Let me see if I can say it in a different way.

If you're loading a unit using the new rep_weap_inf_rifle (in a custom side), and you're loading say the rep_inf_rifleman from the stock rep side, you're loading two instances of rep_weap_inf_rifle into memory, so one gets overwritten or you get a weird combination of properties. That's why it doesn't appear to change. I can't remember if loading the actual rifleman/marine unit, or the side as a whole, loads the weapon, but that's pretty much how it goes.

So, technically, you should use a different name for the weapon and ord, unless you're making a full on side mod, which actually replaces the stock side files. In the long run, I'd say it's a lot better to use new names with custom sides that are included with a single map. Even if the custom side is just a remake of the stock sides, it should be done this way so there's never a conflict if you decide for any reason to use the new side with the stock side it's based on.

ok ill try it. i have another question, way more complicated: i want to make one of the astromech bots (i already have the msh and odf) into playable units. how do i do this? i konw its kinda complicated.

in the odf, you make it so the Geometry is the MSH of the astromech droid.. You may also want to make it so that the weapons it uses don't have geometry.

Btw, If you haven't looked at it already, I do have a tutorial on everything odfs, including weapon odfs, etc.
http://www.gametoast.com/forums/viewtop ... 27&t=13145

yeah obiboba, I really recommend using danns tutorial as a guide. It clears up a lot of questions you are asking.