TRS22 Interface Merge

[G.M.]

I can't stop experimenting with interfaces
why? for me it's not "polish"
it is the key between an ok or a good program


If things are intuitive, logic, transparent, designed well, it simply gives me more joy to use


Today I experimented with the "merge" interface
Since the beginning of Trainz, we do this on a stamp, no problem if its small routes
but we all make bigger routes now. to merge you need to see what you do


What has the rebel done now?
I have doubled the size of the merge window
adjusted the used minimap and adjusted where the arrows should be



known issue: there is a thin line "cadre" that I cant find to resize
but it all functions like we are used to.


Even simpler could be a full screen version, if you are the developer,
cause lets face it, the moment we merge routes,
we have sweaty armpits and don't want to do anything else

The next step was ofc, lets try it with S2 and even larger

 

[JCitron]

Well done again, G.M.

I always thought the interface should be a lot larger as you noted.

Another not so nice thing we deal with currently is continuously clicking the mouse to move the merged layout into position. This should be click and hold or CTRL+ mouse to accelerate the mouse speed across the zoomed-out map to get both parts together. Using my last merger as an example, I recovered a borked route and merged in the parts I destroyed from a backup. The merge process required 40 mouse-clicks to inch the tiny part of the route into place on the other side of my much larger route and that was before the final merging prior to the sweaty arm pits moment as we hope and pray everything had gone as planned.

While we're at it, how about the ability to rotate pieces too or raise and lower heights? These have been asked for since merging was created in TRS2004.

 

[G.M.]

TY John


what I did is a 30min try and edit for me, for an N3v employee probably 30 seconds


The other things are quite harder
currently each mouse click on an arrow moves it 1 tile/baseboard, ofc. this precision is needed
lets say you want to add a tile to UMR2022, this can easy be 500 clicks (RSI?)
this would probably require editing the basecode, to hold and move


Rotation goes even deeper, everything in routes and sessions is stored with a coordinate
rotation would require a total recalculation of any point.
height should be easier (lighter) just z coordinate


if you want I can send you a file with explanation (fi on Discord), so you can test
i will not post public, cause I don't want to step on any toe(s).
as said it is an experiment.

 

[blueodessey]

Fascinating and with much intrigue,

I been aware of this issue for a long time, and wondered if the Base Menu for Merging (I'm a recovering Route Merge Addict) I get into these tangent's and just go crazy, but is it fun, till it's not and you mess up........Back to the Drawing Board....

But with some of my yard and complicated Merges, my Wrist will complain of all the extra Mouse Clicks just as described.......I applaud your efforts to remedy the Situation.......

Time will only tell if this situation ever has a chance to improve.......:hehe:

 

[G.M.]

Sure Blue if many of us want something, it could eventually end up in Trainz
we can't expect a small team to do all instantly


btw what I edited, could probably work in TANE, TRS19 and TRS22 all versions

edit: tested in TRS19 100240 and TANE, both work fine

this was taken in T:ANE SP3

 

[JCitron]

Thank you for the offer, but I'll hold off on the experiment for now. I have enough going on in my house right now to drive anyone crazy.

I understand the implications and complexity of the other things mentioned especially with the associated sessions because the consists are tracked by position. How would I know this...

Sometime ago, the genius I am, decided to merge two routes together and then merge in a session associated with one of the routes. With one of the routes having a grand harbor and oceanfront, some of the consists ended up at the bottom of the sea while others were floating in the air all over. It was an interesting failure to say the least and now I know not to attempt that again.

 

[G.M.]

Understand John. as always, real life first


Think I have a (workaround) idea how to tackle RSI in the merge window,
but lets see if N3v picks up on the idea to improve merging.(the preferred way)


About strange things when route and sessions don't match
I tried a session from Laika, ReRBv2 in ReRBv3, it completely ruined a route lol
tracks moved and were broken, numerous weird things
we learn from doing (clumsy) things.

 

[blueodessey]

Ah Brother John,

That was too funny, like your style of Storytelling. You are a gifted man.

What happened to u has happened to me as well.... Trainz can really trip out sometimes when you least expect expect it to...

 

[G.M.]

Found a RSI limiting workaround for the merge screen, how does it work?


Downloaded and installed a freeware Mouse Control app
name: X-Mouse Button Control
made a profile for TRS22



For the Merge Window Arrows:
1 step, click the left mouse button short
5 steps, press left mouse button for 500ms
10 steps, press left mouse button for 1000ms
it needs fine tuning, but its a start


a few other things in this profile, when Driving:
-View Details opens, when I press the scroll wheel
-Next Internal view, when I press the scroll wheel right
-Previous Internal view, when I press the scroll wheel left


once you tried it you will be addicted

 

[sister]

Found a RSI limiting workaround for the merge screen, how does it work?


Downloaded and installed a freeware Mouse Control app
name: X-Mouse Button Control
made a profile for TRS22

(image OMISSIS)

For the Merge Window Arrows:
1 step, click the left mouse button short
5 steps, press left mouse button for 500ms
10 steps, press left mouse button for 1000ms
it needs fine tuning, but its a start


a few other things in this profile, when Driving:
-View Details opens, when I press the scroll wheel
-Next Internal view, when I press the scroll wheel right
-Previous Internal view, when I press the scroll wheel left


once you tried it you will be addicted

I'll surelly have to give a try. TY G.M.

 

[G.M.]

TY Roberto


a Minor correction
in the above pic the [Button Held Time Dependent Actions]
tick the lowest option
[v] Abort and revert to the normal click action when the mouse moves


reason: else you cannot undock, move or resize screens in S2