rolling stock we're lacking?

[johnwhelan]

While I agree that we do have fewer content creators, at least ones that are active on the forums, there are probably many that make models for themselves and only themselves and never publish them. We have to remember that Trainz grew out of sharing content and the larger community that has created a large portion of has retired, or moved on either off to different things, or sadly moved off this mortal coil.

We also have a generational thing. The younger generations aren't looking so much for specialized equipment. They are looking for whatever they see outside their windows or along the trackside on a daily or frequent basis.

Herein lies the problem. The issue isn't so much that there's a lack of rolling stock and there are plenty of new pieces being added including unique ones from various parts of the world. The issue is people get stuck in a rut or follow the latest trends. We can see this with many of the fabulous payware locomotives by RRMods and Joint Rail, for example. There are so many GEVO and EMD Tier 4 locomotives.

I agree, it would be nice for content creators to update or create new old equipment but honestly, I don't see this happening any time soon.

As a non-creator, I appreciate the hard work done by the modelers and if they are selling DLC they want to maximize their market and focus on something that sells the most.

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There is an issue with DLC or payware in general first you can't reskin it and I'd say more than half the content on the DLS is reskinned and the second part is often on the freeware side a model can combine bits from different content creators, I don't see this happening on the payware side although payware has its place.

I'd like to see more content on the DLS, a lot of European assets for example are on individual web sites and as the creators fade away the content is no longer available.

To be honest I'm still very happy with a skipper1945's loco. It may not have pbr but it does the job on a branch line.

Cheerio John

 

[JCitron]

There is an issue with DLC or payware in general first you can't reskin it and I'd say more than half the content on the DLS is reskinned and the second part is often on the freeware side a model can combine bits from different content creators, I don't see this happening on the payware side although payware has its place.

I'd like to see more content on the DLS, a lot of European assets for example are on individual web sites and as the creators fade away the content is no longer available.

To be honest I'm still very happy with a skipper1945's loco. It may not have pbr but it does the job on a branch line.

Cheerio John

I agree. The inability to reskin DLC, even for our own use, has changed a lot from how Trainz used to be. When the DLC was locked down, including the built-in routes, I noticed a general missing feeling in the community. It's too bad that it came to that, thanks to pirates.

Yes, so much really great content is spread all over and then the time comes and the site goes down for various reasons and it's gone for good.

I still Skipper1945's locos myself. They fit right in and still look fine to me as well. The issue is perception because they're old, they're considered no good by the new generation due to lacking the latest and greatest features including PBR textures. I have many assets like that on my routes and I've gone looking for replacements and still go back to the original because I can't find anything that fits the bill as they say.

 

[martinvk]

It seems that everyone's favorite era, company, etc. is not represented enough or at all. The list of just the potential companies is so long that an army of creators would have to work non-stop just to get a few from each into Trainz, and then there is the variety issue. It's not enough to have a representative engine in Trainz but also every variation and livery too.

I have to agree with John

While I agree that we do have fewer content creators, at least ones that are active on the forums, there are probably many that make models for themselves and only themselves and never publish them.

Guilty as charged. There was a time when I would upload every new guide or other item to the DLS. And then some time ago, things changed. many things changed, the technical requirements became more exacting, making each new object more a labor than love. The modelling software became more demanding. I grew up with GMax, since it was a give-away included in my Trainz discs, and was eventually able to bang out what I needed in a minimum of fuss and effort.
Case in point. My new route needs some narrow gauge track with a built-in embankment underneath to cover large uneven areas. Took one of my previous procedural tracks, made a few modifications and additions and voila, in a few hours had a new track. Now that is just me. I'm lucky to have a knack for making the things I need. I stay away from engines and most other rolling stock. Tried a few times and they barely look like what they are supposed to be.

All this to say that, yes there is a dearth of stuff from areas in the world we personally care about. Unless Trainz becames a multi mega corporation that could create or commission all of those things, I doubt it will every be done. The few dedicated creators will just have to continue nibbling away at the fringes of wish lists and we just have to be thankful for what they produce and share and not make a big fuss that our favorite thing is still missing.

 

[Vern]

As a non-creator, I appreciate the hard work done by the modelers and if they are selling DLC they want to maximize their market and focus on something that sells the most.

Same here. No one wants to come across as a gimmie pig. The situation wouldn't be so bad if the older serviceable items didn't become obsolete or faulty due to removal of dependencies, usually due to service violations. Even worse, when like some of the LUL Underground assets which were deemed to have violated the terms still appear in the list to download from the DLS!

 

[JCitron]

Same here. No one wants to come across as a gimmie pig. The situation wouldn't be so bad if the older serviceable items didn't become obsolete or faulty due to removal of dependencies, usually due to service violations. Even worse, when like some of the LUL Underground assets which were deemed to have violated the terms still appear in the list to download from the DLS!

Yes! There are many things I've sought out to find they are missing a critical component and not something that could be substituted such as a whistle or an engine sound.

 

[martinvk]

Same here. No one wants to come across as a gimmie pig. ...

Yes, it's a fine line that's easy to cross. When you can't find a specific item and discover it hasn't been made, how to ask for it to be made without becoming a gimme pig? Unfortunately, the gentle tone of politeness is not easy to discern in written text and not everyone is adept in using and interpreting emojis.

 

[johnwhelan]

Yes, it's a fine line that's easy to cross. When you can't find a specific item and discover it hasn't been made, how to ask for it to be made without becoming a gimme pig? Unfortunately, the gentle tone of politeness is not easy to discern in written text and not everyone is adept in using and interpreting emojis.

The other problem from the other side is finding inspiration to make something new, especially with plans and photos. This is not an invitation to ask for new locos etc.

Cheerio John