Scenic backdrops

[emmaroyd]

I am currently working on extending the Leeds Sheffield route.
At the both ends of the route there is a loop of track on a bare baseboard
At the edge of this there are scenic backdrops to keep the loop hidden.
How do I get rid of these?
They don't seem to have any spline points - so I can't see how to do this.
I have found this on another Leeds based route
Any advice grfeatfully received

 

[mezzoprezzo]

Scenic backdrops are usually single flat plane objects, not splines.

You should be able destroy them with a single click.

 

[teddytoot]

Select the transparent base mode and look for a small yellow square near the middle of the backdrop and click on that. That is how several of the backdrops have to be deleted and there are other variatons but that is the general method if the normal "click on object" doesn't work. Incidentally there are quite a lot of backdrops that are splines.

 

[mezzoprezzo]

~snip~ Incidentally there are quite a lot of backdrops that are splines.

That's interesting teddytoot. I've only ever seen backdrops made as objects.

Tree or building splines can be used as backdrops at baseboard edges, but have never seen the traditional "photograph on a flat vertical plane" used in that way. Doesn't it distort the imagery when the spline is stretched, or repeat unrealistically?

Ever keen to try something new, could you please quote an example description/kuid of one that that I could try?

 

[teddytoot]

I was speaking from memory as I have been Trainzless for a month due to problems with my new computer. Hopefully by the end of today I'll be operational again and I will check to see if my memory was right or not.

 

[itareus]

Agreed, backdrops can be found as objects and as splines.

Casper - this asset is a backdrop spline: Backdrop 03,<kuid:133671:40003> (it's a TS12 built in but it's TZ version 2.0 so you should be able to find it).

...I am currently working on extending the Leeds Sheffield route...

May I ask where you are planning to extend it to - particularly at the Leeds end ?

Chris

 

[mezzoprezzo]

~snip~ Casper - this asset is a backdrop spline: Backdrop 03,<kuid:133671:40003> (it's a TS12 built in but it's TZ version 2.0 so you should be able to find it).~snip~

Thanks for identifying a spline backdrop Chris.

I’ve had a play with it and it has worked far better than I thought it could.

The stretching doesn’t really distort as much as I thought it might. The repeat isn’t too obvious either, particularly if the spline is occasionally reversed.

The big advantage is the way it hugs the ground over which it is laid – something the fixed object backdrops cannot do. Consequently its impact on the skyline of an undulating landscape is far more versatile.

The down side, as with any type of backdrop, is the perspective distortion when viewed at the “wrong” angle. However, set towards the rear of the landscaping it seems to work fine.

Another new item for the toolkit! I'm sure I’ll be finding a lot of use for these.

Casper

 

[rjhowie]

There's another background which is splined and contains a line of English terrace houses with a hedge in front- kuid 133671 40004.

 

[emmaroyd]

Mezzoprezzo
Thanks for the clue - have now got rid of the thing
I had always been trying to get rid of it as a spline.
From the above it seems that backdrops are a science in itself!
Itarus
I am not going far - eastwards to Crossgtaes and the Barnbow tank factory - this will give an excuse for miilitary trains - especially as I have a liking for railguns - not bothered about originality
Have gone west and linked up to the Yorks and Lancs route and then in the far west the Industrial Wasteland layout [that will represent Manchester, Liverpool and the docks. Have also added a limestone quarry oop the Dales for more non original activity!!
The only thing I have not managed to get my head around is why I cannot navigate trains from one layout to a Trackmark on another
Tony

 

[ray_whiley]

I've made a couple of backdrops of coast and seaside based on photos taken on the North Norfolk Coast (UK) and these are, if I remember correctly, scenic objects half a baseboard (360 metres) in length using a 1024 x 256 tga., 1MB. I'm planning more. These are for my own use, but I could upload if there is any interest. (I suppose this is a throwback to my railway modelling years.)

Ray

 

[itareus]

Ray,

Would you like a quick "beta test" on one of your backdrops before you release them ? If so then just email me a CDP.

Tony (Emmaroyd),

Thanks for the info about your route extensions.

Cheers

Chris

 

[ray_whiley]

Chris - thanks for the offer. It may be a few days hence as I'm not sure how much computer time I shall have in the next few days - probably not much with family comings and goings! (Well, that's my excuse - other Christmas activities may play a part too!)

Ray