Platforms

[Halbers]

Still playing around and exploring the Route Editor and I came across a novel approach to platform end ramps.

It probably has been discussed before but I have not seen it in any of the tutorials.

Having placed the horizontal platform surface, preferably using the "offset" tool with respect to the track, and adjusted the platform height, rather than use the special tapered end pieces, just highlight the platform then adjust the gradient of the last 12 feet or so, lowering the ends to track level.

This means that the end pieces are perfectly aligned both horizontally and vertically with the platform surface and track curvature if any. The platform texture is also seamlessly continued.

Having done this, it is necessary to "split" the loft texture at the gradient change points, or else our passengers will materialise buried upto their chests.

[yerkes]

Thanks, Halbers. This is the method I usually use, but I was not aware of the last point about splitting the loft.

[longbow]

This works well. The only downside is that the brick/stone courses on the ramp are sloping rather than

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[longbow]

...parallel to the ground. Sorry, fat finger there.

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[antonyperks]

Great Tip there about splitting the loft, works a treat now all the people are walking along the platform not through it.

[sweep54]

This thread has prompted me to ask a basic question about platform creation. In my intended route I will have the need to create a quite narrow taper end to an island platform (if I want to make it look like the real thing). Is there anything available which would allow me to do this? Currently I can't see anything that would give me a taper end at about 2M or less. Can anyone advise if it is possible, or is it down to creating unique assets? Also how easy is it to create platforms without people, if needed?

Thanks,
Sweep

[thecheesemeister]

Probably not the answer you were hoping for, but this should tell you what you need to know

http://dpsimulation.blogspot.co.uk/2013 ... s.html?m=1

[sweep54]

You were right - i didn't want to here that, but nonetheless thanks for the information. I suppose I was just in the hope that there would be some variation of the platform loft (just the edges) to work with as that might be very useful.

Thanks,
Sweep

[longbow]

That advice is a little dated - the new track geometry export feature in TS2014 should be perfect for building custom platform shapes

http://dpsimulation.blogspot.co.uk/2013 ... chive.html

[yeovilrig]

A huge thank you to you Halbers, i have just tried your tip about splitting the platform loft and yes it works. no more heads walking around on the Four Countes platforms anymore.
Great tip thanks!
Chris

[antonyperks]

I am sure there is a 1m Platform loft with WCML, that may do the trick.

[sweep54]

Thank you all for the food for thought and some direction on narrow platforms. I don't own the WCML but have considered it in the past, this may give me an extra incentive. Could someone please confirm if it does have a 1m platform loft, or indeed if any other route has something like this - and an image would be even better (if that's not been too cheeky)?

Many thanks,
Sweep

[antonyperks]

Sorry to get your hopes up sweep, i have just checked and the the one I was thinking of was only an invisible loft, I could send you something that has just the sides and a narrow section of top, but with a flagstone surface, i have used these for small tapers, or download my Avon valley railway route as i have used them in there.

[sweep54]

Thanks Anthony - when I get the chance (which will hopefully be tonight or tomorrow) I will download your Avon Valley route to have a look - that sounds exactly like what I was hoping to find!

Sweep

[sweep54]

Sorry to bother you again Anthony - had a quick look at the download information for the Avon Route. Do I need all of the requirements to be able to run / open this, as I don't have the Settle Carlisle route? Really all I want is the platform edge loft so maybe I can take you up on the offer of sending me just that if that is still on offer. The next question would be what do I need to do for you to send it to me?

Thanks,
sweep