Site available for non-supported routes

[HiBaller]

My Site is available for non-supported routes

I have been reading all the various threads concerning the loss of uploading capabilities for the non-supported version of Trainz. To this end, I have created a very simple site that can host routes for the unsupported versions.

The site (http://trainzroutez.info) is available right now and holds three dummy placeholders that show what can be done for each route. Note that I say ROUTES only. Content other than routes can be a huge problem with storage and filing.

If you're interested, send be an email (hiballer AT sbcglobal DOT net) or a PM here on the forum. My ISP can handle files of up to 10mb but no bigger so if your route is larger than that use a hosting site and pass me the link.

You can also enclose screen shots if you wish. I will probably resize them so that they will sit in a 2x2 matrix. If you enclose a little bio of yourself I'll include that. Be sure to also give me a very brief route type (UK countryside, US 1890's, seashore, industry, etc) and a longer description for your route. To publicize it, all you have to do is give a link to it's web page.

I will host the route CDP file (please, CDP's ONLY!) on my site and provide a link to it on your own web page with the pictures and description.

Bill

 

[zatovisualworks]

Well done, Bill!

Hope this new possibility -added to the ones available since a long time ago, don't forget that- helps trainzers lose fear of offering/downloading routes (or else) from different locations (and not necessarily the DS).

The only feature that a route hosting place needs is a good service for finding dependencies (i.e., IBTZ provenly has one as many international trainzers could bear out).

Some well-known route-session builders who boasted in the past of using only DS assets have had to admit reluctantly that very fine assets are located outside the DS and useworthy.

Give a good after-hosting service and people won't notice the difference between downloading from the DS and a third party.

Words written by a (former?) convinced supporter of the DS. Yes, it's me.

The Third Party side of Alberte :wave:

 

[HiBaller]

Well, for a start, mine will be pretty bare bones. I'm still getting used to creating web pages (and it shows) so at first it won't be fancy. If the route authors want, I can include an AUTHOR SUPPLIED list of where to find KUIDs on the same page as the route link. Not a problem.

Bill

 

[stouthm]

Bill, I may be taking you up on your offer. I'm in the process of updating Leeferr's "Sherwood Mtn RR". By the time I get it finished I'm sure I will not be able to upload it on Auran's site. I'm running 06. I will keep you in mind. Thanks for the offer.

 

[Johnk]

The Trainz Resources Directory (TRD) was about to offer this service some time back, but when I learned about TPR I decided to withdraw the offer. I'm not sure how TPR would handle a massive influx of new material because the site seems to be hand coded. The TRD on the other hand is database driven and can handle thousands of items with little effort.

The TRD is also aligned with the yet to be opened Trainz Community web site and when it does throw open the doors it will be a massive resource, far greater than the TRD which will eventually be absorbed.

My recommendation is this:

1. Use TPR first, because it's established and people do go to the site.
2. Avoid starting a new web site to host routes because you just thin out the iron filings on the magnet.
3. If you don't like TPR, consider the Trainz Resources Directory because it, combined with the Trainz Community web site will be massive resource and have a lot of punch.

John

 

[robogo]

HiBaller, your effort is to be commended. Thank You.

 

[amigacooke]

1. If you don't like TPR, consider the Trainz Resources Directory because it, combined with the Trainz Community web site will be massive resource and have a lot of punch.

John

I agree that a single resource for non-DLS material would be best, perhaps with others mirroring that resource. However, with people being people ...

 

[HiBaller]

@John:

I agree, in part, with what you say, but there are arguments for diversity also - not the least of which is site downtime, database breakdown, and the like.

Being hand coded isn't a crime. As long as the site functions correctly, what's the harm? MY site is hand coded as I am just now learning web site design. I expect that my site will probably go through several changes for improvement as I learn more.

Meaning NO disrespect at all, the sites, TRD and TPR are very 'busy' with all sorts of attention getting devices and choices. TPR's use of the table format for route information is a good one because of the addition of statistics for the route but even that can be duplicated fairly easily.

No matter how many route-storage sites we have, it all boils down to a link where someone can get the route they're looking for.

Bill

 

[HiBaller]

Hosting a new route now for Betsy662. A nice, single-board route. Details here:

http://narrowgaugetrainz.com/route_1.html

Bill

 

[HiBaller]

Although not strictly a route, I have added a page with three of my programs: two for Trainz, and a utility that is handy if you have more than one computer on a UPS.

The track adjustment tool (TRKAdjust) allows mass movement up or down of all vertices on a selected track. TrainZwapper (also for TRS2004) is a tool for creating as many 'world' folders as you need; for development, or keeping routes separate and swapping them in or out of the simulator. It is also extremely good for keeping content from one route away from a different route. If you're like me, I hate to plow through content not meant, or necessary, for a given route just to find content for the route I'm working on.

The power utility allows a graceful shutdown on the "other" computers connected to the UPS that the 'host' computer is connected to using USB. If you lose A/C power, then this is sensed by the 'other' computers and they are issued an orderly Shutdown command also.

Link to programs: http://narrowgaugetrainz.com/progsavailable.html

And, of course, there are the three routes (so far) that I'm hosting.

Bill