TrainPlayer-TrackLayer Readme
Version 3.0.1 for Windows, Nov 2007
Welcome to TrainPlayer 3!
TrainPlayer/TrackLayer 3.0 bring you the latest in armchair model railroading technology! Over a year in the making, this version is a major upgrade, featuring a redesigned graphics system, significant new features, and plenty of fixes and improvements. This version is available only for Microsoft Windows.
Version 3.0.1 is the first patch release, with a few fixes noted below in the version history.
New Features
The major new feature in 3.0 is scripting, a way of programming train operation. The goal is to allow you to capture a series of moves, a typical daily schedule, switching puzzle solution, or maybe a complete operating session, as a sort of editable movie. You can play it back, send it to another user, or post it for the TrainPlayer public, so others can learn about your operation or find ways to improve it. Like operating sessions, scripts are fun to plan and develop and watch.
For a complete description of 3.0 scripting and related devices, see the Scripting chapter in the manual or the Scripting page on the website.
Another major feature is an overhaul of the graphics machinery, for better performance, smoother scrolling, and unlimited zoom. If you have the Screen Saver, you've already seen this new machinery in action. Now you can work with it in TrainPlayer and TrackLayer.
Another advance in 3.0 is the improvement of sounds. Chuffing steam engines now sound good at all speeds, there are more engine horns to choose from, and now you can locate sounds around your layout! Hear a bell when you cross the road, or rushing water as you cross the trestle.
For a more colorful description of the new features, see Version 3 New Features on the website.
System requirements
Installing the Demo Version
A free demo of TrainPlayer and TrackLayer is available by download from the website. The demo contains the complete program (with some features disabled), plus a small number of sample layouts. It is available for use only for a limited time, starting from the first time you run it.
You are requested to provide your name and e-mail address for our records before downloading. Installation instructions are given on the download page. If you encounter any problems with the procedure, check below for ways to get help.
When you start the program, you are presented with the Reminder dialog, part of our licensing system from Silicon Realms Software. This dialog will go away permanently if you enter a license key. If you have no key, click OK to start the program. After ten days, the dialog will say Expired, and clicking OK will have no effect. If you would like more time, send e-mail to request an extension.
The demo offers you the choice of whether or not to enable TrackLayer features. If you choose Yes, track tools will be available so you can experiment with building layouts. However, you will not be able to save your work (or print) in the demo version. If you choose No, you can later change your mind by choosing Help > Enable TrackLayer Features.
Upgrading to 3.0
If you have been running TrainPlayer software (licensed or demo), we recommend you uninstall your current version before installing the new one. However, this is not required, as the new install will overwrite the old.
If you wish to continue running the previous version alongside the old, you must take precautions before running the new installer. The easiest way:
- Rename your existing trainplayer.exe (usually under C:\Program Files\Trainplayer) to something like trainplayer_226.exe.
- Delete or update any desktop icons pointing to the old exe.
- Then run the new installer.
Installing a Licensed Version
Thank you for your purchase! Here are the steps to get you up and running.
- Soon after you place an order on the shopping page, you should receive an automatic response from the shop system. This serves as your receipt, and indicates your credit card was accepted. If you do not receive this message, see below for possible reasons.
- Within 24 hours you will receive a message containing your download link and license key. This message comes from a human, so we apologize if there is a delay. Note: you will need to retain the license key even if you have ordered a CD -- the key is not supplied on the CD.
If you do not receive these messages, it could be because (a) they were sent but trapped by a spam filter on your server or your mail client; (b) your charge was refused; (c) you provided an invalid e-mail address in the order; (d) you have a spam blocker in effect and we were unable to register with it. If you cannot locate the messages, send e-mail to inquire (and please provide a valid e-mail address).
- Download your product from the link provided. Just entering the license key is not enough -- you will not have the full set of layouts unless you download the indicated installer.
- Run the installer. If you chose Run in the above step, this will happen automatically. If you chose Save, you will need to double-click on the downloaded exe file.
- Start the program. This happens by default unless you uncheck a box in the installer finish dialog.
- Enter the license key into the Reminder dialog. Tip: select and copy both the name and key at once, then paste into the Name box of the dialog, and both fields will be filled. You should get an alert about your key being accepted, and never see this dialog again.
