[Weter]

See bottom paragraphs of Log-file: it tells about missing sounds at written addresses, mismatch between declared and actual stream numbers and, may be, absent brackets, clarifying erroneous *.sms-files with full paths and faulty string's numbers. Just now, it's impossible for me to copy-paste text from Your log-file here, for showing it exactly, but I'm sure, You'll see it easily. If no-ask me again.

From your log-file:
Warning: Cannot parse the constant number ../../PM in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Eng.sms:line 178
need to see a file to tell
Warning: Cannot parse the constant number ) in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Eng.sms:line 217
here is the consequence of misplaced closing bracker:
Warning: 9 missing Stream(s) in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Eng.sms:line 593
Stream list ended too early, stated number of streams was not acieved

Another file:

Warning: Cannot parse the constant number ../../PM in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Cab.sms:line 124

Warning: Cannot parse the constant number ) in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Cab.sms:line 163

Warning: 23 missing Stream(s) in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Cab.sms:line 547
At another ScaLability group of the same file, there is an error too:
Warning: 1 missing Stream(s) in
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\trains\trainset\PRR-T1\sound\1225_Cab.sms:line 572

Ambient sound managing files are missing in location, where them expected to be as well:
Warning: File clear_in.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

Warning: File clear_ex.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

Warning: File rain_in.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

Warning: File rain_ex.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

Warning: File snow_in.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

Warning: File snow_ex.sms missing from
D:\0.1 Eastern Routes\ROUTES\PRR_EAST_REG-2\SOUND

[Nighthawk72]

First of all, it appears that I am back in business! Thank you guys for your expert help!

Second, I d/l & installed the NYMG unofficial version 1.4.5336, Rev. 126.1, switched off the watchdog function, & the sim launched immediately. I have only tried it in 1 of my mini routes, but it works fine there, so I'm sure it will work as well for the other routes. I also kept the previous version (1.3.1.4328). To my amazement, I tried launching the sim using the previous version and it also now works. I don't intend to spend time trying to figure out what the problem might have been, but it does seem to be working fine now, even though I did absolutely nothing to it.

I do have 2 remaining questions, however. 1) In the root directories for the mini routes, which folders are critical for operating in OR? I'm sure the Global, Routes, & Trains folders are required, but are there any others, and, can those which are not necessary just be deleted? 2) Is there any documentation that explains what the "watchdog" function might be in NYMG?

Again, I appreciate you guys! Thank you...hawk

[Weter]

Never mind; that's good news, Hawk.

So, it appears to be an external, (perhaps windows) issue.

Manual, at it's very beginning, tells, which folders and which content (subfolders&files) are needed. AFAIK, you have correctly mentioned all three, except root Sound folder for sounds, used by all of included routes. Check paragraphs about NON-MSTS FOLDERS STRUCTURE there. GLOBAL folder mandatory must have only tsection.dat file: for most of routes-most recent version would be best. Many MSTS-specific sub folders are not needed there.

WRT Watchdog, that is one of windows service programs, terminating other programs, which it "doesn't like".
So, if it's preferences we're changed, it could stop liking ORTS, while Carlo's option told it to shut-up.
Maybe I'm wrong, but other members are free to correct me.

[engmod]

Weter,

The watchdog timer is an OR function, not windows.

Hawk,

Mini routes need to run as is, I would not delete anything.
Do you have 2 installs of the 2 versions of OR? or are you overwriting the one version?

[Nighthawk72]

Derek: I have 2 separate installs...the original & the new NYMG.
Also, since I have sufficient space on my hard drive, I will just leave things as they are. Thank you! hawk

[Weter]

However, it has sense to analyze Your log-file from time to time, and (as I've noticed, that You are interested in enhancing Your routes) correct mentioned mistakes, at least one at time, when You are at mood: so You'll get perfect faultless content, which will decrease possibility of faults, occurring during ORTS usage.

[Nighthawk72]

It could well be an issue w/Windows. Thats something I need to check out. Also, you are correct in that I do like to enhance some routes w/additional or different scenery objects, and place several loose consists in yards and on passing/industrial sidings.
As far as identifying & correcting errors, I have been relying heavily on the ActMan utility to locate errors in both activities and consists. Its a great way to quickly identify problem areas, and if the error cannot be fixed by one of the utility's functions, it does tell you exactly where an error might be so you can fix it yourself. hawk

[engmod]

>It could well be an issue w/Windows.

The watchdog function is within OR, nothing to do with windows.

I have found that some route/activity combinations will cause the timeout, and some not.

[Nighthawk72]

Interesting...so, does this mean that deactivating watchdog will prevent a recurrence?

[engmod]

Nighthawk72, on 20 June 2022 - 05:27 PM, said:

Interesting...so, does this mean that deactivating watchdog will prevent a recurrence?

Yes it will.