Introduction

[Crassus]

Hey guys :) Just got MSTS three days ago and I'm hooked! I definately plan on creating (or attempting to create) lots of new sounds.. mostly SP and UP, since I live right next to the mainline. I hope it's not TOO difficult. I do know some programming, and I'm sure compared to JSP and HTML, sms shouldn't be much of a problem. Only things I'm worried about are things like loops and such, which brings me to my first question.. I'm wondering, has anyone experienced a problem where when after installing a new sound pack from the website, the short'n'long commands just don't seem to function? It's like something got erased and now it doesn't pay attention to how long I toot the horn.

What controls the length of loops and such? The sms file? If so, is there a better way of editing it other than text? Having to edit, then open up MSTS, waiting for everything to load and load and load, then trying it out, finding out it didn't work, then escaping from the whole program, then over and over.. just seems there would be a better way to do this.. any ideas?

--Damien

[whockin]

You need a good sound editor that can edit cue points. The cue points are at the ends of the looping portion of the sound. With a little practice you can take a short horn burst and have it loop for long toots. I am not sure what is available on the net as freeware but have a look. I use Cool edit 2000. A nice package but must be purchased.

[timken]

Take a look at my post under HORNS in this section. I've had very good luck on several steam whistles as well as air horns.

Steve

[TOPDOG5184]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-14-02 AT 04:04PM (EST)[p]Hi. I have no idea on how to change the sounds. I work with eng files. So why am I posting a reply? simple. as I saids I work with eng files and have found a way to keep changing settings without having to shut off MSTS change something then restart. This also works for reskinning. Just exit the activty. When back at the main screen ( to choose routes and consists ) just minimize MSTS. Make your changes then maximize MSTS. now just pick the engine again if it isn't displayed still, which it should be, then start the explore route or activty again. Saves 5 minutes waiting for the whole program to load. Try it. works much much easier.

Craig Shortino

[scefhwil]

I believe what you've described to be the only way of testing out changes in the .sms. I have now resorted to only having one or two routes 'active' at a time to speed the load up stage, ie I move the 'inactive' routes into a sub-folder called "hidden" where the sim doesn't find them.

I've also tried out TOPDOG5184's shortcut method, but don't regularly use it. Whilst it does work, I have found that the sms can sometimes get screwed up after an error occurs if the sim isn't 're-booted', and on occations will only correct itself after a re-boot of the PC. This may well just be a sound card/hardware issue though.

[Mark_Blum]

Craig:

Great tip. I discovered the same thing, but found a problem using Carlos Gomes great program: Conbuilder. It seems, if the consist changes, and it happens to be used in an activity, MSTS screws up. I developed a path to check AI lighting (watch the new car or engine go past me one way and then the next). If I do what you suggest, I can run no problem in "Explore Route", but the change won't work right in the "Activity" - unless I use MSTS consist editor.

Otherwise it's a GREAT idea. Thanks for sharing.

Mark
A Southern Railway Fan