Can anyone help, I have just upgraded to the latest LP version and have attempted to create a model in 3DS and then export to MSTS using the wizard. Although an *.s file is created in the correct folder, it cannot be read by MSTS the error "extended shape file not present" (not verbatim) is displayed. I was able to open the created *.s file in wordpad and it seems to be in unicode wheras any other *.s file isn't. has anyone experienced similar. (Note 3DS is installed on c: whilst MSTS is installed on d: which is a seperate physical disc.)

"extended shape file" usually refers to the *.sd file in the same folder - perhaps it was not created?

I have been having problems with the wizard also but not in quite the say way.

When I try to export a model, even one that I have just extracted from the engineer plug in, I get no useable shape file that works. It also keeps giving me the message that the texture file should be located with the canvas shape file, it is however in the texture folder within the program but even with a new model from the engineer (unsaved) it comes up still.

Also the eng file it creates comes up with an error on line 2.

I have tried to figure out the problem myself but with no luck and am complety stuck as to what to do with not being able to export any useable models.

Daryn Dunkley

Paul / Daryn
The *.sd file is created. I think the problem is with the *.s file. Although this is created it is unuseable. When viewed using Paul's 'S File Viewer' there is no graphic displayed, when viewed in wordpad the file is readable as normal text (I assume unicode) when comparing with any other *.s file,the file although opened in wordpad is unreadable therefore I am assuming that some conversion is not happening correctly.

If I understand correctly you are comparing uncompressed and compressed *.s files. You can easily recognise with the file size. Uncompressed *.s files are in the couple of MB range, compressed are in the 100k range.
Can't really believe that the *.s file is corrupt. Did you check your textures, are they in the right folder and the correct *.ace format? I had a lot of troubles with the *.eng files created by the wizard, now I only let them be created for the exact measurement but never use the rest, it wouldn't fit anyway. If you can't see the model in the ShapeViewer a missing or incorrect texture is a likely cause.

Many thanks Hannes, I'll have another try and post again soon.

The sd is called the "extended shape data file" on some of the documentation.

The problem is almost certainly that the files are not unicode (the shape viewer will probably fail on these - if textures are missing the parts appear white)

Both S and SD files need to be Unicode - the simplest way is to open both in Wordpad, then use the Save As option and change the type to Unicode.

I suspect the TS Wizard is having trouble finding the txt2uni.exe file that comes with MSTS.

quote:

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Originally posted by Daryn D:
When I try to export a model, even one that I have just extracted from the engineer plug in, I get no useable shape file that works. It also keeps giving me the message that the texture file should be located with the canvas shape file, it is however in the texture folder within the program but even with a new model from the engineer (unsaved) it comes up still.

Also the eng file it creates comes up with an error on line 2.

I have tried to figure out the problem myself but with no luck and am complety stuck as to what to do with not being able to export any useable models.

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Daryn - have you tried "manually" exporting the S file by right clicking on an object in the main group and selecting export?
You can then use TGAtool to convert textures - you will also need to manually add an SD and ENG file.

When you build your models, the BMPs and TGAs should be in the same folder as the 3DC file for the Wizard to find them.

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul Gausden:
The sd is called the "extended shape data file" on some of the documentation.

The problem is almost certainly that the files are not unicode (the shape viewer will probably fail on these - if textures are missing the parts appear white)

Both S and SD files need to be Unicode - the simplest way is to open both in Wordpad, then use the Save As option and change the type to Unicode.

I suspect the TS Wizard is having trouble finding the txt2uni.exe file that comes with MSTS.

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Paul - I think that it is having problems finding the txt2uni.exe file as I opened and saved them as unicode in wordpad and compressed the .s file and now it appears without any problem.

It is a long winded way of doing it but it works for now until something more can be done.

Thank you for your assistance

Daryn Dunkley

There were some changes in a recent release (not sure which one exactly) to make 3DC better at finding txt2uni. If you aren't on 6.5.0.2 already it may be worth upgrading.

Richard

I had the same problem exporting with TSW. At the very beginning I couldn't see any image in Shape Viewer, but I finally could, applying same Texture file for each group and using same specular for each texture.
The last problem is that evey placeholder for stack, safe valve, etc, dissapear when i run MSTS.

Daryn/All,

Be sure to have the MSTS tools update installed. That's pretty important especially for file conversion of TGA files.

Riverplate,

Placeholders are supposed to disappear. They aren't intended to be exported to the sim. They are just to "hold the place" for various "invisible" features such as exhaust etc.

Richard

I apologize. When I wrote that, i didn´t read your effect tutorial. I read it, and solved the problem. I never learn. that I have to read before ask. Thank you.