Spline handling in S2 cumbersome

[hutten]

Hello,

In S2, spline handling is not always easier than in S1.
I find that:
- sometimes track splines do not attach to a fixed-track asset (while this is a "snap" in old S1 for the same configuration). I do not know why they do in some cases and not in others, with the same assets.
- it is apparently not possible to disconnect splines at a single spline point only. With the option "Separate splines" the spline gets detached at both ends.
- when multiple assets are selected (sometimes unavoidable) and the option Delete is chosen form the spline icon (track or scenery spline), all types of splines disappear, unfortunately. Track spline type is not distinguished from scenery spline. This is really poor behaviour, since the two types will not connect. So why can't the program see the difference?

I keep going back to S1 to get some things done.

Regards
Paul

 

[PortLineParker]

Hi hutten,

For #2, to separate a spline at its vertex, select the vertex in S2 and then click separate splines. This works for me and only disconnects that vertex point - if I select the entire spline then I get the same result you do wherein the whole section becomes separated.
For #3, select the category you want to filter by and then select 'filter selection'. This will permit you only to select the category in the list on the left; for example, the below will only let me select splines. If I click on track or buildings etc. it is ignored by the game.

Cheers,

PLP

 

[hutten]

Hello PortLineParker,

Thanks for replying. You are certainly right about the filter selection.
I still find it disappointing that when I click on a specific icon belonging to a specific asset, and choose Delete, the whole selection is deleted.

For #2, the point is not to select the spline, indeed. But this does not work (for me) for the connection between a track spline and a fixed-track asset. A very relevant case, e.g. for mocrossing. The Separate Splines options is not available there.

Regards
Paul

 

[pware]

In S2, spline handling is not always easier than in S1.

I have the opposite opinion. I find dealing with splines in S2 is much more efficient than in S1. For example, the ability to move and manipulate multiple spline segments at once in S2 instead of one at a time is a major time saver for me.

I keep going back to S1 to get some things done.

I now use S2 exclusively. It just takes some practice and confidence building and S2 is a learning curve if you have spent years (decades even) using S1.

The rulers were the last S1 holdout for me but I now use the S2 rulers exclusively. The S1 rulers are certainly "prettier" but they do have some significant issues when working with layers.

I rarely used the Bulk Asset Update/Replace tool in S1 but that is now in the latest S2 beta version, admittedly in a simplified form as is common with beta versions. The only thing missing from S2 is the bookmarks which I have not used for a few years now.

 

[hutten]

Hello pware,

You are experienced, and I agree about the spline anchor points.

But how about deconnecting a spline from a fixed-track asset?

Regards,
Paul

 

[pware]

But how about deconnecting a spline from a fixed-track asset?

In April I submitted a bug report about S2 not being able to attach track splines to fixed track objects and this was passed on to the developers. Perhaps the reverse, disconnecting track splines from fixed track objects, is related.

I just tried it in the new Trainz Plus beta version using S2 and the problem of attaching a track spline to a fixed track object appears to be fixed - at least my few attempts with just one fixed track object and one track spline worked. Unfortunately, disconnecting them did not work. The Separate Splines option in the track spline context menu is greyed out and cannot be selected - probably because the track spline endpoint is not attached to another track spline endpoint so there are, in reality, no splines to separate. Deleting the track spline was the only solution.

 

[hutten]

Hello pware,

Thanks! Hopefully it will be fixed.

Paul

 

[hutten]

Hello,

The very same result is found for road-type splines. Separation is not possible.
What one can do is first introduce a new spline point, move it close to the fixed-spline asset (whether track or road), and then delete the newly created short piece of spline. This probably leads to less disturbance at the "other end".

Regards,
Paul

 

[pware]

The very same result is found for road-type splines. Separation is not possible.

I don't know what you are doing that is different to me but separating road splines works if the join is between two or more spline segments. I just tested it on several different road spline types to confirm.

If you are attempting to separate a road spline from a non-spline object then, as I posted in my response #6 above, that is NOT two splines that are being separated so the Separate Splines command would not work. The method you described of inserting a new spline point close to the spline-non spline junction would be the solution.

 

[hutten]

Hello pware,

Yes that is what I am referring to: a road spline connected to a fixed (buildable) asset with attached road splines. From my point of view it is two splines, the fixed asset has attached splines. And they are visible in the asset.
Let's not debate that viewpoint but emphasize that in S1 such a connection can be undone, because that is what matters here.

Regards,
Paul

 

[JCitron]

Sometimes dragging the spline to the fixed object works better than the opposite. I found too that if the road is very close before connecting, I need to insert an extra spline point to give me something to "grip on to" to move the spline. This has always been an issue I think with TRS22 and up. S20 only magnifies the issue I think due to the interface.