TrainSimulator Flow Chart. This is for only MSTS and not other train simulators.

To repaint an MSTS train, you'll need both the TGAtool2 and the MSTS MakeACEInterface programs and should also get the SView and Con[sist]Builder programs. These are available in www.TrainSim.com under Utilities. Also available there are: Spottercam2 which allows a helicopter view, TSintrfc which expands the train list in MSTS, and Trans-da which converts speed and switch displays to translucent. In the .wag (car) or .eng (loco) files are any number of .ace files and a reference(s) to an .s, and wagon or engine files. There may be some .txt files, a picture labeled like the host file, and a .diz file; the former are descriptive and the latter are used by Train-Sim.com. There may be a loco.ace file which is used as an optional display (and may be omitted). The .sd file will contain a reference to the .s file. The .wag and .eng files usually contain an .s reference (there may be more if there is a separate interior view) and a wagon reference for .wag files and three references for .eng files. The .eng file will also usually contain a Cabview and Sound file which sometimes are bypassed by a common file in the Trainset folder. The Trainset and Consist folders are in the Trains folder which is in the MSTS folder which is in the Microsoft Games folder which is usually in Programs. The cars and engines are in the Trainset folder. The Consist folder describe the train arrangements; these are easily created using the ConBuilder program. The .ace files contain the picture(s); the .s file maps the .ace files onto a shape. To change an .ace file requires the TGAtool2 which can convert it into a picture .tga file when saved. The saved picture can then be photo shopped. The MakeACEinterface converts your picture back to an .ace file which can have the same name as previously used if you have saved the prior version as a copy. Some .aces files are twice as long as others (with a better resolution) and may require conversion to a smaller size or the use of another converter. Once a picture is converted back to the .ace file, the shape .s file can be viewed with the SView program allowing a check of ones progress. There is also a discussion board under Forums on www.Train-Sim.com which is very helpful. The following flow chart has arrows whose direction indicates the calling or creation of a file. The files name appears plain. The Bold named files are programs; these programs are generally separately available from www.train-sim.com. A particular engine or wagon file trainset/[name] preferably contains a line Name(Title) which will be used by ConsistBuilder; if not available then the .eng or .wag or trainset/[name] file name will be used. The consist/[name] has both a file name and a preferably a separate description therein with the latter being shown in TrainSim. The .tga file can be modified with photo editors capable of editing them. It is suggested to copy the Trainset/[name] file (which is either a car or loco or sometimes both) to a temporary location first, then when completed and a tested copy back to Trainset/ [name].

TrainSim is located in Programs Files/Microsoft Games/ Routes is located in Programs Files/Microsoft Games/Train Simulator Consists is located in Programs Files/Microsoft Games/Train Simulator/Trains Trainset is located in Programs Files/Microsoft Games/Train Simulator/Trains Trainset/[name] is a particular engine or wagon in ///Trains/Trainset .eng is engines is found in //Train Simulator/Trains/Trainset/[name] .wag is wagons is found in //Train Simulator/Trains/Trainset/[name] .sd and .s (the shape file) are used by .eng or .wag .ace files are templates used by shape file .s RouteControl checks for missing files Kosmos changes skies in Routes ConsistBuilder changes/creates Consists using usually engines then wagons. S-View views vehicle shape file .s in .eng or .wag found in Trainset/[name] TGATool2 converts .ace in Trainset/[name] to .tga PhotoIt [or similiar] edits .tga MakeAce converts .tga back to .ace Train Routes/[name] Sim Consists/[name] Trainset/[name] Kosmos ConsistBuilder & RouteControl ^

.wag or .eng Cabview & Sound .sd .s .ace ^ MakeAce PhotoIt

S-View TGATool2 v .tga