asset size

[steamboateng]

I'm sure I've seen this question before in forums, but search yields nada.
In TRS06 Surveyor, is there a way to show asset size in kb or mb? I know I can get the kuid to show by adding '-show kuids' to the trainzoptions text file. Any way to add something to trainsoptions text to show asset size?

 

[nawlins]

Hi steamboateng. I'm not aware of any way to show asset size in Surveyor, but you can display the asset size in CMP.
In CMP right click the column header and check 'size'.

Cheers

 

[steamboateng]

Hi nawlins! Haven't been to Nawlins since before Katrina. Had more than a few good times down thataway, some of which I can even remember. :Y: 'Nuff of that!
The point of my post is to enquire if there's a way I can check asset size in kb's before placing them in Surveyor. A larger asset size doesn't necessarily mean more detail, and in most cases I would rather a smaller, even if less detailed asset placed on the baseboard. However, jumping from Surveyor to CMP and back in order to check size is a slow process. I'm looking for a kinder, gentler method.
Regards
Steamboat

 

[johnwhelan]

Hi nawlins! Haven't been to Nawlins since before Katrina. Had more than a few good times down thataway, some of which I can even remember. :Y: 'Nuff of that!
The point of my post is to enquire if there's a way I can check asset size in kb's before placing them in Surveyor. A larger asset size doesn't necessarily mean more detail, and in most cases I would rather a smaller, even if less detailed asset placed on the baseboard. However, jumping from Surveyor to CMP and back in order to check size is a slow process. I'm looking for a kinder, gentler method.
Regards
Steamboat

Use TS2009 and it's option to highlight resource intensive assets. The size is not a good indicator of how efficient an asset is. It's CM2 also has details on mesh sizes etc.

Trainz has an overhead of 300 poly equivalent for each mesh and 200 poly equivalent for each texture file. TS2009 uses DXT texture compression so the texture sizes are reduced by 75%.

So avoid assets that use multiple texture files, smoke adds load as does animation. One large building may well be a lighter load than a number of small ones. I think I read somewhere TS2009 doesn't like splines.

Cheerio John

 

[steamboateng]

Thanks for the reply, John. It's always a pleasure reading your well informed posts.
TRS09 is an option I have in mind. TRS06 works fine on my machine, but it is inherently touchy on how one builds routes and applies assets.
However, from the forums, I gather that TRS09 will accept most 06 assets, tho lacking in texture compression and other upgrades, thus negating file size and speed benefits. Also, Dr Ziegler's TransDEM, which I use for my New England routes, is not yet compatible with 09's 5 meter subdivided baseboards. (He's working on it!). And finally, from what I've read, there is no Blender converter into 09 format as of this writing.
Unfortunately, these issues must be resolved prior to my investing in TRS09. I'm hopimg that the last two issues will be resolved before years end.
Regards
Steamboat

 

[PEV]

TRS09 is an option I have in mind. TRS06 works fine on my machine, but it is inherently touchy on how one builds routes and applies assets.
However, from the forums, I gather that TRS09 will accept most 06 assets, tho lacking in texture compression and other upgrades, thus negating file size and speed benefits.

This is not quite correct.. TS2009 accepts assets from TRS2006 and compresses the textures when you commit them into the game. It may not choose the best compression but it does the job. You can force the CM2 to use another compression by altering the texture.txt file.. Info for this is on the TrainzDEV site.
For assets that only have Auran binary textures, you need to run my Texture2TGA tool (supplied with TS2009) to make the necessary images and texture.txt files to allow CM2 to make compressed textures.

Also, Dr Ziegler's TransDEM, which I use for my New England routes, is not yet compatible with 09's 5 meter subdivided baseboards. (He's working on it!).

This is good news...

And finally, from what I've read, there is no Blender converter into 09 format as of this writing.

No, this is incorrect.. The Blender exporter uses TrainzMeshImporter.exe to create its meshes. So it is very much up to date for TS2009.

 

[mjolnir]

And finally, from what I've read, there is no Blender converter into 09 format as of this writing.

Well, technically, that is a true statement, as there is not, in fact, a Blender exporter to Trainz. More generally, however, the statement is false. While there is not a Blender exporter to TRZ, TRZ now has an XML importer, and Blender can export to XML, so it is, in fact, possible to create content in Blender, and get it into Trainz.

ns

 

[steamboateng]

Gentlemen, thanks for your informative replies.
I haven't spent too much time researching TRS2009. The comments I've garnered from the forums appear to be quite positive about it. (As compared to the blizzard of negative controvery TRS06 generated on its release.) I've been poking through 09 screenshots this talented community has submitted and I'm quite impressed with 09's look. The 5 meter subdivisions seem to make a world of difference on realistic looking scenery generation!
Thus, I wasn't aware that TRS09 will convert and compress texture files. I haven't been over to the TrainzDEV site for a while, so my apologies PEV, for not being aware of your texture compression utility. I will hop over there soon and catch up on 09 developements.
It looks like I'll need to dive into Blender importers and exporters also. Both PEV and Mjolnir agree that Blender creations can be imported into 09. I'm left somewhat confused as to by what method at this point, so I will chase that dog down, too. After a few bottles of xtra stength asprin and a whole new vocabulary of curse words, I finally quit GMax and went over to Blender, which is fully supported and documented and is, in my view, a kinder, gentler 3D program!
Again, thanks for your replies. I'm sure I'll be back picking your brains for more info on texture compression and Blender eporters/importers.
Now, if Dr. Ziegler can come up with a TransDEM upgrade for TRS09, I'm a convert.
Regards
Steamboat :wave: