Atomic Systems

Hi,
Can anyone help please, I've loads of time on my hands and i think i am now creating decent enough scenery objects for my planned route (Leicester-GNR & LNWR joint line). But i want to add Shadows to my objects. I've searched all available forums for answers but there is nothing really helpfull. Most tutorials assume too much and miss vital info
i.e where is Stencilshadow.fx?
Is it me who creates this? What is it? Where can i get it? What do we do with it to add it to a model.
One tutorial created by K Martin and R Scott entitled "How to get a model from 3d canvas into Rail Simulator" gives me a clue but this sentence confused me.
"Use the custom name:
To get this, right click on the shadow object and enter shadow_locomotive in the custom field.
Use the custom texture:
This can be a simple grey 128 by 128 texture called it what you want, but enter a custom shader name of StencilShadow.fx"

Even this short paragraph assumes too much, Right clicking does not offer any box to enter a name, what is a custom field and where can i find that and where and what do they mean by custom texture?

Adding a Shadow is my only hurdle to creating objects for RSIM / RW, once i get this correct i can make almost anything. Please can someone help with an exact step by step "How to add a shadow to objects in 3d canvas for dummies" tutorial.
Thanks in advance for any help

Regards Pat

Hi Pat

In the docs there is quite a useful section on shadows and stencil shadows.

To summarise it..
Within your existing 3ds model file, you make a simplified model of your structure from primitives ie boxes, cubes, cylinders etc ( they have to be closed objects)
It needs to be a fraction smaller than the external model and sit completely inside.
You name it shadow_XXXXXXX
You apply a material that is named shadow_XXXXXX and has the StencilShadow.fx shader applied
The model and shadow are exported together.

Hope it helps

Sly

Hi Sly

Where do you apply a shader, in the texture creation or in 3DC, and how do you apply it?

You apply a material that is named shadow_XXXXXX and has the StencilShadow.fx shader applied

AFAIK the only way to apply a shader is through the properties window for the object, strange thing though you have to export first before it will become available

Gav

Thanks Sly
I really must be daft, where do i get StencilShadow.fx shader from?
Does it appear automatcally? I'm confused.
You say apply a material that is named shadow_XXXXXX. ok
Is this a BMP and does it have to have an ACE version also.
When i asked for help (dummies) i really mean't it, i have no hair left to pull out!
Creating a slightly smaller version of a model is ok though, i'm sure i'm almost there but still missing something that seems obvious to everyone else.
I'm really sorry

regards pat

Hi Pat

From memory ( I don't use 3Dcanvas now)
Click on the shadow object and get the properties window open Type in StencilShadow.fx in the railsim field.. (case and spelling important)
It will probably say texdiff at first.... these are the shaders
The material has one texture applied in its main slot
The texture can be any existing texture (pick the smallest) or a simple 32 x 32 single color... in which case you will need to make an ACE file.
The naming Shadow_XXXXX xxxx is the same name as your main object eg shadow_signalbox or shadow_shed.

Have you got your models to export and in the game yet ?

Sly

Thanks Sly,
I will give that a go in a min or 2, (watching footie on sky)
Everything exports and is usable on my route in RailWorks (I Just exported 6 different telegraph poles no probs), just some of the larger stuff needs shadows and looks wrong hence the advice. I want to make it all available to the community but until it's correct i'm holding back.
I live In Estoril / Portugal for the last 3 years so these sunny days and RailWors/Railsim seldom mix until the evenings (beach time essential) too hot today though hence post.
Thanks for your advice so far, i will keep you posted.

Regards pat

Hi Sly,
Did not work, but a few questions
Do i merge shadow with main object before export?
When you say "Click on the shadow object and get the properties window open Type in StencilShadow.fx in the railsim field.. (case and spelling important)
It will probably say texdiff at first.... these are the shaders"
Which box do i enter this into? Group, Object or Material as the only entries are' Rail Sim in the Group Custom fields, and Rail Sim, Tx Alpha and Alpha Pr in the Material Field. Could i be missing something as the texdiff is no where to be found in any of them?
Anyway i'm trying Object merge with shadow next before exporting just to see what happens, Almost on verge of giving up as i have been trying this for 3 weeks now and still at square 1.
I think i need
Step 1. Blah blah
Step 2. Blah Blah
etc etc
Step 99. export ----success
Sorry to go on but it a'int working.

Help though most appreciated despite my gripes

regards as always pat

Hi,
Object merge is not the answer
What it is seems to be a mystery.
Someone must have created shadows using 3d canvas recently. Or is 3d Canvas not up to it?
What is it, What do i do?
Meanwhile i'm continuing making smaller stuff not needing a shadow.

Any ideas though still most appreciated.
Regards pat

Have a look at these two threads:
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=92669
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=93511
They give an excellent guide to constructing buildings in 3DCanvas including shadow models with plenty of illustrations to show you exactly what has to go where.

Paul

PaulH2
Thanks mate but I learnt what i know so far from these tutorials, what is missing from my 3d canvas version pro 7.1.1 is Material Manager, the tutorials refer to this but in my version the plugin is different so does not give the options shown. What i need is a what to do menu for PRO 7.1.1. Please nobody quote me old tutorials as they are diferent, Sorry i did not mention that my 3D CANVAS VERSION was 7.1.1 earlier. still stuck though and totally ....
Well you fill the dots in for yourself.
Meanwhile i will open a bottle of vino collapso and make some platform steps/staircases

regards

pat

marjenn1 wrote:PaulH2
Thanks mate but I learnt what i know so far from these tutorials, what is missing from my 3d canvas version pro 7.1.1 is Material Manager, the tutorials refer to this but in my version the plugin is different so does not give the options shown. What i need is a what to do menu for PRO 7.1.1. Please nobody quote me old tutorials as they are diferent, Sorry i did not mention that my 3D CANVAS VERSION was 7.1.1 earlier. still stuck though and totally ....
Well you fill the dots in for yourself.
Meanwhile i will open a bottle of vino collapso and make some platform steps/staircases

regards

pat

Pat,

I think what you need is one of Paul Gausden's plugins, which adds the material manager. I don't have a link to it off hand, but if you have a look on the Amabilis forums I'm sure you'll find it there.

Paul

Cheers PaulH2
I will look again at the plugins when i get home, I thought i'd got them all but i might have missed something, maybe i will reload them all and see if i incorrectly installed one first time around, definately though my material manager bit is different from the tutorials thus stopping me adding the shadow procedure.

Thanks and
Regards

pat

Hi Pat
i had the same problem. latest download here.

http://www31.brinkster.com/decapod/

joe whittaker

Hi,

I bet you've already seen this website about the GNR/LNWR Joint - but if not it should be useful..........

http://www.meltonmowbray.steamrailways. ... elgave.htm

Cheers
Paul