GSL issue

[dasuto247]

Suddenly in my "Eary War" install, which have built all of my Coral Sea and Midway missions on, GSL objects had activated do not show up nor will any activate now.I had the IJN Tulagi.gsl enabled when built the three Tulagi missions(part of Battle of Coral Sea) and reopened the file, GSL scenery not showing up in the harbor as before.Stock GSL scenery has been gone for a while as well but did not bother me as can use layouts and place objects to give many a more front line apperance than stock did.Issue is scenery such as that at Tulagi not showing up.Any ideas why suddenly it would not work? Solutions?

[Rami]

Dasuto247,

It sounds like you overwrote something...you have two overlapping gobs.

[MaskRider]

Hiya,

Sounds like you might have overwritten the pre-existing object in your Tulagi gobs by adding new objects to those gobs using Martin Wright's GSLMAN.exe or else GSLEdit. If you added anything to the same gobs where your tulagi.gsl objects were located then those previously loaded objects will disappear. GSLMAN.exe and GSLEdit do not add new objects to those already present in a gob- they overwrite them. To add objects to those already present in a gob you need to use MB's build-in GSL Editor. It lets you add stuff to gobs that already have stuff in them.

Hope this helps,
MR

[MaskRider]

What you need to do is start with an empty gsl and then, using GobCheck and GSLEdit (Martin Wright's tools), add your tulagi object layout to your empty.gsl. Then save the empty.gsl as Tulagi.gsl in your main GSL folder. That way you'll have it handy to activate or deactivate whenever you wish.

[MaskRider]

@Rami: Great minds think alike!

MR

[Rami]

@Rami: Great minds think alike!

MR

Chris,

With all of the work I've done for Europe and the Med, this is something I run into on a near-constant basis. You've had the same experiences in the Pacific. :very_drunk:

[MaskRider]

Chris,

With all of the work I've done for Europe and the Med, this is something I run into on a near-constant basis. You've had the same experiences in the Pacific. :very_drunk:

Rami,

Indeed yes! :encouragement:

[dasuto247]

Thanks for the answers.I'm not sure how it happened, don't recall adding anything over the IJN Tulagi.gsl file. Hmm. Where can I get an empty GSL file? Anyone have the stock gsl file? Need it as well. So I can start over.I had stock files saved in a zip, it's missing.May have deleted it by mistake.Also, I've been to Martin Wright's website and do not see GSL editor nor Gob check there.Where can I get them? Thanks again for the assistance.

[MaskRider]

Dasuto247,

Here ya go.

Brief instructions:



[*=1]Place "Empty GSL" folder into your cfs2/GSL folder.
[*=1]Copy the "empty.gsl" file from the "Empty GSL" folder to your cfs2/GSL folder.
[*=1]Place "EmptyGSL.CFG" into your cfs2 parent folder.
[*=1]Place "CFS2 Mission Builder Empty GSL" (shortcut) where ever it is convenient.
[*=1] Place "CFS2 EmptyGSL" (shortcut) where ever it is convenient.


As long as your path to CFS2 is the standard path these shortcuts, "CFS2 Mission Builder Empty GSL" and "CFS2 EmptyGSL", should work fine. If your path is different then edit the shortcuts to fit the path as you have it set up.

Whenever you want to work on some new scenery, use the shortcut to the "CFS2 Mission Builder Empty GSL" shortcut.

When you are done with the scenery rename the empty.gsl with your scenery name and begin the process anew with a fresh copy of empty.gsl

*Make sure when running GSLEdit (Martin Wright) that you have the correct GSL loaded.

In this case it would be the empty gsl.

You'll need to play with it.

MR

[dvslats]

You'll need to email Martin Wright for these.

CFS2 GSL Tools (http://www.mwgfx.co.uk/dev/dev.htm)

[dasuto247]

I have the tools now, a lot to learn.I tried replacing my gsl file with the stock one, but that did not restore gsl buildings etc. Figured that would work.What to do next?

[MaskRider]

Hiya Dasuto247,

Lets take this one step at a time.



When you say: "I tried replacing my gsl file with the stock one, but that did not restore gsl buildings...". Are you saying that swapping in the stock GSL (ground scenery layer) did not restore any of the stock scenery objects at the stock airfields? Are you using the standard cfs2.exe shortcut?


