Model has disappeared after trying apply dynamic numbering

[MallardFan]

Hi guys,

well I am trying to use numbering on the Class 73. At the moment its just the initial prototype, so the only 'numbering' it requires is the headboard codes, which is the two numbers, and a couple of bars that are either black or white. So I am using the dynamic numbering. Now my first attempt I tried to copy what I did from a previous attempt (although that was a wagon with unit numbering), but I think I may have made a few errors. When I loaded the loco in RW it was invisible, with the exception of the kuju couplings.

I then found Christrains guide to numbering (http://www.christrains.com/ts_faq_autonumbering.html) And followed this, but unfortunately got the same results :/

I also then tried exporting the model, and left the bits with the autonumbers behind, and still got the same result.

This is what I have in Blender:







I also have this code in the export mod file:

TrainDecal=TrainDecal.fx

[IGfObjects:Name]
(.*)_primarydigs_(.*)=\1_primarydigits_\2

[IGfMaterials:Name]
primary_number(.*)=decal_primary_number\1

Any ideas what I could have done wrong?

Many Thanks

[karma99]

You want 1 object called 1_1000_primarydigs_2 as you have 2 digits.
That object should have 2 materials called primarynumber_0 and primarynumber_1
Each material should be mapped onto a face, starting from right to left.

[MallardFan]

OK thanks

What should I do about the other bits, the two circles and bar (can be seen here: http://www.uktrainpics.co.uk/images/73n1.jpg), where they are either black or white? Also I assume this method will be Ok with the fact that it should work like the 33/CIG whereby goes red when one running one direction, and the required numbers on the other?

[karma99]

Should be fine. The textures you use in the model are actually completely irrelevant. They're just place holders. All you're doing with dynamic numbering is setting up an object with X number of materials mapped to the relevant faces that the sim can recognise. Then in your numbering blueprint you say, when this character appears at dynamic number position X then replace it with this texture - the straight forward method is character A in the loco number is replaced with a texture of an A, B with a B etc. But you have all letters, upper and lower case and various special characters £$%#& etc.

[MallardFan]

OK Thanks very much

one final bit - will this set up work?



with the object called 1_1000_primarydigs_5, materials primarynumber_0, primarynumber_1, primarynumber_2, primarynumber_3, primarynumber_4 since they are not all from left to right?

[karma99]

Yup that's fine. Then you just assign each material to each face, the order is reversed from the primarynumber position (so to show loco number 12345 would need to map to materials 4,3,2,1,0 in that order) so you just need to do it logically for your numbering system.

[MallardFan]

OK the model still isn't appearing in game :/

[karma99]

It looks like you're using Blender? Are you exporting from there? Does the log file say anything that might point to a problem?

Edit: I assume you've set up a primary textures blueprint?

[MallardFan]

Hmm I will try rexporting it, seeing what comes up (takes about 20 mins to export from blender though)

Slight improvement...

I have a little bit of the loco showing, now I have added the train number csv - I can now see the number, glows black if it is over the sky, but rest of loco is invisible

[MallardFan]

Well I reexported the model, deleted a couple of unwanted bits, and its back

Thanks very much

Edit: Is it best for the decal placeholders to be the same size as the actual numbers so that they can be mapped OK? at the moment my number seems to be spread all over

[karma99]

Good to hear
They don't need to be the same size, but they do need to be the same proportions or you will get stretching issues.

[MallardFan]

OK another quick question

If I duplicate this setup, and swing it around, like I have done with the cab ends, etc, will this be OK, or will it break it due to the naming convention?

[karma99]

If you duplicate it in edit mode that's fine. It won't work as another object as you can only have a single primarydigits object.

Quick question from your last statement, assuming you mean the internal cab model why have you duplicated it? RW models only support one cab model on the primary driving end, if you set the loco as twin cab'ed then it just mirrors it itself, which is why so it's important to set the dead centre of the loco at the 0,0. I know the steam railmotor I just released has 2 different cabs, but that involves a metric ton of voodoo!
If you mean the external model, ignore me

[MallardFan]

If you duplicate it in edit mode that's fine. It won't work as another object as you can only have a single primarydigits object.

Quick question from your last statement, assuming you mean the internal cab model why have you duplicated it? RW models only support one cab model on the primary driving end, if you set the loco as twin cab'ed then it just mirrors it itself, which is why so it's important to set the dead centre of the loco at the 0,0. I know the steam railmotor I just released has 2 different cabs, but that involves a metric ton of voodoo!
If you mean the external model, ignore me

OK thanks

yeah, I meant the outer cab ends in exterior mode - I did one end, then just duplicated it and swung it 180 onto the other side

[karma99]

Ah, good plan - mirroring can save you a ton of time when model building. Even if you mirror it up to a certain point, then apply the mirror and start to edit the parts separately.