Can't get the graphics right.

[Jacob019]

I downloaded Trainz 2010 EE for my son to play and after installing and patching to the latest version (SP2) we are having some problems with the graphics. Here are the specs for my system:

System:
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.100226-1909)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: FK792AA-ABA a6600f
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2200 @ 2.20GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3070MB RAM
Page File: 1470MB used, 4668MB available

Graphics:
Card name: ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x9490)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Display Memory: 2297 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1017 MB
Shared Memory: 1279 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)

We aren't getting any "errors" but when we attempt to load a route for quickdrive it's like the graphics engine stops rendering . We get a basic overlay and a few textures. It's like the video just decides to stop drawing. I have downloaded the latest drivers, I have tried it in Direct X and Open GL mode (both have the exact same problem).

Can u please help as my son has waited 5 months and saved his money for a long time to purchase this game. He is 8 and can't understand why he can't drive his engines.

Thanks

 

[barn700]

Your machine specs seem fine to me

I would try setting the screen resolution down for starters

And in game (Main Menu/Options/Video Settings) set the max draw distance down to 1000m, and set all the others to mid way or lower till you get a presentable screen

Try a very simple route first

It wold help to post a screenshot to see what the problem is.

On some detailed routes it often takes a while to load properly

Oh and a warm welcome to Trainz !!!

 

[johnwhelan]

Display Memory: 2297 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1017 MB

I strongly suspect you have on board graphics as opposed to a separate graphics card which is normally recommended for Trainz. I'm trying to think of a way to confirm this easily.

Cheerio John

 

[Jacob019]

Your machine specs seem fine to me

I would try setting the screen resolution down for starters

And in game (Main Menu/Options/Video Settings) set the max draw distance down to 1000m, and set all the others to mid way or lower till you get a presentable screen

Try a very simple route first

It wold help to post a screenshot to see what the problem is.

On some detailed routes it often takes a while to load properly

Oh and a warm welcome to Trainz !!!

Thank you. I have tried all of those things and it's still giving the same results. How can I post a screen shot? I have one ready just not sure how I can get it posted to you. I suppose I can upload it to my friends Blog and u can take a look at it.

 

[Jacob019]

Display Memory: 2297 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1017 MB

I strongly suspect you have on board graphics as opposed to a separate graphics card which is normally recommended for Trainz. I'm trying to think of a way to confirm this easily.

Cheerio John

Thanks for the reply,

It's a graphics card. When I bought the machine I also purchased and installed the Radeon 4800. It's been 2 or 3 years since we got the machine but according to the specs the graphics should run fine.

I will post a screenshot for people to take a look.

 

[Jacob019]

Screenshot of problem

 

[barn700]

Did you download the route ??

If so the route will show, but not all the graphics/textures have been downloaded. Go to CM3 and find the route, see if it has missing dependancies.

If it has, then download those too, as they wont show till you have them locally on your machine.

 

[barn700]

Jeez thats a BIG screenshot !!!!

Set the resolution in Trainz Options down to 1200x1000 or something

Lets see if we get anything.

From the screenshot it appears as if you are missing some assets (textures/track etc) so they may not have downloaded and they wont show till you do.

 

[norfolksouthern37]

Display Memory: 2297 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1017 MB

I strongly suspect you have on board graphics as opposed to a separate graphics card which is normally recommended for Trainz. I'm trying to think of a way to confirm this easily.

Cheerio John

this does not suggest that he doesn't have separate graphics card. Vista and up will also share a certain amount of system RAM with the cards.

judging by the screenshots you either have missing objects on a downloaded route or the asset database is corrupt. it is possible from the patching process.

try an extended database rebuild in CMP and see if that helps.

 

[RRSignal]

You definitely are missing assets, but also try doing one or two Extended Database Repairs in Content Manager under the File menu. This rebuilds your asset database and ensures all installed content can be found.

 

[Jacob019]

guide me!

Let's say that I have never played the game and am unsure how to navigate and get all these things downloaded. Can u walk me through repairing the database and downloading the things I need?

I can get tot the content manager, I can run a repair, extended even. I don't know which tabs will tell me what I am missing and what I need nor how to get them. Please help me as my son LOVES this game and wants to drive these locomotives he knows so much about.

 

[barn700]

Just run on any route that works till we sort this out

 

[johnwhelan]

Sounds like we need a simple basic route, and default settings. I've seen something similar when one of the sliders was set over to the right.

Try British Midlands under routes, there is an intro session. It's built in, it may not be exactly what you're interested in but it should be complete.

Thanks John

 

[SuperFudd]

Is there a problem when in Surveyor?

 

[Paulsw2]

We aren't getting any "errors" but when we attempt to load a route for quickdrive it's like the graphics engine stops rendering .

Forgive me if this is a silly question, but have you tried loading one of the built-in routes in Driver rather than trying a 'quickdrive' out of Surveyor? I agree with others that the key first check to see if your graphics are up to the job is to try loading one of the simpler built in routes (for which all the dependencies should be available) and perhaps try one of the built-in sessions which will have all of the locos and rolling stock ready to roll.

If that works, then we can take it from there.

Paul