MR

[dasuto247]

Hiya Dasuto247,

Lets take this one step at a time.



When you say: "I tried replacing my gsl file with the stock one, but that did not restore gsl buildings...". Are you saying that swapping in the stock GSL (ground scenery layer) did not restore any of the stock scenery objects at the stock airfields? Are you using the standard cfs2.exe shortcut?


MR

Yes, I placed the stock cfs2.gsl file, overwriting the current one, figuring would bring back stock and could just start over.I did not have many GSL changes enabled in this particular install. Well, I have three installs on my PC, the original(mid war), early war and late.The install having issue is the "EARLY" . Path is "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\cfs2.exe" No issues with other installs gsl.

[MaskRider]

Try this stock gsl

I might have zipped up the wrong one last time

MR

[MaskRider]

Hiya Dasuto247,

I'm just a little unclear.

Question:


"I did not have many GSL changes enabled in this particular install"

Enabled how? What do you mean by "enabled" exactly?

MR

[dasuto247]

Hiya Dasuto247,

I'm just a little unclear.

Question:



Enabled how? What do you mean by "enabled" exactly?

MR

Enabled via the GSL man tool that came with various scenery.

[MaskRider]

Enabled via the GSL man tool that came with various scenery.

OK, got it. Thanks.

Well if you added (enabled) scenery objects using GSLMan to a gob that already had scenery objects installed the objects that were there first will disappear.

So you now have GOBCheck and GSLEdit from Martin Wright?

MR

[dasuto247]

OK, got it. Thanks.

Well if you added (enabled) scenery objects using GSLMan to a gob that already had scenery objects installed the objects that were there first will disappear.

So you now have GOBCheck and GSLEdit from Martin Wright?

MR

I do have them

[MaskRider]

Did you have any luck loading up that replacement stock gsl file? If so, did your stock scenery showed up?

MR

[dasuto247]

Did you have any luck loading up that replacement stock gsl file? If so, did your stock scenery showed up?

MR

Ah, no luck.Still not working.I did have to do some editing of the scenery.cfg file to use some Midway scenery, to exclude the stock scenery there.I had finished my Coral Sea missions.I went back and was checking them over and notticed the tulagi gsl was not showing up.Now, before that stock scenery was not there either, but he GSL I added was until I changed the scenery.cfg per the instructions.I don't mind the stock GSl being gone for most part(like to know how to get it back though in case needed, of course with the tools I can edit the stock gsl yes?) Perhaps the change to scenery.cfg is the culprit?

[MaskRider]

So, with that stock gsl file loaded, you go to a stock CFS2 airfield and there are no scenery objects visible?

Please do me a favor. Right click on the shortcut you are using to start CFS2. Right click inside the two boxes hi-lighted in yellow in attached screenshot, select all, copy and paste here in reply so I can see what they say. Thanks.

http://www.mask-rider.net/MaskRider2008/resources/cfs2-shortcut-properties.jpg

MR

[MaskRider]

Messing with the scenery.cfg file has nothing to with and will have zero effect on whether GSL scenery objects show up or not. Nada. What fooling with the scenery.cfg file will affect is whether the airfields themselves show up- the runways and any API Macros, i.e. "static" objects you may have added when building an airfield in FSSC or similar scenery-building program. But it will have zero impact on which GSL objects show up. Trust me on this.

MR

Just out of curiosity, to make sure we are both on the same page here, what do you refer to, what do you mean, when you say GSL? What sorts of visual things in the sim do you think of when you think of GSL scenery? Please bear with me.

You understand that GSL "scenery" objects exist quite independently from any thing that is handled by the scenery.cfg file, right? You could have zero, zip, nada scenery activated in your scenery.cfg file and still the objects contained in the currently loaded GSL file would show up.

MR

[dasuto247]

So, with that stock gsl file loaded, you go to a stock CFS2 airfield and there are no scenery objects visible?