- Enjoy the program.
Installing from CD
CDs are sent by U. S. Mail, and generally take 3-5 business days to reach U. S. customers. The same content is available by download, so if you have an internet connection you do not need to wait for the CD before installing.
The installer should start automatically when you insert the CD. If not, use Windows Explorer to locate setup.exe in the root folder, and double-click it.
The CD does not generally have a license code attached. You will need to use the code provided by e-mail. An exception is a free CD provided as a club gift -- this should have a sticker attached with a generic user name and license code. If not, contact us.
If you are installing a Deluxe version from CD, you have the choice of installing the layout files to your hard drive or running them directly from the CD. If you have the disk space (approx. 130MB), we recommend you install to your hard drive for better performance.
Common install problems
Activating the Screen Saver
If you purchased a Deluxe package, it includes the TrainPlayer Screen Saver. To activate the screen saver:
- Right-click an empty space on your desktop and choose Properties (or Personalize (in Vista).
- Choose the Screen Saver tab or option. This brings up the system screen saver properties dialog.
- In the drop-down list, choose TrainPlayer. After a short delay, you should see the Turtle Creek appear in the sample window.
- Set the wait time to your preference. Click Settings if you want to set preferences for the screen saver.
- For help, see the Screen Saver Readme -- double-click the file TrainPlayer\ssReadme\readme_ss.htm.
- Click OK, and you should see the screen saver after the idle time you specified.
Where to Get Help
3.0.1, Nov 16 2007
Known Bugs
As with any new version, 3.0 has bugs and glitches. We will be addressing these with periodic free patch releases. Let us know of any problems you encounter or suggestions you have for improvement. We already know about these:
- When zoomed in very close, background can become wavy or jittery, stray lines appear
- Dragging a selection rectangle can select track outside it when zoomed in
- Scripts may not play correctly if user settings are nonstandard for momentum, max speed, and others
- Start/stop during playback can cause wrong line to be highlighted in script window
- There are problems running multiple scripted layouts at the same time
- Schedule window can be accidentally cleared by certain clicks or events
- Train window can show ghost train during layout jumps
- Car-top load symbols obscure car IDs
- Help index needs to be more complete
- Script development needs to be more robust and convenient
- Display and script-running problems on Win98/ME
- Show Numbers display is volatile, erased on next refresh
- Car collection error alert gives no indication how to fix errors
- Crash when working on car collections on Win98/ME
To report a bug, send a message to support@trainplayer.com. Give a procedure to reproduce the bug. If it is specific to a particular layout, send the rrw file. Mention your operating system.
License Agreement
-- TrainPlayer License Agreement --
Thank you for downloading TrainPlayer software. With either the purchased or the demo version, you may:
* install the software for your personal use on one or more machines.
* distribute the installer freely. Without a license key, the installer is a free demo version.
* use layouts as delivered with the program or downloaded from the TrainPlayer web site, in accordance with your license. You will not be able to load layouts for which you are not licensed.
* request support by e-mail.
If you have not purchased a license, you may use the software free for the extent of the trial period (10 days). When the trial expires, if you wish to continue using the software, you must purchase a license or request a trial extension by e-mail.
You may not:
* distribute, post, or make public any license key we provide.
* modify the software or documentation.
* distribute, post, or make public images, tpg files, or screen captures of any Kalmbach layout.
* make copies of the distributed CD, except for your own personal use as backup.
Track plans from "101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders," "Model Railroader," and "Model Railroad Planning" are copyright (c) Kalmbach Publishing Co. You are permitted to use the images within TrainPlayer and TrackLayer only.
-- Disclaimer of Warranty --
This software and the accompanying files are sold "as is" and without warranties as to performance or merchantability or any other warranties whether expressed or implied. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which this software may be put, no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.
The program is not without bugs. If you find one, we encourage you to report it, and we will do our best to fix it in an upcoming version.
Contact
web www.trainplayer.com info@trainplayer.com forum groups.yahoo.com/group/TrainPlayer phone send e-mail to request the number 4200 E. Arcadian Dr., Castro Valley, CA 94546