Shape Size?

There is no real need to merge objects in 3DC, the exporter will do this for you when creating the S file.

To optimise the model, just drag object that are static into the same group, or use the group with tool on the right.
In theory, you can put all static objects in the main group but it may make editing a little less managable so I usually keep one or two extra groups.

Hi there,

I am still plodding along with the Peckett Saddletank. The next burning question is……..

Is there a maximum file size for an uncompressed .s file in the MSTS environment. My last version without being compressed is 18,466kb and MSTS will not load the shape. Also in Activity Editor mode, no preview shape is displayed in the rolling stock selector.

The previous version without any internal cab detail loads ok and this is 12,821kb uncompressed.

I’ve seen similar sizes but usually for larger locos. MSTS1 should handle 30-40K polys.

I suspect there may be another problem. MSTS1 doesn’t handle very small polys well – run it though the shape fixer and check for small edges. You will need the shape viewer to see the result. Alternatively send over the zipped file and I’ll see where it’s going wrong.

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for the reply

Where can I downlaod shape fixer from. It sounds like a program I need.

cheers

Mick

Hi there,

I got Shape fixer from UKtrainsim.

I will play later

Mick

Hi Paul,

I have run the .s file through ‘Shape Fixer’ and no replacement or corrected shape file was created. So I am at a bit of a loss for what to look at next.

Can you possibly have a look at the file please?

cheers

Mick

e-mail it over, I’ll take a look.

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your help in resolving my shape file problem which I am working on. You sent me a scan of the shapefile showing the too small edges which could be part of the problem.

The question is, How did you create the scan? I can not find a way through shape viewer or shape fixer to create an image like it.

I have attached the scan so others viewing this page can see what I mean. It looks such a useful image to create.

cheers

Mickrik

The process is as follows:

Run shape fixer, select ‘Make small polys visible’ and set the Min Edge size to 2mm
(Also turn off ‘report only’)

Then select the uncompressed S file and wait a few mins for it to process.

You’ll see a report in the white panel.

The result is an sfixed file e.g peckett.s creates peckett.sfixed
I rename this file by adding .s on the end – peckett.sfixed.s and open it with the shape viewer.
Then just press the screenshot button (or press F11)
Shape viewer is also handy for checking the efficiency (‘kuju value’ – low is good) and the hierarchy of a model.

Hi Paul,

Got the shape fix screenshot working, so I can see the improvements as I work on it

Many Thanks

Mick

HI there

It looks like I have opened a can of worms here…………

Running the shape fixer after re-exporting the model to shape viewer, I can pick out the affected model components. I have run the ‘weld to’ plug-in through the entire hierarchy but still have several problems with components. So I am replaceing them piece at a time. I have so far swapped a con-rod which had got an edge like a steak knife, both small and big end bearings and I have just replaced my custom built buffers which I thought were superb but have 922 faces each (ouch!) with a set of plug-in generated ones with a profile that is something like right with approx 10% of the number of faces.

THis is some learning curve

Mickrik

Hi there,

the biggest problem I have had with correcting the model is on components which have been merged together. This seems to distort and create unwanted faces and points, which weld to and consolidate tools will not work on. Therefore I am re-building the affected parts as groups. So far things are working well and the shape file size is much smaller.

Anyone else had this problem?

mick

Hi there

I think I have a result.

I have run the ‘weld to’ plug-in on all parts and those where ‘weld to’ did not work I have made new components without merging any shapes. I have attached a screen-shot after running it through shape-fixer. There are no shape spikes in the picture. I had a good look around the model and could not find anything visibly unwanted. I have re-applied textures where I have changed components and the overall affect in the sim is much more acceptable. I have only a few more things to do to the model to consider uploading it to UKTS with an activity.

So to you Paul………many thanks for your help with the project so far. I still need to have a closer look at the hierachy groups to see if I can improve things there.