Please note: This tutorial was originally written for 3DCrafter 7. It has not been fully updated to reflect the changes made in 3DCrafter 9/8. An updated version will be made available in a future version of 3DCrafter.

Microsoft Train Simulator Distance Levels

In order to improve performance Microsoft Train Simulator provides the ability to vary the complexity of a model based on its distance from the viewing location. The complex model is shown only when the complexity is needed. At large distances only a very primitive model is required. In this tutorial we will give an overview of the steps required to create distance levels for a model.

This tutorial assumes familiarity with 3DCrafter and that all other Train Simulator tutorials have been completed.

The features of 3DCrafter Trainworks should be enabled before completing this tutorial. This can be done by choosing "Options" from the "Tools" menu, and then clicking the "Misc." tab.

bulletIn this tutorial we will use the GWR Class 517 0-4-2 steam locomotive model provided by Paul Gausden. It can be downloaded here.

The first step is to run the Train Simulator Wizard and test the model in Train Simulator.

If you are using GWR Class 517 model you should click "Reset" when asked to identify parts. This will ensure that you have everything named using the wizard's standards.

 

bulletCreating distance levels can be as simple as selecting either the Standard Distance Levels or Automatically Simplified Distance Levels export preference. If you select one of these 3DCrafter will automatically create distance levels.

Standard Distance Levels will create simplified models to be seen beyond 100 meters and beyond 400 meters. To do this it removes parts smaller than .5 meters in width/height/length from the model at 100 meters and removes parts smaller than 2 meters in width/height/length at 400 meters.

Automatically Simplified Distance Levels removes parts in the same way as Standard Distance Levels but also reduces the complexity of the parts where possible.

Note: The Retain Sub-shapes option is only intended to be used by those creating signals.
 

 
bulletThe Custom Distance Levels option allows you to manually create your own simplified versions of your model. This will be the main focus of this tutorial.

The setup for custom distance levels is quite different from the setup, described above, for automatic generation of distance levels.

In this tutorial we will be creating multiple versions of the same model. Each model will be progressively simpler.

The Custom Distance Levels option requires that each shape have a unique name. To create unique names select your entire model (right-click on a shape in the root group and choose "Select Hierarchy"), and run the Create Unique Names plug-in. If you do not have 3DCrafter Pro you will need to manually create unique names for all shapes. The Wizard will warn you if it finds that you do not have unique shape names.

 

 
bulletThe next step is to create a duplicate of your model. Select the full hierarchy of the model and then copy and paste it to the scene. It will copy over top of the original model so grab the model by its root shape and move it over so you can see both models.

 
bulletDelete all of the small parts from the duplicated model.

 

 
bulletUse the Reduce operation on any parts that are complex and solid. You may want to run the Crease operation after reducing since the reduced parts often become too creased.

There is no need to merge triangles after applying the Reduce operation.

 
bulletWe have our first distance level model.

Rename its "Main" group to "Main.20". This will make this version of the model become visible at distances of 20 meters and higher. Normally 100 to 300 meters would be more reasonable but we would like to easily see the changes in distance levels when viewing our model in Train Simulator to ensure correctness.

 

bulletRun the Train Simulator Wizard with Custom Distance Levels selected.

 
bulletHere is our distance level in Train Simulator. If you compare to the next picture you will see obvious differences. Remember that we are viewing this model from 20 meters. When viewed from 100 or more meters there will be no differences noticeable.

 
bulletThe original model.

 
bulletCopy and paste the reduced model to create a third distance level.

 
bulletAgain, delete shapes and reduce until you have a simple model.

Rename its "Main" group to "Main.30". This will make this version of the model become visible at distances of 30 meters and higher. Normally 700 meters would be more reasonable but we would like to easily see the changes in distance levels when viewing our model in Train Simulator to ensure correctness.

Export and view the model in Train Simulator to ensure that the model transitions properly through the distance levels.

Once you are satisfied rename the "Main.20" group to "Main.200" and the "Main.30" group to "Main.700" and export to Train Simulator.

We now have a model with three distance levels.

 

In addition to the reduction techniques used above you can of course reduce point counts using all of the standard modelling techniques including point trimming, face merging etc.

Entire shapes can also be replaced with less complex shapes. When doing this it is necessary to move the new shape to the old group prior to deleting the old shape. Keep in mind that once you have made copies of your original model you cannot change the position of groups in the original model unless you change their position in the reduced versions also.

It is important to not move shapes between groups. If shapes are moved between groups they will look wrong in the distance levels unless the shapes are moved in all distance levels of the model.

The above example had three distance levels. This is a reasonable number, but there may be a benefit to create more distance levels to ensure a smoother transition between distance levels when viewing in Train Simulator.