modifying .s files

[GCRailways]

Hi,
Is it possible to modify a shape from an uncompressed .s file and/or rebuild one from the info on the .s file? If so, is there anything I can look at dealing with "Anatomy of a .S File"? I wanted to see if I couldn't improve some of the default items.

GCRailways

[inflammable]

There aren't any instructions for regular folks to do it.

There are a few .s file Masters, who were initially Everything Computer Masters, who understand the ins and the outs, but they don't explain it all for the masses.

Mostly due to the high probability that the masses would use it to further steal each others work.

Studying the default items can teach you a lot, though not all of it is useful at this point. It would good practice to try to rebuild some of the items that you like, to help you understand the modeling program you are using.

James

[rpicardi1]

There are a few things you can directly change such as viewing distance and default material settings.

Decompiling to edit the shape is deliberately not allowed.

[GCRailways]

Maybe what I'm wondering is: I've seen default items in the FL here that have some improvements (some even come with GMAX files, which is what I use) and how does one go about creating these rebuilds. Are the dimensions just approximated? (And is there a "safe" way to do it?)

[rpicardi1]

Those may have been direct replacements. You make a much improved object and give it the default name. The object is then replaced in the route by the new one with the same name.

[GCRailways]

Huh?

You mean they're competely rebuilt from scratch (using the same .ace files)? I know that; it says that in the readmes. But where do you get the dimensions so that the new shape lines up with the old one in the areas that don't need to be redone?

[RonMays]

Get Shape File Manager by Paul Gausden. File is sfm23xx.zip in the library. This program allows modifications to a number of parameters in .s files. Forget trying to "rebuild" anything from a shape file unless you are a masochist. Much easier to learn to make your own models with any of the common modeling programs

[rpicardi1]

You mean they're completely rebuilt from scratch (using the same .ace files)? I know that; it says that in the readmes. But where do you get the dimensions so that the new shape lines up with the old one in the areas that don't need to be redone?

Most default objects are so poorly designed that even the ace files are useless. There are exceptions on some ace files where some nice housing tracts with trees have been designed for use in suburban settings. Case in point are the default pylons and gantry poles. I build new ones of far higher detail using my own ace and design. But, rather then replace thousands of existing ones in a route by hand, I just give the new shape the same name as the default one I am replacing. Result, instant new shapes replacing the default ones.

Also, easy to correct if the orientation doesn't match the default placement.

If you are dealing with buildings, you can always measure the dimensions in the RE using a ruler shape. You will find that many of the default buildings in use are way out of scale which again makes modification useless unless you rescale them with Shape File Manager.

[GCRailways]

If you are dealing with buildings, you can always measure the dimensions in the RE using a ruler shape. You will find that many of the default buildings in use are way out of scale which again makes modification useless unless you rescale them with Shape File Manager. [/FONT][/SIZE]

Okay, I'll try that. I think I know where to fing some of those rulers. Yes, it is a building. I probably should have stated that in the beginning. (the OEtrainshed; wanted to see if I couldn't put doors on it to make it usable.)

[Noisemaker]

I agree with BOTH Ron's here. SFM is a great tool, and has saved and helped many a structure and vegetation on my routes quickly and easily. The scaling function is a God send, but is best to go at incrementally. IE; it's best to undergauge something than over gauge it's percentage. On Niagara Corridor, there's a Purina Plant in Wooddstock that's horribly underscale. But to scale it 1.3, then 1.1 if need be is easy enough. Likewise, many other buildings on NC are hugely overscale (warehouses/restaurants) - so I scale these done by 0.7 or 0.8. And I've always trusted Ron Picardi's structures when it comes to scale. So if I'm in doubt about a buildings size, I usually drop in one of Ron's great little houses by it and gauge the door frames of both.

But instead of trying to 'remodel' a structure, I'm sure there's someone and something that is already what you're looking for. Simply search the file library here with a generic 'Engine Shed' query, and I'm sure you'll see many come up that maybe what you're after? Failing that, there's many more sites with great downloads other than TS - UKTS, ASW, etc. Sure, mainly euro things - but sometimes there's that ONE thing that just fits the bill. Do a Google search for MSTS Models, and I'm sure you'll be amazed what else is out there. ;)