Australian AuzTrains and NSWTrains

[piratescooby]

Thats it no probs , look forward to the next additions , cattle station ?

[GarryG]

Goods it working .. I want to add a few more Objects to the Freight Buildings and will put this on Bananas in a few days .. just in case others had your problem.

It should keep everyone happy until I eventually finish this project in weeks to come .. besides I still got some trains to do for AuzTrains..

Cheers

[kamnet]

Running the previous v2 on OpenTTD 1.5.3, I had no crashes. Running on OpenTTD r27491 (latest nightly), "Assertion failed at line 145 of ..\src\sounds.cpp: sound>channels ==1". It caused me entire PC (Windows 10 64-bit) to crash hard. This might be a bug with recent nightlies and not with the NewGRF.

As a suggestion, you may want to start incrementing the version number, with the rate you're uploading new versions.

[GarryG]

Running the previous v2 on OpenTTD 1.5.3, I had no crashes. Running on OpenTTD r27491 (latest nightly)

Could be a Nightly problem and could also be a 'wav' file problem.

The sound effects is a recoding I did back in the 1980s along with some others. I wanted to include the sound of a Station masters Whistle but that file came up with failures and not allow me to use. Just maybe the files of sound affects of the signal and point levels I did is the problem.

Anyway I think it better I leave the sound effects out all together.

As a suggestion, you may want to start incrementing the version number, with the rate you're uploading new versions.

I tried to increment the versions such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc but failed. So I giving them versions 1, 2, 3 and so on.

So mabe some one can help me with the correct procedure in increment a point at a time?

Code from Auz_Lineside_Objects_V2.nml

Code: Select all

// define the newgrf
grf {
 grfid: "\47\47\07\02";
 name: string(STR_GRF_NAME);
 desc: string(STR_GRF_DESCRIPTION);
    url: string(STR_GRF_URL);
 version: 2;
 min_compatible_version: 0;

Code from English.ing

Code: Select all

STR_GRF_NAME            :Auz_Lineside_Objects_V2
STR_GRF_DESCRIPTION     :{ORANGE}Signal Boxes and other Lineside buildings and infrastructure. {}License: GPLv2 or higher. {}See readme for details.
STR_GRF_URL             :http://www.tt-forums.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=74193

So what do I change to make it Version 2.1 ???

[Eddy Arfik]

I tried to increment the versions such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc but failed. So I giving them versions 1, 2, 3 and so on.

So mabe some one can help me with the correct procedure in increment a point at a time?

NML doesn't allow point numbers, instead of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, use 11, 12, 13 etc as the version in code, so Version 2.1 would be version 21 inside the GRF file, and you would call it Version 2.1 in your english.lng file.

Message: Assertion failed at line 145 of /bamboo/src/sound.cpp: sound->channels == 1

This is the important line here, every NewGRF I've seen uses 8-bit mono .wav files, while yours are 16-bit stereo. Converting your .wav to mono should fix this problem, but I don't have access to any sound editing software at the moment to test

[GarryG]

Thanks Eddy

NML doesn't allow point numbers

That explains why I couldn't do my point numbers.

Reason I been upload them here regular as I don't get chance to test properly and do the programming. I rely on those who download it to test and report any problems.

I think what I will is change the version number each Monday or if been a major change.

every NewGRF I've seen uses 8-bit mono .wav files

For now I will leave the sounds off this project. In mean time I see if I can find a editing program to change it. Be good if I can as later like to add the Station master Whistle sounds to the Station Buildings so it might fix that.

Thanks Eddy again for your help.

[GarryG]

Yesterday6 and this morning I finally had a short game using what projects I been doing and found a problem with the AuzTrains and NSWTrains.

The shorter Diesel Locomotives, 47, 48 and 49 classes where designed to when double head these, the second engine would flip so it be long end leading. That worked good, but I never realised and neither did those who tested these projects, that when add wagons they overlap with the 2nd engine.

To fix that only way I know how is to remove flip of those engines. You can still hold down ctrl + click mouse to turn them if like, but they do not hook up to carriages correctly. I think this is because these are size 7 sprite sizes.

I imagine this be why 2cc trains can not be flipped because of the short engines in that set.

So here is a patched version of those 2 projects.

NSWTrains_V4.grf

Patched the 47, 48 and 49 classes

(3.47 MiB) Downloaded 124 times

AuzTrains.grf

Patched the 47, 48 and 49 classes

(3.68 MiB) Downloaded 84 times

Before I release on Banana I think I will remove from all diesels where they flip automatically when double head. If you want them to flip, can do it manually can select the Diesel engine and by holding down the Ctrl key and press the mouse button can select which way want unit to face.

[kamnet]

This is the important line here, every NewGRF I've seen uses 8-bit mono .wav files, while yours are 16-bit stereo.

