Marias Pass - TS2012

Chance,

Check that your assets aren't open for edit or now have errors. This happens if the program crashed. Go into Content Manager and you'll see red ! icons next to assets. You may need to run a quick database repair to resolve the issue.

In the future, I suggest waiting about 5 minutes for the program to completely close down. It will disappear from the screen, but there are background tasks that aren't displayed while this happens. Waiting around 5-10 minutes is usually long enough before performing a system restart or shutdown.

Hope this helps,

John
 
Already did that and a extended database repair. Im still not sure how the train got into the hidden layer as it didnt show on either of the route or session layers. But all assets used or that will be used have no errors or warnings. Thanks for the advice J, much appreciated.
 
Hi Chance,
You may want to have a look at this thread if you haven't already done so! http://forums.auran.com/trainz/show...ll-Seeking-a-Solution-for-Hidden-Layers-Issue
It may give you an insight to your hidden layer problem.
If I were you I would only build on the route layer, and do not add content, that way you will have less foul-up's.
If you want to show off your route with content added, clone your route first and show that off instead of the original route.
Good to hear that your backing your route regularly. for now I would keep jointed rail rolling stock, away from the main route at this point in time, at least.
 
Thanks man. Ya when I took the pic I did forget to clone the route but as for jointed rail. now of their content wants to show except for a select few engines, all cars and track and signals will show. Idk y they wont show
 
Just a couple of observations...

If you're going to build a prototype route then there really is no alternative in this day and age to using Transdem (or the freeware HOG) to get accurate terrain and alignment. It's not impossible to create a route hand-bashing everything, but when you're going up against an existing payware version in Trainz, two versions in MSTS and the absolutely superb version in Railworks/TS2013 you need to be offering something those versions don't.

Perhaps I'm fortunate in having enough spare cash to fund my hobby and buy any utilities I deem essential and can understand times are hard. However given the cost of purchasing Trainz in the first place and the hardware to run it on, Transdem is very cheap and costs the equivalent of a few beers for something that will transform your route building.

In any event good luck with the project, however you decide to proceed with it.
 
Yes but for TransDem which I believe you would need internet for is a good reason I cant get it. Virginja has no internet providers who offer any unlimited data plans.But what is HOG? I havent heard of it before.
 
HOG is a freeware terrain generator for Trainz, never used it myself preferring Transdem. Try googling it or maybe someone with experience can post a link and some tips.

As regards DEM data, well if you settle for the NASA SRTM's these are not massive files, probably about 5 - 6Mb per quad compressed. You don't have to use the big USGS DEM's. Even 60m DEM gives acceptable results in Surveyor and most of the US data is at 30m res. Far better than trying to do it by hand. You obviously have some internet access or you wouldn't be posting - if it can't run to the 30 to 40Mb you need to acquire the DEM, you need to shop around for a better provider, mate.
 
To answer the question on internet. Im using my phone. I have found and downloaded the program. Will try it out, thanks for the tip about it Vern.
 
Lothar and Josef (HP Trainz) used MicroDEM/HOG and USGS 30m SDTS DEMs (it was before NED days) plus TIGER vector maps (1:160,000). When they started their project in the early days of Trainz, TransDEM wasn't around yet. Later and for more recent projects, Lothar and Josef switched to TransDEM.

Whatever you plan for your incarnation of Marias Pass take into account what's already there. Taking advantage of TS12 would mean 5m terrain grid for the baseboards touched by the right-of-way. This means you would need 1/3 arc sec DEMs at least. For the maps, probably 1:24k is still the best option. You can download them via the National Map Viewer without the need for any interactive session.

If you are using Google Earth as a reference you apparently have some internet connection which can't be too bad. Particularly as you are able to upload screenshots, so the bandwidth of your connection appears to be pretty good.

If you don't have internet by land-line, did you try to connect your phone to your PC by USB cable and switch the phone to "modem" mode? I think it's called "tethering" these days.
 
I have HOG downloaded but its not working properly. I have tried many times to tether my phone connection (4G LTE Sprint) with my pc but it just disconnects my phones connection.
 
trainman7616 said:
If I can get as close as possible to the correct gradient for the route, would it matter if I did it by hand?
Click to expand...
It depends. If you build for your own joy and fun, then there is nothing to worry about apart from a few comments suggesting other appraoches, when you show screenshots. However, if you decide to publish your route once it is finished, you should prepare for comparison with the HPTrainz route. And if you don't build with geo data right from the beginning you will have no realistic chance in that challenge. Even with the HPTrainz route already 8 years old, you will not be able to compete with it, using inferior route building methods as you currently plan.
 
I mean, I would be more then glad to use HOG and microdem. But they dont seem to work correctly on my pc. Maybe Im just dumb of the program and cant figure it out.
 
Let me start with saying the first set of screenshots you posted (September 24th) are looking very nice. I have no clue if they are a good representation of the actual thing, but nice they are!

trainman7616 said:
I am working on a new and more prototypical Marias Pass route
Click to expand...
I am sorry, but your route will not be more prototypical if you are going to use using inferior route building methods then those people used the build the 8 year old one you are trying to compete with. No offence intended; trust me, I even use more inferior methods (which is why I call mine fictional).

So I agree with Geophil:
Build this thing for your own fun without even trying to be (more) prototypical or start over now you haven't done much yet and use the suggestions made: Actual geo information.

Whatever you do, I hope you have fun doing it since at the end of the day this is still a hobby of course :).
 
bernhart_lossiemouth said:
Don't put yourself down. However, you could be getting old. May I ask of your age or date of birthday? I think with the right attitude and Geophil's kindness we can come together to solve your issues.

Together we a stronger. Like elephants.
Click to expand...

Lol Im 18. I wasnt referring to me in general. I meant with the HOG program.
 
oknotsen said:
Let me start with saying the first set of screenshots you posted (September 24th) are looking very nice. I have no clue if they are a good representation of the actual thing, but nice they are!

I am sorry, but your route will not be more prototypical if you are going to use using inferior route building methods then those people used the build the 8 year old one you are trying to compete with. No offence intended; trust me, I even use more inferior methods (which is why I call mine fictional).

So I agree with Geophil:
Build this thing for your own fun without even trying to be (more) prototypical or start over now you haven't done much yet and use the suggestions made: Actual geo information.

Whatever you do, I hope you have fun doing it since at the end of the day this is still a hobby of course :).
Click to expand...


Hmm....then perhaps instead of a prototypical Marias Pass I can make my own version while still referencing to the track but just modify the track some by adding more sidings and such.
 
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