Installing add-ons for TS2012

[wbhumphries]

I am a noob to TS2012, I used MSTS for several years until leaving it back in 2005 when the VR I was a member of closed up shop. This week, I ended up purchasing TS2012 w/HC expansion and immediately added the NEC/Acela/Genesis expansion. My question here is probably simple, but I am here scratching my head.

I purchased the above mentioned products via Steam, but there are many freeware/donationware add-ons I am wanting to add. Okay, here comes the stupid part, how do I implement the downloads into the Steam version of TS2012? I realize it must be a very simple, almost "plug and play" process, but I want to be sure. Back in the MSTS days, I would fuss and cuss when I spent hours downloading routes and equipment and once I installed via directions, it wasn't there.

Now I am not an idiot when it comes to DL/Installing of products, I just want to be 100% educated and informed when it comes to adding routes, scenery, equipment, etc. to TS2012. From my experiences with MSFS over the years and operating a VA, I always found that the add-ons for Flight Sim were always more user friendly and almost "idiot proof" when it came to installing. It seems with Steam, it may be just a little difficult to perform these additional installations.

Thanks in advance for your assistance, and please, don't laugh too hard at me and my apparent idiocy!

[johnmckenzie]

You have PM!

[Hawk]

You have PM!

Now if other new people to RW have the same question, your private reply isn't going to help them much.

[johnmckenzie]

You are absolutely right. Sorry.

Here's my PM-

Hi there

Most non-Steam TS2012 addons are compressed files using the .rwp file extension. These are as easy as falling off a log to install - less obvious is how you use them after installation!!

To install - double click on your Railworks icon. When the launcher program appears there are several tabs visible along the top of the screen - click on the one that says "Package Manager". On the right hand side of this screen four buttons are visible - the one you want is almost invariably the "Install" button. Press this and tell TS2012 where the .rwp file is you want to install. TS2012 does the rest!*

*But I would also tend to clear the blueprint cache as well. Unwanted effects tend to disappear when you do this. Select "Tools and Docs" tab at the top and press the "Clear Cache" button. Also, this screen is where you'll find ALL of your instruction manuals for TS2012 and any addons you have!

Hope this helps
John

PS Getting addons to work in scenarios and routes not programmed into their .rwp package is a slight bit more complicated. Once you're happy with installation, just ask the question!!

[hughes407]

I would add two items. With the latest version, you will probably have to refresh the package manager before you can install. Secondly, make sure you read the readme files with your downloads. Many of the items are repaints of payware cars and engines. You will have to do some copying and pasting to get your new equipment ready to roll just like MSTS often required a copy of a shape file.

Don