Ohio Steel 2

[MisterWho]

In addition, the 3DTrains website makes it impossible to acquire the freeware versions (the links to them return error pages)

I think that this is NOT normally the response when trying to download the freeware version. It may be that there has been a recent change of policy on this, but only a month ago I was re-downloading all the free versions to check whether there had been any updates. What is the case is that you have to register with their forum before you can download one of the free files. Once your registration has been confirmed, you log on to the forum and get your copy of the file ... that simple.

As far as the file structure used by the freeware files and payware files is concerned. it's my understanding that these paths are actually different. I decided not to comment on this after Jim mentioned it, since he said that he was going to contact Richard for clarification of this whole issue. However, the fact that you and I have different understandings on this subject just shows how difficult it can be for users when developers adopt this approach to product releases. I should also say that I have absolutely no experience with the payware versions of the products.

regs,
moi

[transadelaide]

Ohio steel 1 & 2 are different DLCs as far as Steam is concerned (and 1 is no longer for sale as far as I know) - otherwise everyone who has 1 would automatically be upgraded.

As you mention, GARL has had a discount for those who already purchased the 380 since it was launched nearly 2 years ago, so it is pretty obvious that it was and is technically possible, and as you suggest is entirely down to what the publisher decides they want to do.

I read an interview with a producer of DLC content for some other game (this was a while ago, I can't find the link) which seemed to imply that "expansions to expansions" like this or GARL are possible on Steam, but that the discount would be deducted fully from the studio's share of the receipts, not from Valve's share. Given that the same amount of work is required from Valve whether you own the first DLC or not, this sounds like a fair (although a little harsh) policy from their end.

As far as the file structure used by the freeware files and payware files is concerned. it's my understanding that these paths are actually different. I decided not to comment on this after Jim mentioned it, since he said that he was going to contact Richard for clarification of this whole issue. However, the fact that you and I have different understandings on this subject just shows how difficult it can be for users when developers adopt this approach to product releases. I should also say that I have absolutely no experience with the payware versions of the products.

regs,
moi

I can confirm (as an owner of the payware HR edition of the Rural Landscapes pack, not a purchase I would make again) that the file paths are exactly the same. Doing a cache verification just now put me back on the freeware LR edition.

[MisterWho]

I can confirm (as an owner of the payware HR edition of the Rural Landscapes pack, not a purchase I would make again) that the file paths are exactly the same.

Thanks for that clarification ...

[chrisreb]

Quite apart from the the route is very well executed and Richard's best work yet in my opinion having been for a drive.

According to the intro scenarios there are potentially 2 more expansions to come.

[nobkins]

It would seem that it all comes down to the willingness of the supplier and publisher to offer the option

Obviously this is the case. No one is going to sell something or do something they don't want to do or does not make financial sense. This is not freeware this is a commercial product.

[nigeltouatievans]

I'm surprised that nobody has commented on the fact that you can buy Ohio Steel 2 for only £4.99 from Steam if you have already bought part 1 from Steam

Unfortunately now I've got home and was going to buy it, it seems to have changed to £11.99, so I probably won't bother after all.

[TransportSteve]

Quite apart from the the route is very well executed and Richard's best work yet in my opinion having been for a drive.
According to the intro scenarios there are potentially 2 more expansions to come.

I asked Richard a year or so ago, and I think he said his intention was to do the route all the way to Cleveland, or, some big city in Ohio, eventually, so, deffo more to come on this layout as long as he has the inclination to carry on, of course.

Cheerz. Transport Steve.

[Varney]

I'm surprised that nobody has commented on the fact that you can buy Ohio Steel 2 for only £4.99 from Steam if you have already bought part 1 from Steam

Unfortunately now I've got home and was going to buy it, it seems to have changed to £11.99, so I probably won't bother after all.

I don't play the original route much, but at £4.99 the upgrade may have rekindled my interest. At £11.99 I won't be bothering either.

[styckx]

I bought it, it's well worth it even at the corrected, but still reduced price.

It's not like part two is just a few added trees and houses .. It's a significant addition.


Ohio Steel Comparison by styckxx, on Flickr

[1S811985]

I'm surprised that nobody has commented on the fact that you can buy Ohio Steel 2 for only £4.99 from Steam if you have already bought part 1 from Steam

Unfortunately now I've got home and was going to buy it, it seems to have changed to £11.99, so I probably won't bother after all.

I'd talked myself into it over dinner only to find the price had jumped too. Pity, as I enjoy the odd run on the original Ohio Steel.

1S81

[Wikkus]

I "upgraded", as £4.99 seemed quite fair and found that it looks absolutely lovely. Plus, as Bill has highlighted, it's a fair old extension to the original route.

However, on my machine, it runs as quick as an asthmatic slug on valium I fear that I may have to switch into legacy mode just to get it to move at all.

Rik.

[piiaxial]

Can't believe that whoever was responsible for including the DT freeware packs didn't make sure that those who paid for the high resolution versions wouldn't have them overwritten!!

[transadelaide]

Can't believe that whoever was responsible for including the 3DT freeware packs didn't make sure that those who paid for the high resolution versions wouldn't have them overwritten!!

The problem lies with 3DTrains, who chose to have both versions of their asset packs use the same install path. For people who do want to use their copies of the high resolution versions, in the rare event of having to verify the game cache it's the work of only 30 seconds to copy back the required textures, not any worse than reinstalling an Armstrong enhancement pack.

If the 3DTrains packs installed to different paths, then dual versions of the route could be distributed. It would make life hell for anybody who wanted to create and/or distribute scenarios, so not a realistic option.

[spikesden]

I also got it for the reduced price of £4.99. what a deal. just done scenario 16 & have noticed that a lot of the junctions & crossovers have not been laid correctly, hope there is a patch fixing these faults as it spoils the look of a wonderful route

regards

ken

[Kariban]

There's usually an AllAboard version of the 3DT track ( my copy of Fort Kent certainly came with one ). That's a bit disappointing if it got reversed - but then again your nice 3DT track wouldn't upgrade the AAR route either that way.