Mud Skippers

[Lowell]

Mud Skippers has been re-posted. Please see the main page of the thread for the download link.

You may notice many file structure changes I have made...and through much testing they all are needed as packaged, so simply take the one file folder for Mud Skippers and place it into usermaps...then start the game.

Thanks

[Lowell]

Continued from above...
Now those who will examine the maps files...I have a reason for using the scenario and global files at the same time. I found that without having the scenario files mixed in with my new globals, the map ran strange in TrainTable mode. As I know many like to play the maps in traintable mode, I fully test them in all difficulity modes just to make sure. Plus the maps run super stable and saved games always work. So it may look a tad huge, but it runs great.
I have gone over everything, but you know...Murphy's law.

[Warll]

Those photos are beautiful.

[Jancsika]

I run the map twice. First in TrainTable mode, that's for getting to know the resources and layout, then in regular mode to complete scernario requirements. This is not the kind of map where there are AI players to muddle up the game. It is rather difficult to complete the first Era, but after that not so difficult. Also it is not something that you can do it a couple hours.
The layout of the terrain, the mountains, creeks etc. is well thought out and also attractive, with just enough difficulty to make the track laying a challenge.
I personally don't like the looks of the big steel bridges, they are rather ugly, but that's Firaxis' doing. I used it only once to run the automobile delivery.

What pleasantly surprised me the map is very stable. I did not have any CTD at all. I left the game run fully 9000 miles of track and 27 trains, stepped out to cook (Yes I cook) diner and it was running nicely when I returned.

I have Vista on my machine, had Windows 7, just removed it and reinstalled Vista. With both operating systems I am having problems with running custom maps, including my own. I am having random CTD-s that I just can not find the reason for. The stock game maps work fine so did this map.
I will have to look into it!

All and all we waited for this revision since May 2008, but I think it was worth it.
Jancsika

[Greybriar]

I had played it for about an hour on my Vista PC when it crashed (I *think* the error message was that Railroads! had stopped working).

Nice map though. Thanks, Lowell.

[Lowell]

Thanks for the comments.

Greybriar it may need a setting in Vista for these large maps. It runs on Vista if you do what member perunga had done for his Vista. It fixed the large memory for me on my new Vista.
It just takes a sec to open the command prompt and place the line.
My first time I put 2900 at the end and it didn't work, then I used 3072 and it fixed the game in Vista.
I bet if you try it then go and get your AutoSave where you were last it would run from there on. It worked on my Vista.

How to Open Elevated Command Prompt with Administrator Privileges in Windows Vista.
1.Click on Vista Start button.
2.Locate the Command Prompt menu item (buried deep inside Accessories under All Programs or appear on program access history).
3.Right click on Command Prompt.
4.On the pop-up right click context menu, select (Run as Administrator}
5. type "BCDEDIT /set increaseuserva 2900" no quotes. NOTE: System boards vary. if 2900 does not work try 3072

Hope that helps

EDIT// also make sure that one Mud Skippers file folder is the only thing inside the usermaps folder...and...your Custom Assets folder should be empty as well.

[Greybriar]

Thanks, Lowell. I will try that.

And, yes, the Mud Skippers file folder is the only thing inside the usermaps folder and my Custom Assets folder is empty.

[Jancsika]

Greybriar: Try to use this product. It will temporally shut down the unused programs that are loaded at boot up. It works fine, but I would not use it for on-line gaming.
HTTP://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html

Quoting myself:

What pleasantly surprised me the map is very stable. I did not have any CTD at all. I left the game run fully 9000 miles of track and 27 trains, stepped out to cook (Yes I cook) diner and it was running nicely when I returned

Recently I have tested an other great map, it had a unexplainable CTD every 15 minutes. I know it could be my operating system.
I am a mapmaker and have posted at least 20 maps, some of it only redone older maps, but it always feels good to get a compliment, especially when it is well deserved.
Jancsika

[karsten]

It runs on Vista if you do what member perunga had done for his Vista.

That tip was THE life-saver for my SMR when I (very reluctantly) had to start using Vista after buying a new computer some time back. Vista is a terrible memory hog and crowds out SMR. The good thing is that you have to go throught this procedure only once, after that, the memory problem is fixed permanently (assuming you have enough RAM - otherwise the program suggested by Jancsika may be better).

The newly posted Mud Skippers ran smoothly to completion for me, not a single crash. I even let it run to 2008 just to be sure, no problems! I used a slightly better layout this time. Excellent brain teaser map, Lowell!

[Greybriar]

Greybriar: Try to use this product. It will temporally shut down the unused programs that are loaded at boot up. It works fine, but I would not use it for on-line gaming.
HTTP://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html....

I already had that installed on my PC. Now to remember to use it!

[OnaDeathWish]

Hello everyone,

I am a fairly newbie here and have installed and played many of the maps that you all have made and really enjoyed them. But i have noticed something on this map that came up when i made my first train. It seems the engines 2nd car isn't appearing correctly, (i have included a picture to show what's happening) it just showing an orange ball after the engine. I tried looking in this thread to see if anyone else had it show up, but i didn't feel like reading all the nonsense that was going on through the other 8-9 pages. I scrolled past them and just looked for a picture that had same problem, and none appeared. So can anyone tell me or help me fix this, i stopped playing it fearing it will eventually cause a crash if i had too many trains out.

Thanks in advance.

[Lowell]

You should have this as the only map inside the usermaps folder...also you must remove anything you have stored in the Custom Assets folder...it too must be empty.

I just tested the mogul and the tender car looked fine. Remove any old FPKs from other maps out of the custom assets or usermap folders, it can cause naming conflicts.

Also, try to attach your screenshots to your posts, that way it sizes them correctly.

[Rodea2007]

You should have this as the only map inside the usermaps folder...also you must remove anything you have stored in the Custom Assets folder...it too must be empty.

I just tested the mogul and the tender car looked fine. Remove any old FPKs from other maps out of the custom assets or usermap folders, it can cause naming conflicts.

Also, try to attach your screenshots to your posts, that way it sizes them correctly.

reading of the incident above can be concluded it would never happen if you use the installer to a map, because with the installer all the files needed by the map it will be placed in the appropriate places without being scattered.........

[Jancsika]

reading of the incident above can be concluded it would never happen if you use the installer to a map, because with the installer all the files needed by the map it will be placed in the appropriate places without being scattered.........

Wise ancient saying: There is more than one way to skin a cat

What you two ought to concentrate on is to standardize the CIC file structure, and come up with an understandable simple guide so that lesser folks can easily understand it.
Jancsika

[Lowell]

There is only One file folder.

You unzip the file and drop the single file folder into a Blank usermaps folder.

This type map cannot be left in the game...nor can you leave any FPKs from "other maps" I don't scatter any files...I only have one file and there is no reason to mess with anything inside that Mud Skippers map folder.

Rodea2007, thanks for your comments, but you make all your maps with multible map-global files and FPKs like the old way of making maps...my maps do not use anything but a single file folder and really doesn't need an installer. Everyone should know how to drag and drop a file folder. Each of my maps are different and require their own space to run in the game.

This is a self-contained map file. It requires the same type RailRoads folder as a Sam map would.

What standard? It is one file folder.
I think you have a different question...like how to make file structures like mine...that is a different subject.

The tender model is fine...