I'm also "sort of" into the Rock Island, circa late 60's early 70's. There are some freeware Rock Island GP35's based on Dekosoft's models in the files library at Train-sim, however, I want the cabs, sounds, whistles and bells so want to purchase a Pro pack. Questions:

1. Will the skins from these Rock Island freeware 35 models apply onto a "Pro" model?

2. If yes to the above: The Rock Island 35's were non-dynamic, current Pro sets all have dynamics... are those alpha-ble or otherwise able to be masked/removed for non-dynamic applications?

3. Do the custom sounds have the turbo "wheeze/whine"?

Not "into" the B&O/C&O/WM, or CSX, or even the WP... so was Just trying to determine which GP35 Pak would best serve my needs. (i.e. Hopefully use the Rock Island skins on the improved models, reproduce/reapaint the cab view engine visuals to represent Rock Island units, and use the sounds, etc!)

Thanks for any input.

Andre Ming

Andre,

The RI repaints by Randy Hubmann have a special .s file that was created specifically for the freeware set -- AFAIK, the RI didn't own units with dynamic brakes. The skins will work with the Pro Edition set, but to be prototypical I would keep the non-dynamic .s file, and just use the sounds. Also since the cabs in the Pro Edition were made for its models, they won't match the colors of the RI set.

I'm not trying to sway your decision either way, but please note that the current GP35 Pro Edition set won't be available for much longer, and updated GP35s will be released in new sets. Look for an announcement within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks

Chipster:

Thanks for the reply. Right you are on the RI not having dynamics, my main reason for hesitating on the current offerings.

Curious: Are you planning for a non-dynamic version in the upgrade?

However, I assume the RI skins for the current version would not be applicable to the upgrade due to mapping differences.

Andre Ming

Yes, there will be an updated non-dynamic version; the high hoods may take longer.

The mapping will be similar, but not identical -- actually the mapping templates more closely resemble the GP38/GP40 layouts, 1024x1024 and I hope tighter all around.


cheers