Please do me a favor. Right click on the shortcut you are using to start CFS2. Right click inside the two boxes hi-lighted in yellow in attached screenshot, select all, copy and paste here in reply so I can see what they say. Thanks.

http://www.mask-rider.net/MaskRider2008/resources/cfs2-shortcut-properties.jpg

MR

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\cfs2.exe"

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early"

Yes, go to any airfield now(including stock fields untouched by add on scenery such as Lae) , just the runway, no buildings, aa emplacements, revetments etc. I load up my Tulagi missions, the IJN-Tulagi GSL scenery I had enabled no longer shows up, and when I try to readd via GSL man, nothing shows up as did before.

[MaskRider]

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\cfs2.exe"

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early"

Yes, go to any airfield now(including stock fields untouched by add on scenery such as Lae) , just the runway, no buildings, aa emplacements, revetments etc. I load up my Tulagi missions, the IJN-Tulagi GSL scenery I had enabled no longer shows up, and when I try to readd via GSL man, nothing shows up as did before.

Hehe. Thanks for posting that info.

That is danged strange.

OK. Try this. Go to Options -> Settings -> Scenery Library -> Scenery Object Density -> set it to "extremely dense" if it isn't already set to that.

MR

[dasuto247]

Hehe. Thanks for posting that info.

That is danged strange.

OK. Try this. Go to Options -> Settings -> Scenery Library -> Scenery Object Density -> set it to "extremely dense" if it isn't already set to that.

MR

Was already set to "extremely dense", made no difference. The stock objects have been missing a while but never bothered me.Issue now is somewhere along the way recently something was fouled up, now no gsl scenery shows at all.I'm running your scenery for Solomons, New Guinea. Uncle's New Britain, New Irleand.AF Port Moresby. It has something to do with the Midway Scenery, seems like after I tried to add the new midway GSL objects(they didnt show up, had another step and decided to use the layouts via the MB instead) and worked up some Midway missions, I tested my Coral Sea missions and noticed the GSL for Tulagi was missing then, but was there before.

[MaskRider]

Ok. Well, lets forget about Tulagi and Midway and all that stuff for now.

Lets concentrate on getting CFS2 to start with the stock cfs2.gsl file loaded and all objects showing. Everything else starts from that datum.

So, let me get this straight.

When you click on your CFS2 start shortcut, the one whose pathway reads "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\cfs2.exe", you are starting a copy of CFS2 that has nothing but the stock cfs2.gsl loaded. Right?

And that stock cfs2.gsl file is sitting inside the C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\GSL folder right? Not nested inside another folder but out on its own inside the GSL folder?

Please bear with me and take it one step at a time. It is important that we only have the stock cfs2.gsl file loaded. Please re-copy and re-paste it into your C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early\GSL folder just to be sure.

To check that all is well. please open your copy of GSLEdit.

Go to: File -> Open GSL -> C -> Program Files (x86) -> Microsoft Games -> Combat Flight Simulator 2 - Early -> GSL -> cfs2.gsl and open it.

You should see something that looks like this: A list of all the gobs included in the stock.gsl file on the left and a list of all the objects installed in each gob on the right.

http://www.mask-rider.net/MaskRider2008/resources/cfs2gsl-open-in-gsledit2.jpg

Does yours look like this?

MR

[Blood_Hawk23]

Not to cause confusion or to interfere but has this been checked?

In your CFS2.CFG file do you see anything like this?

[PREFS]
UseGSL=****.gsl

If you see anything like that, then it will only use that GSL file. If you want you can add that line and point it to your cfs2.gsl file.

This is how I've done my WWI scenery.

[MaskRider]

Not to cause confusion or to interfere but has this been checked?

In your CFS2.CFG file do you see anything like this?

[PREFS]
UseGSL=****.gsl

If you see anything like that, then it will only use that GSL file. If you want you can add that line and point it to your cfs2.gsl file.

This is how I've done my WWI scenery.

Good call Blood_Hawk23!

I think you may have hit on it!

This how I have done my cfs2 set up, too.

I have a bunch of CFS2 shortscuts calling out different cfg files for different areas: \cfs2.exe" /CFG:EmptyGSL.CFG; \cfs2.exe" /CFG:MR_DEI_GSL.CFG; \cfs2.exe" /CFG:MR_PNG_GSL.CFG; etc., etc..

