Beginner question about Charland's FJG route

[John_P]

I'm a total beginner with ORTS. I installed the program and found the free route "BNSF Scenic Sub" from TrainSimulations, and that was very welcome, because it installs with a single download with no need to get any other content. I played with it for a while, but it's a long route without much action along the way, so I had the authentic railroad engineer experience of watching a lot of trees go by. Then I signed up here hoping to find a shorter route with more switching work, and I thought Paul Charland's "Fonda Johnstown and Gloversville" would be fun. So I downloaded it--not totally easy, because it comes as 5 Zip files, but he tells you how to combine them, and says you have to get New Roads and Xtracks, which I did. I got all that done successfully, and the route does start up. What failed to work properly was the display of locomotives; I think Charland may have assumed that the user would already have the equipment that's needed, so all he provides is skins to customize them for the FJ&G. There is a clue to this in a note that he gives: "Open each engine folder and copy the contents, go to the same engine folder in your Trains/Trainset folder and replace the file by the same name there." Well, I didn't find the files with those names in the Trainset folder; I copied in Charland's folders but wasn't able to replace anything. Is it possible that he does include the files, but I didn't find them? I've wondered if maybe somewhere there is a bundle of files called "Locomotives for the Fonda Johnstown and Gloversville" but so far I haven't been able to find it. (And very likely, all the cars it needs would have the same problem.) I'd appreciate some advice on what to do next. I'm sure once I do it the first time, I'll learn what's needed for the future.

There is a very lyrical review of the FJ&G on Youtube by Nick Ozorak. He really makes me want to get it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfHMZRcxJoQ

[motormaster532]

I dont have the Route,but I did try to check the "read me" which usually will tell you what is required Rolling Stock wise and where to get it,unfortunately I could not open the "ReadMe" File. Since you downloaded the Route,try to access the "ReadMe" file and hopefully it will tell you all that you need to know. You may just have to substitute the "missing" consists with Rolling Stock that yo DO have. I know that is probably not ideal,but maybe that is what you have to do. You may wish to give Paul a "Private Message or PM" and ask him how to get it running correctly. He is VERY supportive and will usually respond promptly. Take Care. Brian

[derekmorton]

Paul always includes a txt file indicating what rolling stock is needed.

Once you get all the rolling stock installed, you will be good to go.
I have ALL of Paul's routes, and I have nearly finished all of the activities.

[motormaster532]

Hi Derek! This is unrelated to this topic,but I just wanted to Thank and Update you on my PATH problem on DRGW Tenneseee Pass and LaJunta. Unfortunately,switching "Location Linked Passing"didn't work,so I assume that those Bugs that you refereed to are still there. I will either work around it with my "Band Aid" fix or most probably downgrade back to 1.4. Thank You anyway,it was a good suggestion! Brian

[John_P]

Thanks for the prompt responses! I did find the list of required rolling stock, in a rather obscure place in the 4th download. I then spent a long time actually doing the downloads from Trainsim, and I didn't find absolutely everything that was listed, but certainly enough to start operating. As a beginner, it's taking me a while to learn train control and how to get a look at what's going on, but I'm having a great time with it. I'm a model railroader, and what I'm used to is running a train with a single knob to set the speed (with momentum if you want to get more complicated) and actual loco controls are totally different. I'm impressed if anyone can say they've run through all the activities--that's a major investment of time!