[Siebren]

I noticed some OR routes being stored in Github. Handling such a route by downloading from Github and storing in OR could be a hurdle for beginners. Would it not be nice to have the actions to download and install a route behind a button in the OR menu? And even being able to check and install updates on those routes?

- guess Github has enough api's to do this technically
- would this be allowed legally? Guess so, al you do is automate manual steps
- would Github like this?

Using Github would mean OR does not need an own server for this with the costs and maintenance. And give the route creators a wider audience.

Any thoughts?

[Weter]

Good idea, Untill GH (or it's policy) would be reworked (e.g. turned into pay)

[rickloader]

Chris J has mentored several route builders onto Github - thanks Chris. The routes available from Git are Chiltern, Mid East and my own New Forest. I am sure Chris would welcome more routes to feature on the OpenRails.org content pages . He has also publshed a Github guide
https://www.dropbox....b%20v2.pdf?dl=0
In my view the biggest obstacle for new users is finding the track system trains and activities / timetable to run the route. Github does allow complete routes and rolling stock to be downloaded.
Routes can easily be updated from Github`s own "desktop" app. For some reason users are reluctant to install desktop to get updates.
An ORTS.org mention has certainly encouraged route downloads . But hardly any feedback results. Maybe they are disappointed with the route, or just casually hit the download button.
As Weter says, it is amazing that Github still allows free hosting. It is a superb facility once you get used to it. It is very liberating for route builders to continue developing a route , and I have had useful collaboration too.
Rick

[joe_star]

Hi

Could anyone share an example of a route stored on GitHub??

Thanks!

[Siebren]

https://github.com/cpvirtual/OR_CPV

https://github.com/r...ewForestRouteV3

https://github.com/MECoast

https://github.com/c...an/Demo-Model-1

These are the ones I know. There might be more...

[dforrest]

Siebren, on 27 November 2023 - 11:40 AM, said:

https://github.com/cpvirtual/OR_CPV

https://github.com/r...ewForestRouteV3

https://github.com/MECoast

https://github.com/c...an/Demo-Model-1

These are the ones I know. There might be more...

.... and https://github.com/D...iltern-Route-v2

[Siebren]

Finished programming the download option. Main menu got a button "Content" which opens this form:



Nothing fancy (yet). Only GitHub and zip stored routes. Only complete routes (also called tiny?) with at least one consist. So that after downloading no manual actions are required to start.

Data is stored in GitHub: https://github.com/openrails/content. So that routes can be added easily.

Manual entry to be found at https://open-rails.r...rt.html#content.

After the download the button "Start" gets highlighted when start data is available. This will start Open Rails in "+ Explore in Activity Mode +" with a consistent set of data. Again to make it the beginner easy. Currently we only have start data for the "Demo Model 1" Edinburgh route. If other route builders could supply start data for their route?

Siebren.

[Jack@Elvas]

Siebren, on 30 January 2024 - 01:20 AM, said:

Finished programming the download option. Main menu got a button "Content" which opens this form:

Download_Content.JPG

Nothing fancy (yet). Only GitHub and zip stored routes. Only complete routes (also called tiny?) with at least one consist. So that after downloading no manual actions are required to start.

Data is stored in GitHub: https://github.com/openrails/content. So that routes can be added easily.

Manual entry to be found at https://open-rails.r...rt.html#content.

After the download the button "Start" gets highlighted when start data is available. This will start Open Rails in "+ Explore in Activity Mode +" with a consistent set of data. Again to make it the beginner easy. Currently we only have start data for the "Demo Model 1" Edinburgh route. If other route builders could supply start data for their route?

Siebren.

Really nice work on that downloader!
I like that you have a picture and a description - I think this will be a huge help to new OpenRails users, and honestly I can't wait to try it for myself and download those routes.

Which leads to a nice side benefit - because of how easy this is, I bet those with routes published this way will see more people try out their routes!

Will this make it's way into the next official OpenRails release?

[Siebren]

Jack@Elvas, on 30 January 2024 - 10:18 AM, said:

Will this make it's way into the next official OpenRails release?

I guess this would be a good topic for 1.6. I already created some sort of "Open Rails getting started" (attached) based on this download topic. Still draft, still without formatting. And I do not yet know where to place this, website, manual, a pdf.

And this topic is already part of the unstable version, so testable.

Attached File(s)

•  OR getting started.zip (23.95K)
  Number of downloads: 29

[Siebren]

Weter, on 30 January 2024 - 07:52 AM, said:

Not tiny, but mini (i.e. historically - the separate MSTS installation with just one route, it's related stock&activities; being so, mainly due to unique tsection.dat-file presence, incompatible with multiple routes MSTS installation, having GENERAL (global) tsection.dat-file, fitting to all typical-tracked routes)

What is "Start data"? Player-driven path and rolling stock included?

Ah mini, thanks for clarifying.

"Start" data means all the data: route, consist etc. necessary for starting OR. Just one set that is known to work. As a beginner you can just skip the main menu with all it's choices. Just press "Start" and off you go.