Is it worth it?

[bwfer]

After believing I survived two RSC/Steam updates yesterday 1/22, I checked the steam.log this morning and noticed that among other things the RSC Big Boy and Challenger where updated. I attempted to start my Big Boy Fruit block on Sherman Hill and it bombed. I tried and couple of scenarios that came with the route with then same results. I then tried some Challenger scenarios that came with the Sherman Hill Route and they also bombed.

The Asset Editor in RW Tools could not locate these Locos and further checking with my file manager indicated that the Steam Folders were missing from the Rail Vehicles Folders. I restored the missing steam folders from my backups to their respective locations and all is well(for the time being).

Which leads me to ask this question... Is it really worth it it when one has to spend the majority of his/her time maintaining/repairing this simulation? I have read many, many threads on this and other forums about the time spent 'cleaning up' and/or waiting for RSC/Steam to repair defective downloads, most of which are unannounced. In particular the Dash9 fiasco of last year. I am not bashing RSC or Steam... just asking a simple question.

Your thoughts...

[buzz456]

This is usually (and seems to be in this case) of the Steam server cutting off before it completes its mission. This appears to be mainly a function of anyone's download capability. I have a real stable internet service here and rarely have any of these issues. There is probably a program out there that can pick up on d/l's if they are interrupted.....wait I have one of those, that probably could help solve this problem thus lowering your frustration with this issue.

Other than that you certainly have my sympathy and understanding involved here.

[bwfer]

This is usually (and seems to be in this case) of the Steam server cutting off before it completes its mission. This appears to be mainly a function of anyone's download capability. I have a real stable internet service here and rarely have any of these issues. There is probably a program out there that can pick up on d/l's if they are interrupted.....wait I have one of those, that probably could help solve this problem thus lowering your frustration with this issue.

Other than that you certainly have my sympathy and understanding involved here.

Buzz...

I really don't think it's my Internet Service, I have a 30Mps down/3Mps up cable service which is super reliable and fast. However it may be a problem with the Steam Server. I don't know. The bottom line ni my case is RSC/Steam rendered something that was functioning perfectly and broke it which is, IMO, totally unacceptable. It has happened many,many times in the past to not just me but many others. To add to my point, there is a current thread going on the Steam Forum about these last two Steam updates.

At this point, I am seriously considering going offline as I have enough content to last easily the rest of my life. I will still be able to obtain additional 3rd Party Payware/Freeware if desired and not have to tolerate the hassle involved in dealing with Steam and RSC.

[buzz456]

"At this point, I am seriously considering going offline as I have enough content to last easily the rest of my life. I will still be able to obtain additional 3rd Party Payware/Freeware if desired and not have to tolerate the hassle involved in dealing with Steam and RSC."

That's your choice then isn't it.

[bwfer]

"At this point, I am seriously considering going offline as I have enough content to last easily the rest of my life. I will still be able to obtain additional 3rd Party Payware/Freeware if desired and not have to tolerate the hassle involved in dealing with Steam and RSC."

That's your choice then isn't it.

Yup... Have gone offline.

[buzz456]

As long as you stick around here we'll let you know what's up with Steam/RSC. No Problem.

[bwfer]

Thanks Buzz. I really appreciate the efforts and work of the members of this community and have a large amount of their work from the File Library.

Make no mistake, I'm sticking around... The information and knowledge i have gained from this forum has been invaluable in addition the vast amount of DLC from the File Library,

Cheers

[arizonachris]

Brian, there have been several times, even with my fast download speed, I needed a download manager. Try "free download manager" http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/ Steam can be problematic at best with downloads and updates. Their servers get slammed when a sale happens.

[DonR]

Brian,

You might want to check to see which Steam Server your Steam Client is connecting to for the downloads. I don't recall off the top of my head which menu that is in the Steam Client. I also verify local files often after an update and there are usually some files that get re-downloaded.

I usually keep my Steam Client offline. I have a limited bandwidth connection, so I don't like to be surprised with a large download if I'm close to my limit. I keep an eye on this forum for update news. Come to think of it, do we have a forum for that? That would be very handy.

Call me old fashioned, but I like the old way of distributing software.... install from a CD/DVD and download updates to install yourself...

In general, I still think RW is worth it. I remember back to when I was a kid and the only way to "play trains" was to build a model railroad.

Don.

[buzz456]

Brian, there have been several times, even with my fast download speed, I needed a download manager. Try "free download manager" http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/ Steam can be problematic at best with downloads and updates. Their servers get slammed when a sale happens.

That's what I was trying to say in my non-geek speak cause I couldn't remember, a download manager. Does wonders for getting the whole thing when Steam does something. I have to look and see which server I use. That might be seriously contributing to this issue also.

[bwfer]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. Chris, I will check out the free Download Manager. I will continue to offline to prevent a re-occurrence of this unfortunate incident. The damage was more extensive than I originally thought... in addition to losing the RSC Big Boy and Challenger Packs and their scenarios, all of the GTrax Steam Locomotives were deleted along with their scenarios in addition to the Class66 V2 pack and scenarios. I have restored all from my backups. Also of interest is the steam.log file also indicated that the PRR Centipede and UP SD45 from Sherman Hill were deleted, however they were not.

Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions.