Common.sound folders and xxx.ENG files

[rufuskins]

As I have mentioned on numerous occasions I am building up my own COMMON.SOUND folder that contains a SOUND folder for each diesel/electric locomotive and multiple unit class - the need, logic and sense in so doing are another argument. Each folder contains ALL the xxx.WAV files called for in the xxx.SMS file. I have now created some 175 Class folders with probably another 50 outstanding. I have been amazed at the variations in DMU and EMU classes - I have certainly learnt a great deal with even more yet to learn.

Anyway back to the thrust of this topic:

When I start to add in the common xxx.SMS references into the xxx.ENG and xxx.WAG files is it as simple as that or will I need to make other changes within the xxx.ENG/WAG files?

Ruf

PS I am also still developing my own COMMON.CAB folder but assume that it is only necessary to amend the xxx.CVF reference within the xxx.ENG file - unless of course someone knows better!!!!

[mendes]

Hi Ruf,

There is a difference between Common.Cab and Common.Sound files in that .SMS files do not need to point to Common.Sound to find the .WAV files.

As I understand it .CVF files DO need to point to Common.Cab to find the .ACE files.

I hope I'll be corrected if I'm wrong with this, but I'm fairly sure this is the case.

You're not Alfred Wainwright's long lost son are you? Rufus Wainwright!!!

[jbilton]

Hi
You could put them all into a single folder if you wanted, so long as the correct paths are in the cvf and sms files, and all the files had different names.
The sounds work slightly different, in that MSTS is hard coded to search for them in the general sound folder, and will not aways crash if it can't find them.
Whether this causes delays has never truly been bottomed, I would suspect it does.
To be honest I know your fixated about them, but the true purpose was HD size, when they were small, and you had multiples of a certain type of loco.
So if you only have one of a certain type, they may as just as easily be in that locos folder.
Cheers
Jon

[rufuskins]

You're not Alfred Wainwright's long lost son are you? Rufus Wainwright!!!

Er . . . isn't Rufus Wainwright a country and western singer? All the same the answer is no - Rufus is the name of our Border Terrier who is much more clever than me of course!

To be honest I know your fixated about them, but the true purpose was HD size, when they were small, and you had multiples of a certain type of loco.
So if you only have one of a certain type, they may as just as easily be in that locos folder.

You are right with respect to my fixation but I use it as a means of learning about the various classes. My COMMON.SOUND and .CAB folders will replace the various different ones within the MSTS TRAINSET. When I add the xxx.SMS file from my folder I know they go into the xxx.ENG file and/or xxx.WAG file, and changing them within these files is not a problem. However what I am not clear about is whether the "physics" of the xxx.ENG file is related to the sound folder. For example 1st Generation DMUs typically have four gears and hence the xxx.ENG file must presumably be able to relate to the sound associated with the gear shift. I was looking to use the generic First Generation sound folder as my standard rather than use this and the Heritage DMU sound folder.

Where there is only one or two models of a particular stock item, you are perhaps correct in suggesting placing the SOUND and CABVIEW files in the TRAINSET folder for that model. However where there are numerous models of a class such as the Class 47 and Class 37 then a standardised approach seems more relevant. In addition should alternative SOUND and CABVIEW folders be made available which are better than those currently available, or are more class specific, then changing one standardised common folder is more appealing.

You never know I might even be able to develop something myself - notes a number of people falling about and laughing uncontrollably!!!!

I shall continue on my chosen path, and then study the available data and tutorials on xxx.ENG files, and then . . . .

Ruf

PS I note that MSTS2 is now on the furthest burner to the rear, and hence MSTS1 will survive a little longer. Perhaps I was a little too hasty in downloading copious quantities of freeware and propritary ware!

[mendes]

I'm sure MSTS will last several more years yet, but I do get the impression that since the start of the year, the RS uploads have increased and are about on a par with the MSTS ones.

[jbilton]

Hi Ruf
Yes on some occassions the eng file is balanced to work with the sound files.
Certainly Hibu tends to issue a readme that tells you what to alter, if needed.
Cheers
Jon

[rufuskins]

Yes on some occassions the eng file is balanced to work with the sound files.
Certainly Hibu tends to issue a readme that tells you what to alter, if needed.
Cheers
Jon

Thanks for that; now I know I will have to be a little more circumspect when I start on the TRAINSET folders.

Ruf

[rosssweet]

Hi Ruf,
There is a difference between Common.Cab and Common.Sound files in that .SMS files do not need to point to Common.Sound to find the .WAV files.
As I understand it .CVF files DO need to point to Common.Cab to find the .ACE files.
I hope I'll be corrected if I'm wrong with this, but I'm fairly sure this is the case.
You're not Alfred Wainwright's long lost son are you? Rufus Wainwright!!!

Hi rufuskins,
When you complete your Common.cab and Common.sound directories the next one to do is the Common.PV,
for passenger views, works well. also mendes, isn't Rufus Wainwright Loudon Wainright's son ?
Regards Ross

[mendes]

also mendes, isn't Rufus Wainwright Loudon Wainright's son ?
Regards Ross

errr, yes I did know that, I was confused and tired at the time!!

[rufuskins]

When you complete your Common.cab and Common.sound directories the next one to do is the Common.PV,
for passenger views, works well. also mendes, isn't Rufus Wainwright Loudon Wainright's son ?
Regards Ross

I had given consideration to that but at a later date. My first target is now to complete as many sound and cabview folders as possible for use in my own common.sound and common.cab folders. Following completion of the necessary checks via RouteRiter I will start adding in the xxx.sms and xxx.cvf files into the relevant xxx.ENG/WAG files.

At this time this will be done in parallel to MSTS as it currently stands - I mean I still need to run trains, etc.!

When complete these personal common folders will replace the numerous common.sound/cab folders currently within MSTS. In addition locomotives and multiple units will have a more standardised set of cabs and sounds. It grates a little that some models use default sounds/cabs, although I recognise that in the early days there wasn't always suitable alternatives. In that respect I have compromised on many a multiple unit! I only wish that I could create the necessary folders at this time, but perhaps that is to come. Mind you the plethora of new DMU models is appearing on UKTS much faster than i can keep up with.

I should also point out that i will be looking at creating a standardised means of identifying stock - I raised this subject based on someone else's ideas a little while ago, but accepted that everyone was too far down the line so to speak. In addition i suspect that many simmers have created their own identification system - I am not bad at coming up with ideas that have been in place for some time; e.g. I thought it might be a good idea to pre slice bread and sell it in wrapped packages!!!!

Of course this approach will necessitate a cascading effect whereby consists and activities will need serious revision - mind you a standardised Trainset would suggest the need for a standardised set of CONSISTS.

Now that I have the VISTA laptop back - complete with new DVD drive - its onwards and upwards.

For those who like being bored witless more news on my masochistic tendencies later.

Ruf