I also have specific CFS2 short cuts named after the cfg file they call out.

That is why I had Dasuto247 confirm for me, several times above, that his shortcut to cfs2 calls out a nice clean "\cfs2.exe".

He confirmed several times that it does.

But I see how what you suggest could be the issue if he made the change to the cfs2.cfg file without renaming it and creating a new shortcut to handle it.

So that the cfs2 shortcut still appears to be referencing a stock cfs2.cfg that calls out a stock cfs2.gsl file (i.e. by not calling one out at all) when actually it is referencing a cfs2.cfg that is stock in name only but has been altered to call out a custom gsl.

Thanks for the input! :encouragement:

MR

PS What do you want to bet that Dasuto247 has his cfg2.cfg file set up to call out the midway.gsl? After installing Midway is when he started having issues.

[MaskRider]

Hiya Dasuto247,

Somehow, somewhere along the line, the wrong dsl is being called out.

I have been trying to come at it from one direction.

But based on the above discussion I think Blood_Hawk23 has hit upon the heart of the matter.

Please open up your cfs2.cfg file and check under the [PREFS] section for a line that reads something similar to

UseGSL=scenery_name.gsl

Where the "scenery name" might be midway or similar.

If there is such a line, then close and save-as under the name cfs2_scenery-name_gsl.cfg (where "scenery-name" is whatever that line in the PREFS sectiion says).

Then delete the line calling out the custom.gsl from the [PREFS] section of the cfs2.cfg.

Close/save it.

Start CFS2 and see if your stock scenery objects have re-appeared.

Cheers,
MR

[Blood_Hawk23]

It would make sense.

Send him a copy of LW's GSL tutorial. Things like that are in there.

[MaskRider]

Dasuto247,

Here is a link to the tutorial Blood_Hawk23 referenced above

CFS2 Global Scenery Editor (http://www.mask-rider.net/MaskRider2008/resources/lindsay_watts_cfs2_gsl_tutorial.zip)

If you're going to get into this GSL scenery making game you should give it a read. :encouragement:

MR

[dasuto247]

Hiya Dasuto247,

Somehow, somewhere along the line, the wrong dsl is being called out.

I have been trying to come at it from one direction.

But based on the above discussion I think Blood_Hawk23 has hit upon the heart of the matter.

Please open up your cfs2.cfg file and check under the [PREFS] section for a line that reads something similar to

UseGSL=scenery_name.gsl

Where the "scenery name" might be midway or similar.

If there is such a line, then close and save-as under the name cfs2_scenery-name_gsl.cfg (where "scenery-name" is whatever that line in the PREFS sectiion says).

Then delete the line calling out the custom.gsl from the [PREFS] section of the cfs2.cfg.

Close/save it.

Start CFS2 and see if your stock scenery objects have re-appeared.

Cheers,
MR


Thanks for the help guys, editing the CFS2.cfg file solved the issue.Under prefs section it read "UseGSL=empty.gsl".I deleted that and saved.Stock GSL etc has returned and once I readded the tulagi scenery via gslman, it showed up in the MB. Now with that problem solved, can move forward.I will have to learn the GSL programs, thanks for the link.Quick question, the scenery I do not want in early 42 such as that at Henderson Field can be removed while others are left yes? Once again, thanks for all the help.

[dasuto247]

Reading through and getting familiar with the GSLEDIT program. I see can edit specific ones.Anyone know which one would be stock Henderson Field? There are just a bunch of numbers under the GOB's list, no names next to them to identify like in the README.

[Blood_Hawk23]

Thanks for the help guys, editing the CFS2.cfg file solved the issue.Under prefs section it read "UseGSL=empty.gsl".I deleted that and saved.Stock GSL etc has returned and once I readded the tulagi scenery via gslman, it showed up in the MB. Now with that problem solved, can move forward.I will have to learn the GSL programs, thanks for the link.Quick question, the scenery I do not want in early 42 such as that at Henderson Field can be removed while others are left yes? Once again, thanks for all the help.

There are two ways you can remove it.

---First way is with MW's gsledit, You can remove the GOBs for Henderson. This may remove everything. Or you can remove just the buildings and such...

