Running OR without MSTS?

[R. Steele]

As I said earlier, I am sorry if that caused offence to some people and it was on reflection somewhat harsher than what I intended to say. Little point going back and changing it now, what's said is said and if that makes me a pariah in Train Sim circles, so be it. Just frustrates me sometimes to see what almost amounts to obsession surrounding ORTS when it is pushed as the best thing since sliced bread and the cure all for our allegedly ailing hobby.

The short answer to the OP question therefore is, yes, if you want to run all these so called veteran/heritage MSTS routes lovingly crafted in free time over the last 15 years, you will need the MSTS default files installed.

I was not offended, I simply thought the remark inappropriate and especially - you demeaned yourself. I often have read your advice and ofttimes thought your remarks incisive and well said.

Regarding your statement "Just frustrates me sometimes to see what almost amounts to obsession surrounding ORTS when it is pushed as the best thing since sliced bread and the cure all for our allegedly ailing hobby."

Consider this facet - It is actually members obsession with MSTS that is the true problem. It appears to older and newer members of the community that are trying to move forward as a drag on the forward momentum ORTS is providing.

Also consider, to try to take a different mental point of reference, let us imagine: In the beginning (circa 2001) Microsoft releases a trainsim platform that was like ORTS is currently - in terms of user features- eg working turntables, Train Switching in game, multiplayer, advanced Trafffic control, etc, etc, - including all the features some don't like and the acknowledged problems that OR has. People would be now obsessing about ORTS.

To an admitted newby like myself who does not have the experience with MSTS you have, but certainly has a technical skill set and 3 years steady experience with OR, the difference between the two platforms is stark AND the choice is very clear - ORTS, no question!

So why not stop all this, anyone can use MSTS, there are considerable routes, rolling stock, etc, for MSTS, but the future will be with ORTS.
Just like outdated OS's (some still use DOS, Win98 etc.) MSTS will be a program of the past.

But hey, don't give up hope. I just read today that come November 11th, Nintendo is releasing a revamped mini NES - no need for cartridges - preloaded with 30 of its most well known older games. Who knows what the future will bring.

[R. Steele]

Some of the elitists at Elvas Tower would prefer this site to close.

http://www.elvastower.com/forums/ind...ost__p__203654
This may explain why registration is closed to the public as they try to hide their true feelings.

Couple of things you should factor in to your post,

First there were these statements that you chose not to quote:
"I think the loss of both the knowledge in the forums and the FL would be a big loss and could very well send MSTS/ORTS on it's way to the scrap heap. TS.com is still the meat and potatoes of the this hobby."

"I still find files to download from TS.com. I feel the large collection of custom content is what's keeping MSTS/OR alive after all these years. The loss of this resource would be a blow to those sims."

and the reason for the different registration procedure has been explained both here and there and has nothing to do with TS.

Get your facts straight.

And besides Trainsim.com is a darned fine forum, opinionated - yes, quarrelsome, at times - yes, full of knowledge and experience - MOST definitely but an excellent forum. Consider yourself lucky to have both these places to hang out in.

[geepster775]

This was quite enlightening that we can barely have a civil conversation about a possible down-scaled future being forced upon us by faltering economics without ruffling such feathers. Consider myself downshifting my expectations in advance, because I don't want to be doing that when you are all attempting to downshift yourselves. And it's not going to be because the snobs at ET put a voodoo curse on the place. Its going to be because other sites embrace the future while this site can't separate from the past.

I think more people than Vern are going to be shocked by what's coming.

[longiron]

This thread has been locked. Off topic discussion has been tolerated, but its now getting personal. Let's all move on.