TDB primer by SDTrains file ID 22427

[rickloader]

I would like to say a big thank you to Steve (SDtrains) for his masterly tutorial. He rightly says that many of us struggle with TDB problems, having only a dim understanding of the issues. To begin the analysis with just a single track section is brilliant ( why didn`t I think of it!). Steve then takes us methodically through the subject. Most readers won`t be able to digest all at once, but the progression is carefully composed. So many tutorials make that huge leap that loses the beginner: but not here, I think.
I suggest a glossary where the various terms are defined might be a helpful addition. (admittedly these are explained in the text, but a glossary would be useful for reference)
I recommend everyone with an interest in MSTS reads this. Although primarily for route builders, activity writers certainly will benefit. And the general user to know the anguish that route building can entail! So many promising routes must have been abandoned for want of understanding TDB errors.
Thanks again Steve!
Rick

[gremlin1812]

G'Day Rick, this is good news and although I have not viewed it, it sounds great. I have only made one route a tiny little 5 mile looping track for my young son but even then I had problems which may have been cured with this (thank goodness I made backups).
Also a thanks to Steve the author for sharing his knowledge.
Regards
Barrie

[Buckeye]

Hi Stephen.
Thanks for taking the time to write a comprehensive article on the TDB. This must be a first, as I searched and searched before I began track construction. I can see from the text that it was written some time ago as the ukfs double slip xsdl_xx is now obsolete and replaced by xsdr2, the tsection is also now at 41.
I'm considering construction of completed turnout sections such as Main Line Across, 2 way and 4 way Crossovers and I think this article will help to construct the paths for the TDB.
http://www.j-ps-site.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
regards
Buckeye.

[rickloader]

Hi Barrie, glad to hear your backup saved the day! Often though, you can create a TDB error that remains unseen through many saves. When you finally discover it, the choice is to go to a distant backup, and lose much work: or follow Steve`s tutorial and repair it. In the tutorial there is advice on good practices to avoid tdb problems in the first place.
Buckeye, I think Steve chose the older t section 38 because this is proven stable.
The BR project looks exciting. Thanks for the link. The ability to have several ballast textures is very welcome. Up to now we have had to use a single ground plane to mask the UKFS ballast in goods yards. Not satisfactory, and the additional shapes will be a vast improvement.
I have always felt that Tim Booth didn`t get the gratitude he deserved for the magnificent UKFS system, and it is good to see his work being taken forward
The difficulty in adding these BR track shapes to existing routes is not so much breaking activity paths as damaging the tdb by uprooting track and replacing it. It might be less risky (and easier) to replace with BR_ track by manually editing the tdb and world files. I know Steve is expert in this work by his alterations making the steam age Dorset Coast. Perhaps he might be persuaded to give some advice ?
Rick

[Buckeye]

Hi Rick.
You are right about Tim Booth's ukfs track system. The BR Project was originally intended to be available on Tim's site but this was not to be. He was working on a new track system for MSTS which looked very authentic, some even had water trough's.
Having Tim Booth's track sections and shapes to use as example's is reassuring, its when we venture into the new track shapes that knowledge of the TDB is essential to construct the TDB path's for that shape which I think is more difficult than creating the shape in Gmax.
Buckeye

[rickloader]

Ah, Sorry Buckeye! I was thinking of activity paths (which are easily altered). But I see Tdb paths are quite different, and must require real expertise with the tdb. Am I right in assuming these paths are the vector movement and rotation of the vehicle through the shape?
I have downloaded the BRProject and am impressed with the scope of the work. I wonder if you would consider opening a discussion in the Route Builders Forum? I am sure there would be interest in knowing your plans for the Project, and how you feel the BR Project should integrate with existing UKFS. Or is it intended as a stand alone system?
Thanks Rick

[Buckeye]

Hi Rick
Right again Rick, take a look at the shape Idx in the tsection of maybe a ukfs double slip. This will have eight vectors paths which require four blade inserts with two paths each. Tim certainly new how to construct the TDB.
I'd like to see more tutorials like Steve's (SDtrains). Another article on L.O.D's would be on my wish list.
Thanks for the kind words about the BR_Project but at the present I can see ukfs and BR+Project being used together as they were intended.
regards
buckeye