Idea for reskins

[ajax103]

I thought I share this idea with you guys, since it would be helpful to both the guys who spend their own time creating the addons available on UKTS and to the rest of us who use them.

Basically what you do is get a default locomotive ie a Class 47, you install it though a installer which would give you proper sounds, cabview, lighting etc and then you would download a skin which could be of any number of companies both past and present. This would work much like the stock packs off Making Tracks but in the Train Store, you would be able to customise your stock ie select the basic model in this case a Class 47, and chose the old Virgin livery.

This would save having to work around a dozen of the same loco's when one basic model will suffice.

And the best news is, the stock will all be of the same high standard that we all know and love.

Or we could go the MT way and have stock packs and have skins available though download.

Another thing that could be applied to these packs are the ability on the passenger packs to be able for MSTS to automatically display the correct
destination ie you select in Train Store that you want to explore ECE1, so you tell MSTS that you want to start at Kings Cross to Peterborough so on the front of the train it will show Peterborough.

[ianmacmillan]

Wouldn't make things easier.

The .eng file calls the shape file and the shape file calls the texture so you need all the main files for each livery.
The aliased cab and sound files already save duplicating them.

It would be possible to have a shape call a 47 texture and have a bat file rename various textures to switch them around. It's been done before with destinations but opening the loco folder to change the texture is more trouble than it's worth.

Also if you want more than one 47 in an activity you would still have to have more than one loco folder anyway.

[ajax103]

Wouldn't make things easier.

The .eng file calls the shape file and the shape file calls the texture so you need all the main files for each livery.
The aliased cab and sound files already save duplicating them.

It would be possible to have a shape call a 47 texture and have a bat file rename various textures to switch them around. It's been done before with destinations but opening the loco folder to change the texture is more trouble than it's worth.

Also if you want more than one 47 in an activity you would still have to have more than one loco folder anyway.

true but what if we took the basics of MT's stock packs and built on that?
There is more chance for the MSTS community in general to do the skins, and leave MT to do the basic models.

I'm sure that would better.

[mpeffers]

That's asking a hell of a lot of Making Tracks if that's supposed to read how I've interpreted it...
I see nothing wrong with the current system to be honest. Try sorting out reskins and dependancies in Trainz for a bit and try searching on Auran's Dowload Station and the way things work here on UKTS are the stuff of dreams.

[ewsjo]

I like the way Blue Arrow works - they make the payware, then YOU do the reskins, distributed via their website, so kind of like MTs Class 66 pak, but with free skins

cheers

jo

[ajax103]

I like the way Blue Arrow works - they make the payware, then YOU do the reskins, distributed via their website, so kind of like MTs Class 66 pak, but with free skins

cheers

jo

That's even better then my idea, I didn't know Blue Arrow did anything like that .

[buffy500]

so kind of like MTs Class 66 pak, but with free skins

Isn't that exactly what MT are doing ?

[Easilyconfused]

I really don't see where this is going. The current working practices where models are uploaded and reskins done in accordance with http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?t=58336 seems to work OK most of the time so why try to invent a new process ?

What MT are doing with their 66 pack is great - I have bought the pack and the first skins are very good. Also I note on their forums in the last 24 hours or so they have received some feedback that was welcome and some changes are no doubt on the way for the models. See http://forums.makingtracks-online.co.uk ... 6&start=78 and read down. Real customer service there

Blue Arrow have their own model as well. I have bought a number of their packs. The model works and the reskins are an additional bonus.

However, to expect freeware model authors to upload generic grey models for others to paint is a bit much. Once an author gets to the point of being able to create models and upload them they will probably also be able to paint them as well so what is the mileage in them creating generic models ?

I prefer the existing practice where a dedicated individual creates a model (with or without assistance) and then uploads it. Any repaints then are subject to his permission as per the policy http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?t=58336

Kindest regards

John

[buffy500]

Also I note on their forums in the last 24 hours or so they have received some feedback that was welcome and some changes are no doubt on the way for the models.

As it was a slow day at work today, I figured out a simple change which was easy enough to implement and did not upset the other unreleased models badly.


Click the image to zoom in

However, to expect freeware model authors to upload generic grey models for others to paint is a bit much. Once an author gets to the point of being able to create models and upload them they will probably also be able to paint them as well so what is the mileage in them creating generic models ?

Some people in the past did do 'paint kits', in a way its not a bad idea because 3D modellers may not be decent painters, I know I'm not !

[Damo]

Looks great Dave. Interesting choice of loco to illustrate the changes too I never thought I'd say this but I think I prefer the British EWS livery in real life!