With the release of the 102t Class A tanks add-on for RailWorks just round the corner we've enabled two areas on the website that were mentioned a while ago; a re-skinning archive containing textures and files to help out those who wish to repaint the tanks (and future add-ons) into alternative colours and a layered file area to hold scenarios submitted by users featuring our products for other people to download.

Re-skinning packs

These are one of the ways we want to help develop the hobby. Containing base textures and shadow maps along with other files to assist the re-skinner the pack should be an easy entry into re-skinning for some.

We've removed the need to attempt to reverse engineer the supplied textures and then try and create something from them while preserving the shadow layer, it can simply be added on in your preferred image editing program. In a similar vein there are xml versions of a couple of blueprint files to assist in creating new files to support your creations. It's not a point and click solution but should help remove some angst and help you create a better finished result.

To read a bit more about the files take a look at the Re-skinning Policy and Re-skinning Pack License or even download the pack from the Download Library.

The one thing we're not doing is hosting your creations once you've made them, but you're free to upload them and share in line with the conditions in the documents linked above. Naturally we'd like to see some screenshots posted to the Facebook galleries from time to time.

User Scenarios

As an additional aid to our customers we're happy to be providing a bit of hosting space to carry RailWorks scenarios they have created using our add-ons either in a default route with default assets or with other third party items.

The rationale behind this is to make life easier for those who are less familiar with computers and are uneasy searching through myriad file libraries for extra downloads or just to find a scenario they can install and use.

As a consequence we have divided the file library into three sections:

One pack and the basics - Scenarios that feature one Fastline Simulation stock pack along with default rolling stock on a default route.

Ours and the basics - Scenarios that feature multiple Fastline Simulation stock packs along with default rolling stock on a default or Fastline Simulation route.

Whatever you want - Scenarios that feature one or more Fastline Simulation stock packs (including re-skins) along with other third party rolling stock on a default, Fastline Simulation or third party route.

To find out a bit more take a look at the User Scenarios Policy.