Help with addons/mods for some DTG routes

[usafvmi08]

Hey all,

This is my first post. I've tried a search and haven't been able to find any info about this...

I want to modify my NJT North Shore ALP-45's horn and bell with the mod that's on this webpage but there's no way to go into the asset itself to modify it because DTG has seemingly packed the entire route and its assets into one file (I can't remember what kind it is) that I can't open. Same goes for some of the other routes (Either Stephens or Marias Pass...can't remember which)

Any help with this would be appreciated because I'm tired of listening to some of the awful/half @$$ed sounds that DTG uses.

Thanks!

[buzz456]

it's in a .ap file. It is a compressed file used to save disk space. You can unpack it with 7zip and then you will have all the usual files for your manipulation. After you make your mods you don't need to put it back into the .ap as TS reads the files outside the .ap and then if there are none identical in name it will look at the compressed files.

[usafvmi08]

HAH. Wow...so the issue I was having was viewing the .ap file in the directory. Did a little research and ta-da...I can get into it. Changed the .ap to .zip and it worked like a champ! Time to do some work!

[Ericmopar]

Buzz is correct and I would like to add, that a person doesn't need to unpack the entire .ap folder, you can unpack just the folder and file tree that you need for a mod. That keeps the Train Simulator install smaller than unpacking entire .ap folders.

I wish those of us that know this could get the word out. In too many train sim forums I browse in, people are telling others how to unpack then repack it together, which is not necessary or desirable.
When you keep mods in an "External" folder structure, all you need to do to remove a bad mod, is delete the external folders. Then whatever is in the .ap will act as a backup.

[usafvmi08]

Little slow on my reply however another issue has arose...

I followed the directions verbatim and now the horn and bell flat out don't work at all...

[buzz456]

I suggest you ask the person that uploaded it.

[RickOsh]

Buzz is correct and I would like to add, that a person doesn't need to unpack the entire .ap folder, you can unpack just the folder and file tree that you need for a mod. That keeps the Train Simulator install smaller than unpacking entire .ap folders.

I wish those of us that know this could get the word out. In too many train sim forums I browse in, people are telling others how to unpack then repack it together, which is not necessary or desirable.
When you keep mods in an "External" folder structure, all you need to do to remove a bad mod, is delete the external folders. Then whatever is in the .ap will act as a backup.

You have a good point but one can always rename the original .ap to an .ap.Original after unpacking for a backup the make the mod and repack. Especially if you have limited space on your gaming HD or SSD. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. It's always a good practice to back up the entire Assets folder to an external storage medium periodically.
As I said in another post "I extracted DonnerPassAssets.ap dated 06/05/2014 @ 1,306,789 KB and created DonnerPassAssets.zip with normal compression @ 611,184 KB
and renamed the .zip extension to .ap

A test of the route in Train Simulator 2016 was a complete success including no reduction in frame rates."

P.S. Do not use enhanced compression (a .zipx file) It will white out the scenery.

[Ericmopar]

Buzz is correct and I would like to add, that a person doesn't need to unpack the entire .ap folder, you can unpack just the folder and file tree that you need for a mod. That keeps the Train Simulator install smaller than unpacking entire .ap folders.

I wish those of us that know this could get the word out. In too many train sim forums I browse in, people are telling others how to unpack then repack it together, which is not necessary or desirable.
When you keep mods in an "External" folder structure, all you need to do to remove a bad mod, is delete the external folders. Then whatever is in the .ap will act as a backup.

You have a good point but one can always rename the original .ap to an .ap.Original after unpacking for a backup the make the mod and repack. Especially if you have limited space on your gaming HD or SSD. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. It's always a good practice to back up the entire Assets folder to an external storage medium periodically.
As I said in another post "I extracted DonnerPassAssets.ap dated 06/05/2014 @ 1,306,789 KB and created DonnerPassAssets.zip with normal compression @ 611,184 KB
and renamed the .zip extension to .ap

A test of the route in Train Simulator 2016 was a complete success including no reduction in frame rates."

P.S. Do not use enhanced compression (a .zipx file) It will white out the scenery.

The way you're doing it, is more drive space intensive than the way people like Buzz and I do it and less trouble.
In most cases mods are just bin files of only a few KB, so leaving the .ap alone and putting the few kilobytes of mods in external folders is easier and uses less space.

Also the .ap files are not compressed as some believe. the uncompressed (a better term is opened up) and .ap versions are very close in size on the disc.

[usafvmi08]

Thanks everyone. I PMed the developer. Will advise!