Running numbers and names

[crispa]

I have downloaded some amazing engines from the download station, there are obviously some dedicated trainz fans out there. One thing I have noticed is that some engines actually change their nameplates when you change the running number, while others don't. This seems like magic to me but I was wondering if it is possible for me to somehow edit those that don't change their name to behave like those that do. Does anyone have the technical know-how to tell me if this is possible and if so, how?

 

[paulhobbs]

To change the nameplates as well as the numbers you need to be able to write a script (changing the numbers alone is easier as support for this is built-in). If you have TS2006 or TC3 you may already have locos with these scripts - have a look at my Fowler 4F for example. Obviously you need to be able to create the numbers and nameplates somehow.

The problem with looking at the 4F script is that it does a lot more than swap the numbers and it will be confusing. Alternatively there is a system by Eldavo called 'Cameleon' which tries to hide the messy scripting stuff from the user. This is important as messing with scripting when you don't know what you are doing can cause errors, crash TRS or even your computer.

Paul

 

[john259]

Paul,

Am I right in thinking that if the running number is just part of the static texture image for that part of the vehicle, then there is no way to make it vary?

As I understand it, the running number has to be a special area, within which a script can specify the texture file to be used for each character.

Please correct me if I'm talking nonsense.

John

 

[paulhobbs]

The running number can be applied as a plane just off the surface of the model and the script changes the texture appled to the plane to swap numbers and/or nameplates. It can be done for a model that doesn't support this by creating a new mesh for the planes and overlaying it on the model - this is tricky to get in exactly the right place if you don't have the source files of the original mesh (and if you do then you could add the planes directly). The planes would have to have the background colour the same as the parent mesh obviously otherwise the original number may show through.

Paul

 

[john259]

Thanks Paul

 

[Iced8383]

Don't forget, there's always that ARN stuff from TPR. :hehe:

 

[crispa]

Thanks for your help ppl. I will look into the scripts when I have time. I used to work in software so the idea of writing/editing scripts doesn't put me off. I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again for the help.

 

[bchester]

I have downloaded some amazing engines from the download station, there are obviously some dedicated trainz fans out there. One thing I have noticed is that some engines actually change their nameplates when you change the running number, while others don't. This seems like magic to me but I was wondering if it is possible for me to somehow edit those that don't change their name to behave like those that do. Does anyone have the technical know-how to tell me if this is possible and if so, how?

One thing that I think is being overlooked here is in order to display "changable" running numbers or names an attachment point must already exist in the model. If it does then a number of techniques will work - if not - no technique will. Check the config.txt file of the model to see if there is a reference to name in the mesh-table effects section which should have a line similar to:
att a.name0

See page 12 and page 350 of the TC CCG for information.

Brian