Working with scale maps and gradients

[ColGibbon]

I know the problem only too well. I tried for many years to explain in easy, simple steps, how to build a simple 3D model. Despite being very easy for me, very few grasped the simple logic.

Your me, and I'm the newbie clutching at straws.

Did you guys take a look at my models?

 

[clam1952]

I know the problem only too well. I tried for many years to explain in easy, simple steps, how to build a simple 3D model. Despite being very easy for me, very few grasped the simple logic.

Your me, and I'm the newbie clutching at straws.

Did you guys take a look at my models?

I did, look first class to me.

Transdem is by far the easiest option.

My first route was using a DEM but with Microdem and Hog, there was virtually no way of getting a UK route to show easily back then so I then spent a few years transposing maps to base map assets and finding out that as the dem wasn't exactly accurate, I had to more or less measure and triangulate everything, having two PC's helped as I could have the map / Google Earth etc open and then try and translate it to the route while shuffling base maps around. It took me 8 years to complete...... Combined Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, that's around 40 miles. The latest dem's are actually more accurate though.

Number 2 Route. I used a random lump of DEM and created a freelance NG route with a Welsh theme, that took a few months.

Number 3. I used Transdem for The Lynton and Barnstaple Plus a good bit of Standard guage lines as well and am well half way through it in 3 months. Helps as it's overlaid with an OS historical map simply done in Transdem. Actually simply may be a bit misleading as there is a fairly steep learning curve to start with, the best plan is to just play with it for a bit to get used to the program.

Alternatively robert3a0 is producing an extremely good 1930's Cornish Mainline and Branches manually, I've been beta Testing it on and off might want to look at his thread on here it may give you some pointers, looks as good as any DEM created route!

 

[ColGibbon]

I'm proud to say, I used to have holidays in Porthmadog in the 70's, and became a Deviant, working on the tunnel track. Sadly in 1977, I nearly killed myself in the Abberglacyn pass, where the Welsh Highland runs today.

I'm going to watch a few videos and see how I get on.

Has anyone here got a copy of 3DS Max 8 or newer. I have a plugin to convert my models, but no Max. I'll post a request.

 

[Jerker]

G'day ColGibbon (John, if I may be so bold),

You seem to be having an inordinate amount of difficulty with that which we, albeit with our many years of experience with Trainz, consider 'blaze'. I must agree with all the others in this thread who espouse the virtues of the program called TransDEM but since you also seem to be unwilling to part with the mere 20 pounds or so it's creator asks for it (a bargain, in my humble opinion), I guess you will have to consider me the "...kind volunteer..." to which 'narrowgauge' refers in his earlier post. At the other end of this link...

http://www.storage.victrainz.com.au/Jerkers_DEM_maps/LSWR Winchester & Alton12.cdp

..you will find a *.cdp format file of the very line you wish to create using the 50 meter DSM elevation data mixed with the 2M DTM LIDAR data mentioned earlier, overlayed with the 6" maps, also previously mentioned. As you can see from this image ("taken" from own Trainz TS12)...

..which shows the area about Alton (looking in the 'down' direction).this is a "bare-bones" route, without any object assets, but with all of the terrain 'details' you require to "get started". Basically, ALL you have to do is lay the track of your choice along the Cyan coloured line I have kindly provided to show the location of the track within the terrain, although, due to a lack of the 2M LIDAR elevation data for the area between Bishops Sutton and Chawton Park Wood (where I have had to resort to the lower resolution 50M data along the actual line), you may have to 'enhance' the embankment and cutting details yourself, in order to get everything right. It should be noted that I have also 'included' the former GWR line from Didcot to Newbury and Southhampton, where it is shown on the maps, merely to add some 'interest' but it is entirely up to you how you use this 'information'. To procure this file, simply right click the above link and choose "Save File As.." from the drop down box and install the file as per any other *,cdp file into your copy of Trainz. The only problem I anticipate that you may come across is, if, once you have installed it in Trainz, the route appears WITHOUT any of the maps appearing on the terrain. If that proves to be the case, you will also need to download and install the following file..

http://www.storage.victrainz.com.au/Jerkers_DEM_maps/TransDEM Ground Textures V4.cdp

...which will 'cause' these missing textures to magically appear on the screen the next time you open the route...

...please, let me know if you have any problems...

Jerker {}

 

[Vern]

Has this helped you get started, John?

 

[Jerker]

G'day Vern,

...I'm not so sure "ColGibbon" has returned to look at this thread since his last post, so he may not have taken up my offer. I sent John a PM yesterday but am yet to get a response from that, either. I guess we can be nought but patient...

Jerker {}

 

[Vern]

It is a route that would be quite interesting to see in TANE, albeit if I were to tackle the project it would more likely be set in the 80's - i.e. if the line hadn't been closed then partially reinstated as a heritage railway. There's a fair bit of Southern Railway/Region assets on the DLS which would be a reasonably close fit to the prototype.

Oh well, if John declines I may well add it to my list of potentials, albeit there's a steady queue of Transdem extracted bare-bones on my HD ahead of it!