Interesting, then, that OpenTTD 1.5.0 and 1.5.3 had no problems, but recent nightlies do.

For now I will leave the sounds off this project. In mean time I see if I can find a editing program to change it. Be good if I can as later like to add the Station master Whistle sounds to the Station Buildings so it might fix that.

If you're using Windows, Audacity is a free and powerful editing tool.

[GarryG]

Guess the question is - do we want the sounds in the signal boxes and staff huts as if they are changing the levers?

I will leave them out for the moment .. until I get a good editing tool to edit the wav files. This will give people time to let me know if they want sounds or not.

If I do put sounds back in do we want the Station Masters Whistle in the Station Buildings to sound not to often .. but now and again.

Actually .. has some one out there got the right tools?

I've attached the sound files that I hope to use .. there are several sounds of Points changing, Signal and point levers operating and Station Master Whistles.

If someone like to edit them for me and send back to me be great.

[GarryG]

Another question for those who like the AuzTrains and NSWTrains.

Since Australia does not have any Maglev and not much in Monorails .. I been making all Diesels, Electrics EMU, DMU "model_life: VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;"

What about Steam? Although what is left in Australia in only used for Tourist Trains .. could these to have "model_life: VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;" ???

At moment if a steam was built say in 1912 and last one retired in 1970 I was given them Model Life of 60 years. Should these too have "VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;" ???

Then you as the player can choose if want to play a life time with just steam if like .. or however you wish.

At moment all have a " vehicle_life: 25; " years. Which means they need replacing every 25 years .. which is simular to having a overhaul. Maybe could be changed to 30 years.

Me I just play the game for fun .. I don't care if lose money as can always the Government for more money. Operate like most Government railways at a lose and allow tax payers to foot the bills.

Any comments?

[GarryG]

Here's a preview of the next issue of Lineside Objects.

new-1.png (204.29 KiB) Viewed 3393 times

Added to the Freight Buidlings .. Silos and Stock yards .. Silos can be made as long as you want.

Moved the Staff Huts closer to the rail lines .. These buildings in rear were very close to the line so the Signalman could exchange the Staff with the train driver. Some people called the Staff Tablets and also Tokens.

Also had a go at doing a signal box front, back and side views .. what your opinion of this idea?

[ISA]

Is there some alignment issues on the silos? look at the narrow roof

[GarryG]

Thanks for that ISA.

It now aliened properly.

I appreciate extra eyes checking what I do. Some people say I blind in one eye and can not see out of the other.

Cheers

[GarryG]

Another Object idea with the Culverts .. only experimenting at the moment but so far so good.

[NekoMaster]

Another question for those who like the AuzTrains and NSWTrains.

Since Australia does not have any Maglev and not much in Monorails .. I been making all Diesels, Electrics EMU, DMU "model_life: VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;"

What about Steam? Although what is left in Australia in only used for Tourist Trains .. could these to have "model_life: VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;" ???

At moment if a steam was built say in 1912 and last one retired in 1970 I was given them Model Life of 60 years. Should these too have "VEHICLE_NEVER_EXPIRES;" ???

Then you as the player can choose if want to play a life time with just steam if like .. or however you wish.

At moment all have a " vehicle_life: 25; " years. Which means they need replacing every 25 years .. which is simular to having a overhaul. Maybe could be changed to 30 years.

Me I just play the game for fun .. I don't care if lose money as can always the Government for more money. Operate like most Government railways at a lose and allow tax payers to foot the bills.

Any comments?

First of all, I think this system is kind of flawed, as locomotives are built for a limited time and after that you probably wont see any more of a certain model built in the future, usually replaced with simliar or better performing locomotives.

How ever, I've noticed that railroads tend to keep their locomotives for decades if they run and perform well enough with reliable service. Thats why say, in Australia the 44 Class is still kicking around as far as I know, kind of like how the EMD F-Units and SD40 locomotives in North America are still alive and well


Though for game plays sake, theres a few ways we could go about doing things.

1. Could use a parameter to change the way model life is handled, With the default being the OpenTTD way where the locomotives only last for so long until they become unavailable for purchase. The other two settings could allow diesel and electrics to last forever on the purchase window, and the last and final setting allowing for all locomotives, steam included, to be available forever thus allowing one to buy a locomotive made in 1902 in the year 2002 or 2202

2. If at all possible then maybe have it so that locomotives past there intended model life will become more expensive to purchase, and a little more expensive to run (this would just be a small amount more to cover the cost of maintaning a older engine which may also be less efficient as newer locomotives).
Example : If something is introduced in 1977 and has a "model life" of 20 years, that'd roughly take it to 1997 after which in game normally it'd disappear, but instead after 1997 with this idea, it'd just become more costly.

