All trs2009 content will require normal maps?

[Barry]

Try again as I seem unable to get a definitive answer.
From the reading of the topics on the wiki normal maps required for texturing plus LOD, etc.
The only answer I got on trainz forum was if you don't use normal map texturing you will see the difference or similar.
However between the person just using content and the person making content there is a big difference. Time and skills.
The DS is being cleaned up of faulty content but at the same time if too faulty but still runs does this also get zapped for 2009.
Again fine for the user not neceessarily so for the content maker
What does trs2009 will require normal maps mean?
I do not mean how to make them as I could work that out if need be and IF I wanted to with Blender, but does it apply to content only uploaded to the DS or also one's own content imported into trrs2009 with trs2009 cmp. Non normal maps might not load?
I can't see the value of normal or bump map texturing anyway unless very close up. UV texturing from actual photos, skillfully used probably just as good for much non drivable content anyway.

What would work as regards invisible track, invisible bogeys ,and invisible couplings, offset attachments, etc, and non normal maps and texturings?

Just curious and not important anymore.

B

 

[S301]

It means that any content to be included in TS09 needs a normal map (although I think they will allow non normal map objects, otherwise they'll get very little 3rd party in the first release).

Non normal mapped objects will still load though.

Zec

 

[paulhobbs]

No, it means Auran would like any content to be included with TS2009 to have normal maps, that's all. Very few content creators (IMHO) will be using them though.

Paul

 

[Barry]

Still think the description on the wiki could be misleading or could be misconstrued and perhaps should be clarified if just UV texturing can be used without normals................. Basically although my interests are mainly non train related as regards content making I will consider trs2009 if user-friendly enough for my interests....... User friendly as regards content making..... The user friendly bit is simply that I use Blender for content making and the same blend file I use in trainz and hopfully in the the next version of the Stentec sail simulator SS5, when it eventually appears, also as used for the last 5 or 6 years for it....... So identical content I would use in each. ...mainly coastal maritime and canals c1800. The only difference is I make a configuration for the trainz content and export using the xml Blender exporter. That system worked well enough for trainz tc3 but IF! trs2009 requirements are similar will probably buy it....... If content making requirements for trs2009 are too restrictive will give trainz a miss.... Barry..P.S............... I don't rule out normal mapping, LOD, etc and may try these methods if just optional functions, but not if compulsory to make content workable in trs2009/2010/?

 

[johnwhelan]

No, it means Auran would like any content to be included with TS2009 to have normal maps, that's all. Very few content creators (IMHO) will be using them though.

Paul

I probably agree, I think it would make reskinning more complicated.

Cheerio John