learning the ropes!

[djhedge]

I have just begun creating my first route using UKFS, however there are one or two points that i would be grateful for any advice on:

1. Measurements: Is there any way of MSTS RE measuring the track in miles/metres as i lay it? I have tried to use the rulers from UKTS, but is there any quicker way?

2. Is there anywhere I can obtain a step by step tutorial to help me learn?

cheers for any help!

Josh

[steam4me]

. Is there anywhere I can obtain a step by step tutorial to help me learn?

1. Step by Step Guide to Route Building, 2nd Edition by Michael Vone. Indispensable.

2. MSTS Tutorials, Information, FAQs at the Steam4me Site

[longbow]

I log every main line track piece laid into a spreadsheet together with its gradient, and use that to calculate route mileage and elevation. It's helpful too to have this record if you need to relay track later.

[steam4me]

1. Measurements: Is there any way of MSTS RE measuring the track in miles/metres as i lay it? I have tried to use the rulers from UKTS, but is there any quicker way?

MSTSMiles in the train-sim.com file library.

Name: milev1_2.zip
Size: 455,365 Date:
MSTSMiles.exe v1.2. This utility can be used to determine how many
miles of actual track are laid in a route and which track pieces have
been used and how many times.
By Martyn T. Griffin.

HTH.

Yuri.

[djhedge]

I have now ordered the tutorial book and set up a data sheet - thanks for those suggestions, it is certainly making life easier!

I also downloaded the MSTSMiles software and followed the installation procedures, however it simply says "0" for all the criteria listed. Could this be because I am working in UKFS?

Once again, thanks for all the advice!!

Josh

[m1a2lt]

Did you run the EnumTsection program? This catalogues everything in your Tsection.dat file. Now, I'm not sure if the program isn't set up for UKFS but try this and see if it works.

Andy

[djhedge]

yeah I tired that again - still no luck!

I have also laid default MSTS track but it won't calculate that either

Josh

[m1a2lt]

I just ran mine and ran into the same problem; I've built track all the way from Crewe to Bangor and it tells me that I've only got 190 sections for 4.68 kms of track. Right...I must be doing something wrong. Any ideas, anyone?

Andy

[Gingerme]

Have you made Marker Files?

These are big invisiable markers which you place into route editor (they look like a giant size of the scottish flag). If you place these markers at strategic locations like stations and yards, it wil help you keep the distances perfect.

Use Multimap to get the co-ordinates perfect! And it works a dream, and fits snuggly into DEM too!

Regards

[djhedge]

I plan to establish a marker file soon - just awaiting the arrival of the track map in the post, but that is Royal Mail and going by their reputation it may take a while!!

Josh

[m1a2lt]

Ti get the distance, I usually just place a signal at the end of the line and run a train and, in the track monitor, track every mile and take a screenshot every mile. Then place a mile marker at the location. Just my technique.

Andy

[terrycunliffe]

Ti get the distance, I usually just place a signal at the end of the line and run a train and, in the track monitor, track every mile and take a screenshot every mile. Then place a mile marker at the location. Just my technique.

Andy

That's the technique I use for placing mileposts accurately, i.e. every mile. It helps if you have the lat-long option active (key zero), get the co-ordinates from each screenshot, and 'jump' there in RE.
T

[m1a2lt]

Thanks for the clue on the lat-long; that'll make it alot easier!

As for the marker files; to mark the track, I downloaded the Replacement Route Markers (File ID: 7844). I used them as regular items and, using streetmap.co.uk, would plug in the grid into the camera. Once the camera arrived at the location, without moving the camera, I would place a marker, right click and copy the X & Z coordinates into the item. I liked it because I can use it immediately with something I want to mark (bridge, river, etc) instead of having to modify the .mkr file and can delete the markers once the item is in place. Just an idea that works well for me.

Andy

[djhedge]

I have finished laying all of my track now - I went for the marker's, they were pretty accurate!!

However, when I drive my route in MSTS it suddenly quits and the programme shuts down in exactly the same place each time - it did not do this before??

I have also noticed black lines above (and in some cases next to) the track which were not there before - similar to the grey DB lines in Route Editor.

Would be grateful for any ideas!!

Josh

[m1a2lt]

I had a problem like that; try closing some of the programs running in the background as MSTS is a real memory hog. Not sure about the black lines; the only thing I can think of is you have the "Electrified Route" box checked and that's the cantenery.

Andy