3. This ones a bit out there, but we could come up with futuristic stuff for the set with in reason, so nothing crazy like 500 KM\h Diesel MU's or 50,000 HP 3-Unit Electric trains. I'm thinking more stuff that would be styled after the most recent additions to railroads in Australia, but performing better in some cases (either by a little, or a lot), especially as time goes on.

There is also say, adding maglevs and monorails based on modern day designs like the Trans-Rapid or Japanese Maglev, but maybe cater it towards Australian design, like perhaps you'd have a Maglev connecting the Capital of Australia to Sydney and its Airport or train stations. So it'd probably end up with some fancy modern looking theme/livery on the train unless you think that a railroad or company in Australia would put the money down for such an expensive Maglev en devour.

[GarryG]

Hi Nekomaster

Some of your ideas are good, but I got no idea how to change the coding so that can be selected in the Parameters.

Maybe an idea .. we'll pick on the faithful 44 class as an idea. The first 60 when entered service had a top speed of 120 km/h .. the remaining 40 had a top speed of 130 km/h. Later the first 60 where overhauled to also do 130.


They started entering service in 1957 and most scrapped and some mothballed by 1994. A few went to museums and work Tourist Trains. I think some of the mothballed units went to other companies, but not real sure.

1. Maybe give them a model life of say 40 years and a vehicle_Life maybe 25 or 30. After 40 years a new 44 class becomes available at a dearer cost .. be kind like it been refurbished, but need to be cheaper than a new loco in 1994. But this idea means every engine need to be done a second time .. so before I do that let me finish AusTrains first with trains I not yet done.

2. I think Never Expires be better for every thing, and they last 25, 30 or 40 years (these years not sure which be best .. any suggestions?) before need replacing (overhauled) which would be cheaper then a new locomotive at this time .. so the original purchase cost should be ok .. just the running cost should be higher, just not know how to code things to do that.

3. So I think new locomotives that enter service from the 1990s should be more powerful and a bit faster to encourage a person to upgrade.

There is also say, adding maglevs and monorails based on modern day designs like the Trans-Rapid or Japanese Maglev

I think for now anyone wanting to use these types of trains should also load an additional rail set along with AuzTrains or NSWTrains for now. Will look at this idea much later when AuzTrains has many more original trains added to it. Have to see in internet too see if any dream designs are there for the future trains.

Might be a few weeks before I start adding to AuzTrains again .. got a bit more to do to Lineside Objects and want to get a few things fixed with what is already in Auztrains like deciding the best life of each loco.

Good to hear from you and read your ideas.

Cheers

[GarryG]

Here is the next issue of Auz_Lineside_Objects_V2.

Auz_Lineside_Objects_V2.grf

with some new objects

(342.07 KiB) Downloaded 104 times

It has the following changes:

More culverts that run left to right and up and down under the railway lines.
Signal Box that has only the front, back and side views .. see if people like before doing any more.
The Staff Huts are closer to the lines.
The CTC Phone Cabin also closer to line.
Added some Freight Buildings.

Culverts and signal boxes.png (479.54 KiB) Viewed 3368 times

Be for I issue any more I have some work to catch up on with other projects and house chores. Be later in week before there be any more.

Looking forward to any feed back in the mean time.

Cheers

[NekoMaster]

I think the idea of having locmotives re-released 30-40 years later works, you could do this for all locomotives or just ones that are still running today. It'll be up to you to decide what date to start with for locomotives that still ran, as if you just include stuff that ran up until 2015 then there will probably be a very small list like tourist steam engines, 44 Class, 82 Class, etc.

[kamnet]

When working on 2CC Trams, one of the ideas I introduced was "Heritage service", trams that were previously taken out of revenue service for retirement, and later reintroduced for heritage and tourist routes or for historical or nostalgic preservation and presentation. They would be reintroduced as a new model and be set with no end of life.

[GarryG]

Heritage service - re-released 30-40 years later works

These 2 ideas have merits. Will have to do some research and see what older locos are still running and preserved.

But when look at it that way wouldn't just setting all locos and rolling stock to never expire? That way the player can decide if he keeps old locos in service.

The life span that they need to be replaced I think is the key factor .. after a given number of years have to be sent back to the depot and here the player has the option to buy another engine of the same type .. that be like having it overhauled. Or can spend a lot more money on a better and new model.

Cost factor of locos .. a 44 class cost $262,500 in 1957 and a 90 class $346,874 in 1994. 44 class were retired in 1994, so you will have a choice .. overhaul it for $262,500 or buy a newer 90 class loco for $346,000.

Steam be same the 38 class steam cost $225,000 in 1942 .. so what better for your game in the 1970s .. retire it or overhaul it. Overhaul will cost $225,000 replace it with a more powerful 442 class diesel will cost $290,000.