Newbie attempt to create new routes

[shovel6coles]

I don't know what to do about this in all honesty. I'm not getting the answers I need because for every source of information is different to the next. You state I don't need an API Key, but the only reason that was my choice was because of the quality and I needed to get the best I could and no blurring, black squares or anything.

Without going into the depth of my problem of understanding, well I am 72, but I still have something up there and not void of comprehending.

So a while ago I attempted to just follow the tutorial, apart from the API Key, and even deleted the previous key from the setting of Google Map Overlay when going through the New Route details. So following the steps with my own location for the route, I set off. First I placed the marker and noted the coords. Then filled in the box that pooped up and entered my location marker title. The only thing I didn't fill in like I did before was the colour and depth of type also the mileage option.

Then into the World Editor and selected CTRL+G. NOTHING. I followed the tutorial to the letter and re-did the cords again in the compass box, making sure to Enter after each input and then the white arrow. NOTHING.

I really do need a helping hand to what I should be doing, if I don't need the API Key for a starter. I found out today when I started afresh, seeing as I had deleted the original key, that there was no Create Project Button when I got into Google Console. But I did find something I didn't like. When I saw that the Static Maps API was already selected Green to Enable, which must have been from my original setup, something I hadn't noticed if it had been there the first time, was Pricing at the end. I thought I wouldn't have to pay unless that was because of the license option if I took it.

Now as I don't want to baffle you any more, I just want to say that as I usually wait for the approval to my posts, there were no forbidden words as far as I can say even as I re-read the post that had been approved. I always wait a while for the nod, so it isn't unusual. But it is the only site that has so much stringency about approving posts.

[Acorncomputer]

Come on Geoff. Less of the flippancy and just ANSWER THE QUESTION!

I am lost now Bob. Looking back over the posts I am definitely not understanding quite what the question is. Previous posters have provided a great deal of useful information and I cannot really add any more.

[hertsbob]

Well indeed.

I believe the question is related to whether or not the install path for RWDecal is going to be affected by the main RS2014 files being located on Mr Shovel's E:\ drive.

Slightly disappointed that I've not really had the chance to be flippant yet, but I'm sure my time will come.

Cheers

Bob

[Acorncomputer]

Slightly disappointed that I've not really had the chance to be flippant yet, but I'm sure my time will come.

Hang in there Bob. Your time will come.

Some Suggestions to Mr Shovel

a) I think you should completely forget the API Key at the moment, it really is not necessary in order to see the map overlay in TS201. Just stick with the settings in TS2014 and do not go back to the Google Account at the moment.

b) The reason why you are not seeing the overlay maps in TS2014 when you press control + G is perhaps because your settings in TS2014 are too high for your computer to render.

c) Start up TS2014 and from the very first splash screen with the main menus click on 'Settings' in the top right hand corner.
From the menu that appears click on Graphics
From the menu that appears click on Google Map Overlay
In the Google Maps Resolution Box set to 640 x 640
In the Map Type box set to Satellite
In the Zoom Level set to 19
In the Tiles Displayed set to 3 x 3

This should give you a low resolution map overlay. You need to play with these settings later to get the best effect for you.

d) Whilst in the World Editor (of any route) press Control + G and you should see some blue rotating arrows which indicates that the Google Map Overlays are being rendered. (You must be connected to the Internet for this to work).
You really need to be looking down directly onto the terrain as the overlay tiles are created directly under the camera.
When the blue arrows have stopped and the map has been overlaid, and without moving the camera, move your cursor to about one third of the way up the right hand side of your screen and the overlay controls will appear in a fly-out window.
Lock the window with the pin. The top slider controls the opacity of the overlays from fully transparent to fully opaque.
The next slider controls the height of the overlays above the terrain
The last control locks the images you have created when you press the pause button. This allows you to move around with the camera without losing the images. Press the orange arrow to generate new images elsewhere.
Note that pressing Control + G again will turn off the feature and the overlay will disappear.

e) The settings in TS2014 under Graphics (as described above) can create large overlays that cover a lot of area in one go for general landscaping guidance or you can create a set of much more detailed images over a small area for close work such as stations and yards.

f) Note that I use both RW Decal images and the TS2014 overlay images at the same time. This may seem like overkill but the two do work together well for a number of reasons but the TS2014 feature is more than adequate on its own without requiring an API key.

I hope I have understood the problem this time. Try this out and see if it works for you



This is the overlay feature at work creating a detailed image at Zoom = 19, Resolution = 1280 x 1280 and Tiles = 5 x 5



This is the same overlay feature having created a massive set of images at Zoom = 13, Resolution = 1280 x 1280 and Tiles at 5 x 5




-

[shovel6coles]

This message has been edited by a Moderator

'Flippin' heck lol. Not to dwell on something that nobody seems to understand what my problems are, I need to ask one thing.

To quote a very well regarded person, and I have asked the same question before with absolutely no response at all.

So to quote Geoff?

Something that is not obvious to many newcomers to RailWorks is that in order to create your own content (scenery, locos, route templates, etc), you have to set up some folders on your own computer first where the raw information is placed before turning it into a format that RailWorks can understand.

My only question before I tackle your latest comments are as I set out before. What is the correct path for my folder configuration please. I assume my folder is the first after Railworks. As per my previous attempt to let you know my meaning I will repeat it. I tried to state what I thought should be the right path, but this was before I had made a test route in order for the folder to be there. So assuming I HAD made the route and did all the necessary things to get it to the right folder, xml being the most important.

My first attempt was to make an extension to Reading West Station to Basingstoke. So I named the track file Basingstoke Test. After reading more about the configuration part of the folder and with your own tutorial very much in mind, I went for the following:

E:\Steam\SteamApps\common\RailWorks\Source\Shovel\basingstoke test

That's all I'm going to say on this one until it gets so much and I will bin the project.

As for the setting I have I will look at them and reply next time. I have as far as I know, like you said, probably got them too high because I know the tiles are 7X7.


Roger

[Moderator Comment: kiwipete - Edited]

This message has been edited by a Moderator

[hertsbob]

I think the problems you're having are due to the non-standard location of your installation. This isn't something I can help you with as my install lives on my C:\ drive.

One thing I can say is that you'd be much better off using Basingstoke_Test, or BasingstokeTest as spaces in anything as far as RW is concerned are a bad idea. Otherwise as a top-line structure yours looks OK to me.

Cheers

Bob

[Acorncomputer]

Hi

Have you seen the RailWorks WIKI here -

http://www.railsimdownloads.com/wiki/ti ... ent+Basics

or you might like to download the old, but still very much valid, Developer Docs. At the bottom of this page click on the link where it says RSDevTools and download the RSDevDocs -

http://www.railsimulator.com/support.php

-

[shovel6coles]

I'm giving this whole idea up for two reasons. First I have found out that there is already a route scenario for Reading - Basingstoke on UKTS. Second reason is private so best keep it that way because of certain events I didn't have any control over and got penalized over.

Thanks for all the help and tips.