Post by dale on Jun 30, 2020 18:27:36 GMT
This came up in another thread and I thought it might be important to revisit the issue.
I would recommend ID 13620, I think it's still free ...
STARFIGHTER
Each model configured into an XLI file must have a unique ID. We all know that. However, the concept of a "free" ID just doesn't exist globally any more. Technically, a "free" ID is merely one that isn't being used in any of our own XLI files. What is "free" for you may not be "free" for someone else. When you are releasing a model, leave the ID you were using in or take it out - it doesn't matter since most of us will need to renumber it anyway. As far as I am aware, the only model types that "require" an ID in a specific range are steam locomotives so that the side rods function properly.
Back in the old days, 
, when there were only a few hundred non-BB models, it was the norm to request a block of IDs be reserved for your own use. These were tracked at the Littleville Depot and, generally, respected. Gnome's website tried to keep them all available by ID, and Neil has preserved most if not all of that collection (thanks, Dude). But then we ran out of "free" IDs and people started releasing models without an ID. Now, with thousands of models available, we need to pick and choose the models we want to use and fit them into the IDs we are currently using in our XLI files.
, when there were only a few hundred non-BB models, it was the norm to request a block of IDs be reserved for your own use. These were tracked at the Littleville Depot and, generally, respected. Gnome's website tried to keep them all available by ID, and Neil has preserved most if not all of that collection (thanks, Dude). But then we ran out of "free" IDs and people started releasing models without an ID. Now, with thousands of models available, we need to pick and choose the models we want to use and fit them into the IDs we are currently using in our XLI files. RtR! maxes out at 1500 models configured, with a maximum of 500 of any one type. Model IDs can be any number under 15000. Above that point seems to be where RtR! keeps many of its own, internal, IDs such as those for the red lines from the track controls to the target object. Using IDs above 15000 may, repeat may, cause weird problems. I do know of a few models that are numbered well above 15000 and seem to be trouble free so it becomes trial and error.
As for me, before I add any new model, I run the XLI Checker to see what ID may be available so I don't accidentally wind up with a duplicate ID. By the way, the IDs that RtR! uses internally are not in any XLI file so the XLI Checker can't determine if they are being duplicated in an XLI file. Therefore, if you do need to have IDs above 15000, I would recommend jumping all the way up to 17000 or higher, just in case. When I am testing a new model, I generally use IDs in the 19000 range, seemingly without problems. I will never release a model with an ID that high, but that's just me.
Dale
