UKTrainSim Freeware Project Free Packs

[Dan]

This topic appeared at TS and I thought I would flag it up here.

http://www.trainsim.com/vbts/showthread ... ost1697926

I agree with Jim Friedland's comment about trying to produce similar North American packs (if possible). It would certainly help.

The person who organized the project posted the following:

Just to confirm. So far almost all the content is UK related but I am very keen to expand on this idea. If the US community wants to create some US packs then I would be more than happy to help organise this.

In terms of hosting the packs. I know many people don't have the premium membership needed to get quick downloads from UKTS and end up having to queue for a long time to get the free downloads (although it is a bargain so I encourage you to invest the £3 needed for 1 month unlimited downloads - the funds raised help keep the file library up and running!).

However, the good news is that the packs will shortly be hosted on alternative community web sites where there is no download speed limit. If trainsim.com would like to host the packs then please could one of the admins get in touch with me. The contact info is available here:
http://www.uktrainsim.com/FreewarePacks/?p=Contact

So... in summary. If the US train sim community would like to create some packs of there own just get in touch. I would be happy to help although it would need volunteers to help with the administration of the US packs. The UK ones took a lot of work and with mainland European packs in the pipeline as well I am not sure I can take on putting together the US packs by my self. Look forward to hearing from you.

Perhaps the packs could be hosted here if Hawk and Jim are happy with that?

[Hawk]

If he wanted to host the pack(s) here, that's fine with me.

[kevarc]

I did that with MSTS. I fixed the physics, name line, and then repackaged them. Make sure you have EACH modeler's & skinner's ok before you do

[Dan]

Since it's being hosted by TSUK I'd assume that they have all the permissions sorted out.

http://www.uktrainsim.com/FreewarePacks/?p=

[nobkins]

Since it's being hosted by TSUK I'd assume that they have all the permissions sorted out.

Hi Jim here (admin of the UKTS Freeware Packs). Just wanted to confirm that yes the permissions are all "sorted out" and everyone who donates content to the packs is made fully aware of what they are agreeing to :)

[SMMDigital]

If someone wants to do this for North American assets, i'll throw in my catalog at SMMDigital.net plus any non-route specific assets that i'm making for the Atlanta North District. My suggestion for this would be to create an independent site , so no claims of partiallity could be made, and take donations to cover hosting fees - please no fees or download throttling. I know a guy who I think provides web hosting services (most of you know him too).

[Hawk]

I contacted Jim (nobkins) about hosting the UK stuff here at RWA back on Aug. 25. His reply on the same date was that RWA was being considered for permission, but have not heard back since.
I also mentioned an interest in doing a US version.

[Toripony]

I agree with the suggestions made here and also would like to contribute some things. One question that came up in conversation about this is who decides what will/will not be included in the package? Will there be some sort of guidelines or judging or "everything including the kitchen sink and backyard grill" approach?

[Hawk]

Maybe this thread over at UKTS will help.

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 7&t=115900

[SMMDigital]

I may have spoken to soon. I just read the guide to asset creation for the Freeware Packs. Most of the stuff is doable. But its going to be a major PIA to get the directory structure that they want for the packs. Unless theres a better way to do it with RW_Tools, I will have to re-source, re-blueprint, and re-export each asset i've created. Also to mention since models created with 3DCanvas 8.xx have a bad habit of clipping (disappearing when you look around the corner), I will also have to re-mod the Radius settings in the Geo files. Dagnabbit!

I'll keep this in mind though, if this is the way the USA packs are going to be created, with future assets to be made.

[nobkins]

Sorry to post on a dormant thread.

Just wanted to say that it was only me who checked, adjusted and edited every single donation in the current selection of UKTS Freeware Packs.

It does not take that long once you know what you are doing.

I did over (and I am still adding more content) over 900 items of scenery, rolling stock etc.

It is a chore but the result is a very easy and useful pack for the whole community. If someone is willing to take on board organising the US RW community then I will help as much as I can with the other stuff (creating the pack, helping edit the files etc).

It's up to the US community to make it happen though

Hope you decide to give it a go.

Jim

[Hawk]

UKTS Terrain Texture pack and the UK DMU's/Emu's/Trams pack have both been updated.

http://railworksamerica.com/FileLibrary ... warePacks/

[harryadkins]

I wish the US community had something similar. It would make scenario writing much easier.