---The second way would be to use MB (Mission Builder) and use LW's technique. You will have to click all around the field to get all of the objects. Then you can go through and delete the ones that you don't want.

I think either way will work. It will come down to what you feel more comfortable with. I like mission builder, myself.

[Blood_Hawk23]

I believe you have to update the airfield list.

[dasuto247]

I believe you have to update the airfield list.

I clicked update airfield list, did nothing.:banghead:

[MaskRider]

Hiya Dasuto247,

Glad that did the trick.

WRT making just the scenery objects at Henderson disappear. What I would suggest, just as a start, is that you

Make a copy of your currently loaded gsl file and rename it early-42.gsl .

Then, make a copy of your stock cfs2.cfg file and rename it cfs2-early42-GSL.cfg

Open cfs2-early42-GSL.cfg and under the [PREFS] section add a line that says UseGSL=early-42.gsl

Then make a copy of your cfs2 shortcut and rename it CFS2-Early42

Right click on the short cut and in the 'target' box change ...\cfs2.exe" to ....\cfs2.exe" /CFG:cfs2-early42-GSL.cfg

You will need to create a similar shortcut for MB:

Make a copy of your MB Shortcut.

Rename the copy CFS2 Mission Builder Early 42 GSL.

Right click on it and in the target box change ...\cfs2.exe" /BUILDER: to ... \cfs2.exe" /CFG:cfs2-early42-GSL.cfg /BUILDER:

Use that for you scenery building for Early-42.

As for removing and adding scenery objects just from Henderson field, give LW's tutorial a read and see if you come up with any ideas. ;^) Yes, it can be done. Quite easily.

MR

If you want to remove the runways, too- just the visible runways, not the runway entry from the drop down list- you can build a very simple FSSC scenery bgl at Henderson that includes nothing but an exclude for "all visible scenery". Also very easily done.

PS I concur with BH23 WRT to using GSLEdit or MB GSLEdit to remove the objects at Henderson. Either should do the trick.

However, using MB GSLEdit allows you a little more discretion as to which objects get removed. You can, for instance, get rid of just the buildings and other man made objects and leave the trees. Even add a few more tees if you are so inclined. GSLEdit will remove everything.

Remember, there are no quick corners to be cut. You have to keep everything very well organized or it can get away from you very quickly.

MR

Oh, PS: If you choose to use GSLEdit to remove the objects be sure to open it with early-42.gsl loaded up, not the stock cfs2.gsl. You want to keepthe stock cfs2.gsl pristine.

See screenshot below. Make sure the hi-lites portion reads early-42.gsl (or whatever you name it).
http://www.mask-rider.net/MaskRider2008/resources/gsledit-wearl42.jpg
MR

[Blood_Hawk23]

Hummm... I'll have to play with the GSLedit to get it sorted out.

I had to remake one of my WWI fields three times. Come to find out I was over writing the GOB.

[MaskRider]

Reading through and getting familiar with the GSLEDIT program. I see can edit specific ones.Anyone know which one would be stock Henderson Field? There are just a bunch of numbers under the GOB's list, no names next to them to identify like in the README.

Hiya Dasuto247,

Does your GSLEdit window look like the screenshots I posted?

The column on the left side of the GSLEdit pane lists all gobs that have GSL scenery objects loaded into them. If there happens to be an airfield located in that GOB then it is listed, too. Hi lite that gob and see what options are available in the menu bar.

Don't forget to read Lindsay's MB GSL Editor Tutorial.

I'm leaving it up to you.

MR

[dasuto247]

I've read through the README for GSL tools, I get the gist of it.Issue is now is no name is displaying next to the gob so have no clue which gob am looking at when o open the cfs2.gsl file. A list was included but does not include stock Henderson gob name. I hit update airfields, view list, nothing happens.

[MaskRider]

Please take a screenshot of your GSLEdit window and post it so we can have a look-see.

Thanks.

MR

[Blood_Hawk23]

f8071c.gob Henderson

set GSLedit to the exe file you plan on editing. Open the GSL file. update airfield list. reopen GSL file. Airfields should be listed.

[dasuto247]

Please take a screenshot of your GSLEdit window and post it so we can have a look-see.

