What does blueprints.pak do, after all?!
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 9:43 amI’ve heard that’s a list of provider's folders' files to speed up loading/resuming a scenario. Well, another day during one hour long I did an extensive test using, and not using, cache files and noted down:
1) If it speeds scenario loading is not more than 10-20% faster compared to when the cache doesn’t exist yet. If this is the unique reason, IMHO isn’t worth compared to the problems the cache files use to cause to users.
2) Once created, cache files are not regenerated, ie refreshed with any new file(s) added to game, so that’s the reason why RSC recommends to clear cache every time you are starting TS2012, to avoid problems (out of caution).
And here starts the problems I having been seen every day on forums.
Every time you add a new single file to the game (of any asset or route) you should refresh the cache, otherwise you may have problems (not always, it depends of sort of object). Also is valid when creating blueprints files or even when scenario’s writer adds a scenery object in a new bin title file. A dramatic and very exemplificative case:
1) I deleted an engine file, started TS2012 and tried to load a scenario using that engine. The cache was created not holding the name of engine file.
2) Tried to load the scenario 3 times and, of course, it failed.
3) Whilst still in game (I just exited the failed scenario) I added the engine file to its folder and tried to load the scenario 3 times, it failed in all attempts.
4) Then, whilst still in game, I cleared game’s cache (using my batch file for this, no need to exit and restart TS2012) and loaded the scenario, now successfully. This is why the new cache was holding now (because was recreated) the name of engine file.
Bottom line:
1) You don’t need to clear cache: if you didn’t add any file to the game since last time you played the game; or if you are sure that the new assets added will not be used by a scenario you are going to play.
2) You have to clear (update or refresh) cache if you added a new file that will be used in the scenario you want to play.
Very bottom line (no news at all): Do clear cache every time you start TS2012, or you added new files into the game. And if you want to save time (that's a new tip) you can clear whilst in game but only before loading a scenario (not while playing the scenario).
At my side (personal choice, by my own risk, because I’m often adding new files into the game) I have found another useful and wonderful trick, this Steam’s preload setting command(*):
(*) On Steam | Library | Installed Games list (to the left of screen) | right click on Train Simulator 2012 | left click Properties | General tab | Set launch options (for advanced users only! stated by Steam on the screen!)
No more cache files are created, therefore I never more had any problem since I started to use the setting a couple weeks ago. Remarking: it’s my personal choice, I’m just sharing what I found, which is working flawlessly to me, due to the way I play the the game, ie most of time creating new files (usually blueprint files) to be used on scenarios.
Cheers,
Doc.
1) If it speeds scenario loading is not more than 10-20% faster compared to when the cache doesn’t exist yet. If this is the unique reason, IMHO isn’t worth compared to the problems the cache files use to cause to users.
2) Once created, cache files are not regenerated, ie refreshed with any new file(s) added to game, so that’s the reason why RSC recommends to clear cache every time you are starting TS2012, to avoid problems (out of caution).
And here starts the problems I having been seen every day on forums.
Every time you add a new single file to the game (of any asset or route) you should refresh the cache, otherwise you may have problems (not always, it depends of sort of object). Also is valid when creating blueprints files or even when scenario’s writer adds a scenery object in a new bin title file. A dramatic and very exemplificative case:
1) I deleted an engine file, started TS2012 and tried to load a scenario using that engine. The cache was created not holding the name of engine file.
2) Tried to load the scenario 3 times and, of course, it failed.
3) Whilst still in game (I just exited the failed scenario) I added the engine file to its folder and tried to load the scenario 3 times, it failed in all attempts.
4) Then, whilst still in game, I cleared game’s cache (using my batch file for this, no need to exit and restart TS2012) and loaded the scenario, now successfully. This is why the new cache was holding now (because was recreated) the name of engine file.
Bottom line:
1) You don’t need to clear cache: if you didn’t add any file to the game since last time you played the game; or if you are sure that the new assets added will not be used by a scenario you are going to play.
2) You have to clear (update or refresh) cache if you added a new file that will be used in the scenario you want to play.
Very bottom line (no news at all): Do clear cache every time you start TS2012, or you added new files into the game. And if you want to save time (that's a new tip) you can clear whilst in game but only before loading a scenario (not while playing the scenario).
At my side (personal choice, by my own risk, because I’m often adding new files into the game) I have found another useful and wonderful trick, this Steam’s preload setting command(*):
- Code: Select all
-DontUseBlueprintCache
(*) On Steam | Library | Installed Games list (to the left of screen) | right click on Train Simulator 2012 | left click Properties | General tab | Set launch options (for advanced users only! stated by Steam on the screen!)
No more cache files are created, therefore I never more had any problem since I started to use the setting a couple weeks ago. Remarking: it’s my personal choice, I’m just sharing what I found, which is working flawlessly to me, due to the way I play the the game, ie most of time creating new files (usually blueprint files) to be used on scenarios.
Cheers,
Doc.
Another success story 
here's the link: 