. The site I checked it seems most if not all their games are offered as a download only, and a DVD+free download versions but it could hardly be said this is normal in the gaming industry. To be honest I'm not surprised, smaller companies like these are bound to try anything to get some more customers, I mean without wanting to be rude to any of the developers of these games the are hardly mainstream (as I said I'm willing to accept Auran and Trainz is also not mainstream). However you wont find the likes of EA, Ubi, 2k, Microsoft etc offering DVD+download, Auran/Nv3 are simply following the industry standard which is you buy one or the other, not both. I have nothing against any of these games and I've played many strategy games myself and I appreciate games for a lot more than just graphics but I can still see the reasons why they offer this kind of deal, but I also wont blame Auran for following the industry standard.