Thanks.

MR


Here you go MR This is current CFS2. gsl file in my "early install". Stock GSL objects now show up as do those that I enable.I understand how to remove and add objects after reading instructions.Key now is being able to locate proper areas.I want to locate Henderson Field and remove everything but trees, perhaps add some to represent what area looked like in May 1942 before japanese began constructing the airfield.This will fit well with the Tulagi strikes in my "Coral Sea missions" I plan to release in coming days as all are finished and testing is almost complete.Wrapping up issues such as this.

[Blood_Hawk23]

That is really small. You may need to zoom in a little.

There is a Kool feature to the gsledit that I just noticed. It is the ability to save the GOB as a Layout. Just save the GOB as a Layout. You can then load up the Layout in MB. Edit it and add the new edited layout as a GOB.

You know I haven't used GSLEdit since I got it. I've always used LW's method. I'll have to give this another look. It might allow me to fix some errors faster.

[dasuto247]

There is a Kool feature to the gsledit that I just noticed. It is the ability to save the GOB as a Layout. Just save the GOB as a Layout. You can then load up the Layout in MB. Edit it and add the new edited layout as a GOB.

You know I haven't used GSLEdit since I got it. I've always used LW's method. I'll have to give this another look. It might allow me to fix some errors faster.


Lucked up and found the correct gob after noticing the name Henderson in README screenshot of various GOB's.So mission accomplished.Also saved a Henderson layout before hand to edit for later and use when want facilities at Henderson.I forgot though.How do you save changes to a layout once make them in the MB?

[MaskRider]

Here you go MR This is current CFS2. gsl file in my "early install". Stock GSL objects now show up as do those that I enable.I understand how to remove and add objects after reading instructions.Key now is being able to locate proper areas.I want to locate Henderson Field and remove everything but trees, perhaps add some to represent what area looked like in May 1942 before japanese began constructing the airfield.This will fit well with the Tulagi strikes in my "Coral Sea missions" I plan to release in coming days as all are finished and testing is almost complete.Wrapping up issues such as this.

Did you go to CFS2 -> Update Airfield List? and CFS2 -> View Airfield list?

If neither of those worked than all I can conclude is that some where along the line in your efforts to remove stock airfields you must have edited some key CFS2 file that keeps all of the airfield entries straight.

Perhaps your cfs2afd.bgl? Or maybe your allrunways.BGL? Or maybe your runways.BGL?

I have zero cklue as I have never messed with any of those files myself. You need to restore that information. Hopefully whatever file it may have been that you edited you kept a copy of the stock version so it can be replaced? All I know is that the reason why the airfields are not listed has zero to do with editing the GSL.

MR

PS Do any of the stock airfields show up in the drop-down list in FF?

[Blood_Hawk23]

You know, I forget... We really need a face : plam Icon...

[MaskRider]

"How do you save changes to a layout once make them in the MB?"

I wash my hands.

MR

[Allen]

The cfs2afd.bgl has the starting points for FF and QC. allrunways.BGL places the runways on the ground. airbases.dat has the starting point for missions.

Keys for loading and saving GSL.
39389

Below is mb_main_backgrnd.jpg that has layout and GSL load and save keys. Put it in the \UIRES\MB. It replace the stock mb_main_backgrnd.jpg.

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[dasuto247]

The cfs2afd.bgl has the starting points for FF and QC. allrunways.BGL places the runways on the ground. airbases.dat has the starting point for missions.

Keys for loading and saving GSL.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39389&stc=1

Below is mb_main_backgrnd.jpg that has layout and GSL load and save keys. Put it in the \UIRES\MB. It replace the stock mb_main_backgrnd.jpg.

39390

Allen, would you reload your attachments? Says they are invalid when attempted to download them

[dasuto247]

"How do you save changes to a layout once make them in the MB?"

I wash my hands.

MR

Hey, a lot to absorb at once. I'm learning as I go here.

[dasuto247]

You know, I forget... We really need a face : plam Icon...

I agree. Learning curve and all though.

[Allen]

Allen, would you reload your attachments? Says they are invalid when attempted to download them

I see SOH crapped the bed.. try below.

39392

39391