Track Gradients

[gizzmaxx]

Hello Group,
Well I've decided to jump in with both feet Having built a few routes in MSTS I sort of have the basics figured out; created a marker file, used ReDem to create the landform, have my track chart in hand and used RW_Tools to create the route and my development folders. Now I'm starting to lay track using the US Branchline track with the low switch machines and I've run into a problem well multiple problems Terminology seems to be the first problem as I've tried searching multiple forums and could not find an answer to my question. I'm trying to lay a grade but the gradient says something like 1 in 200 or some such thing? My question, how do I change the gradient from its current setting to read percent, as in a 2% grade?

Thank you in advance,

[transadelaide]

The format that is shown for the grade relates to the track rule in use. UK track rules use the old style 1 in 200, US track rules show the same slope as 0.5%, European track rules use the permille format, equal to 5‰ for the same slope.

I have read that track rules do apparently affect a lot more than just speed limit and gradient formatting, someone who knows a bit more about what they do and whether changing them is advisable will hopefully shed more light on the subject.

[Buckeye]

Hi gizzmaxx.
Welcome to the developers side of RailWorks.
I think the best way would be to avoid the xml files for now, if you require the figure as a percentage then as 1 in 200 just devide the 1 by 200 and multiply by 100 = 0.5%
There are many web pages as http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grade_(slope)
I think you will enjoy the capabilities of RailWorks compared to MSTS, I do.
Have fun.
Buckeye.

[gizzmaxx]

Hello Group,
Thank you for the replies. The route I've started contains enough grades that, having to lay the track and then compute each grade using the 1 in x measurement, then re-adjusting the track to the correct % or grade would become rather tiring very quickly There is already a track rule that is very close to what I need.

Would there be a problem with me coping the existing track rule to my ..\Develoment\RailNetwork\TrackRules folder, renaming the file and changing the Gradient entry from "1 in x" to "Percent"?
Since this track rule would remain in my Development folder, would it still be affected by a Railworks update? What I'm thinking is why re-invent the wheel when all I need to do is make a minor upgrade to it?

[prairie4566]

It's a bit fiddly but all I do is just move the arrow up or down accordingly and highlight the track now and then until the gradient is right.

[longbow]

Would there be a problem with me coping the existing track rule to my ..\Develoment\RailNetwork\TrackRules folder, renaming the file and changing the Gradient entry from "1 in x" to "Percent"?
Since this track rule would remain in my Development folder, would it still be affected by a Railworks update? What I'm thinking is why re-invent the wheel when all I need to do is make a minor upgrade to it?

It's a very good idea to set up a custom track rule for a new route as it gives you flexibility to have your own settings for this kind of thing. But it's best done before you lay track.

Using a renamed default track rule as you propose should work fine if you haven't started track laying - just make sure you change the description line in the file so you can tell it apart from the original when you are in game. However, the track rule is referenced by each track section in the Tracks.bin file (tdb, in MSTS speak), so if you have already laid track then switch to using your new rule you will now have two track rules in your route, which may give problems later. For this reason once you choose a track rule for a route you should stick with it.

Steam updates won't change any files outside the default folders.

[gizzmaxx]

Hi Longbow,
Thank you for the information What I did was lay just enough track to see what the different rules and tracks had to offer, I then deleted all of the previously laid track ( about 500 meters total ) and then exited the route and simulator. I've just finished importing terrain using ReDem and have started adding a few Google Earth decals using RWDecal ( both excellent programs ) so now I'm ready to try out my new track rules,
here goes nothing

[bigvern]

The gradient change tool is not recommended for general use as it can affect the heights of all the network connected to that piece. In worst case scenario, people have trashed entire routes. Okay for adjusting isolated sections of road or river but for actual placement the preffered method is to enter the gradient value as you lay the track/road/river etc. section.