I have a strange problem with the export to the MSTS. First I made a simple diesel engine. I could export the model to the MSTS without any problems (you can find the old model under www.train-sim.com, the name of the file is sbb_tmi1.zip, it's from December 2001!). Last year I improve the model with different things like wipers, couplings, less polygons... but when I tried to export the engine, it doesn't work in the MSTS.

I have all needed files in the directory (*.eng, *.s, *.sd, *.ace) and all seemed to be correct. I have also tested the files with the program Consist Builder.

There is also no difference between an export with the plug-in or with the export with the right mouse click.

I tried to identify a corrupted object. I deleted the new objects. Then I tried to export. Now it was possible to put the model in the MSTS. After that I tried to identify the corrupted object, but it was very strange. When I add only a few numbers of new objects, I could export the engine, but when I add all new objects, it doesn't work. I wasn't able to identify a "bad" object. Is there a limitation in MSTS who makes the problem? It is also impossible to see the model in the shape viewer.

This is the third attempt to finish this model and I would be very happy if anybody can help me!

Hans

I had the same problem with too many objects in one group. I found that there is an approx. maximum of 18-20 objects per group.
Another possible cause could be more than one texture applied to an object.

Also, ensure that your group names do not contain any spaces or special characters. The group names must contain only letters and numbers.

Wayne

The problem may lie not so much in the number of objects in your groupings, but in the triangle count of the objects in your groups. Aim for between 3000-4000 max per group. However, that being said, the fewer objects in each group, the more efficient the model will be when running in MSTS. You can apply more than one texture file for each object as well, provided you don't plan on exporting with multiple LOD's, which often results in the 'exploded' look or the fact that it just won't load into the sim.

You may also be pushing the poly limit for the particular model you are exporting by adding the new pieces. This also seems to be system dependent as well with a higher spec system being able to cope with the higher poly models better, but thats just my observation.

I would suggest that you add the new pieces one at a time and then try and export after each addition. Painful, I know but the only real way to find exactly where the problems lies.

I can only say that I have had similar problems and following the same process as you, re-introduced each new object and exported. I have found that eventually, one object will end up causing the problem and while it looks fine, the only solution I found that worked was to re-create the object (exactly the same dims and methods) and for some reason it then all exported OK.
Grouping and naming and number of parts was not the issue - 3DC just didn't like that part at that moment. Can't give you a reason !!
Steve

First of all: THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

The names of the groups are OK. I think I must go the way Vulcan_Foundry and Steven wrote: Add a new piece and then export. :-(

If I will find a solution (or the problem) I'll post it here in the forum.

Hans