How to Make Good Scenery - Revision history

Djaquay: /* Spline Shadows */

2022-09-27T11:10:01Z

Spline Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 27 September 2022
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	Implementation of shadows cast by objects was one of the great steps forward made by Trainz to render a realistic GUI. Certain objects, notably spline objects with a low profile (such as roads and tracks) should not, of course, cast a shadow. To avoid this problem, the spline must be set down tight against the ground; any gap between the spline and the ground will appear as a dark line (a shadow). Spline objects conform to variations in slope as the spline is laid, but fixing the spline points (this changes the vertex from a white to a yellow rotating circle) with the <b>Adjust spline height 'H"</b> setting in <b>Tracks 'F4'</b> or <b>Spline height 'H' </b> in <b>'Spline mode 'S'</b> for <b>Objects 'F3'</b>) removes ground conforming between the points. Small rises now bury the spline and small dips produce a shadow. On a perfectly level board, these particular problems do not occur, although many spline objects will still cast a shadow if not height adjust. The solution is to bring the spline segments back into close conformance with the ground. Two possible approaches —adjust the spline height or adjust the ground height—may both need to be utilized wherever on a Route the shadowing is clearly observable.		Implementation of shadows cast by objects was one of the great steps forward made by Trainz to render a realistic GUI. Certain objects, notably spline objects with a low profile (such as roads and tracks) should not, of course, cast a shadow. To avoid this problem, the spline must be set down tight against the ground; any gap between the spline and the ground will appear as a dark line (a shadow). Spline objects conform to variations in slope as the spline is laid, but fixing the spline points (this changes the vertex from a white to a yellow rotating circle) with the <b>Adjust spline height 'H"</b> setting in <b>Tracks 'F4'</b> or <b>Spline height 'H' </b> in <b>'Spline mode 'S'</b> for <b>Objects 'F3'</b>) removes ground conforming between the points. Small rises now bury the spline and small dips produce a shadow. On a perfectly level board, these particular problems do not occur, although many spline objects will still cast a shadow if not height adjust. The solution is to bring the spline segments back into close conformance with the ground. Two possible approaches —adjust the spline height or adjust the ground height—may both need to be utilized wherever on a Route the shadowing is clearly observable.

	A first step is to use the <b>'Smooth spline 'S'</b> tool found in the <b>Advanced</b> section of the Spline Mode menu (same tool is <b>Smooth spline height 'S'</b> in the advanced tools for <b>Tracks 'F4'</b>). This tool corrects the terrain topography under the spline segment (section between two vertices) clicked on. The spline is smoothed and the ground brought into conformance with the spline. But this conformance may or may not eliminate a shadow, depending on the particular asset, as many are created to lie slightly above the ground. The next step is to apply the <b>'Spline height 'H'</b> tool under Advanced )<b>Adjust spline height 'H'</b> for track splines), lowering the vertices while holding down the CTRL key (allows very fine adjustments). Using the Smooth spline height tool may not be desirable in some situations, as it has an impact over topography some distance from the spline (may level the ground too far out from the road or track). In this case, the ground will need to be raised up to the spline to eliminate the shadow. The tool used is <b>Height up 'U'</b> in the <b>~~Topolgy~~</b> menu, putting both Radius and Sensitivity on the absolute lowest settings. The <b>Height down 'D'</b> tool may need to be employed to make adjustments. Realize, both tools only operate if clicked on a grid vertex, having no effect if clicked away from a vertex. The tools raise or lower a vertex and the ground "follows" as a surface determined by the surrounding vertices.		A first step is to use the <b>'Smooth spline 'S'</b> tool found in the <b>Advanced</b> section of the Spline Mode menu (same tool is <b>Smooth spline height 'S'</b> in the advanced tools for <b>Tracks 'F4'</b>). This tool corrects the terrain topography under the spline segment (section between two vertices) clicked on. The spline is smoothed and the ground brought into conformance with the spline. But this conformance may or may not eliminate a shadow, depending on the particular asset, as many are created to lie slightly above the ground. The next step is to apply the <b>'Spline height 'H'</b> tool under Advanced )<b>Adjust spline height 'H'</b> for track splines), lowering the vertices while holding down the CTRL key (allows very fine adjustments). Using the Smooth spline height tool may not be desirable in some situations, as it has an impact over topography some distance from the spline (may level the ground too far out from the road or track). In this case, the ground will need to be raised up to the spline to eliminate the shadow. The tool used is <b>Height up 'U'</b> in the <b>Topology</b> menu, putting both Radius and Sensitivity on the absolute lowest settings. The <b>Height down 'D'</b> tool may need to be employed to make adjustments. Realize, both tools only operate if clicked on a grid vertex, having no effect if clicked away from a vertex. The tools raise or lower a vertex and the ground "follows" as a surface determined by the surrounding vertices.

	Achieving "no shadow" may be impossible in some small parts of a segment due to bending of the spline. Moving the spline point closer to a grid vertex may help. Using spline assets with "skirts" (for example, ballast in track splines) certainly makes the process easier as these have greater height latitude. Simply hiding conspicuous shadows with a grass asset or placing an object like a car on the shadow are other options.		Achieving "no shadow" may be impossible in some small parts of a segment due to bending of the spline. Moving the spline point closer to a grid vertex may help. Using spline assets with "skirts" (for example, ballast in track splines) certainly makes the process easier as these have greater height latitude. Simply hiding conspicuous shadows with a grass asset or placing an object like a car on the shadow are other options.

Djaquay at 10:49, 27 September 2022

2022-09-27T10:49:21Z

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	All land is the result of the forces of erosion and gravity acting upon some earlier (geologically earlier) uplift. You can raise up the land, but fine tuning is then applied for a more realistic look and this entails removing portions of the uplift. Steeper slopes (cliffs) represent more resistant material: that is, rock; but mass-wasting (localized landslides) can create a cliff in more easily eroded material. Indeed, concave slopes present a picture of substantial, on-going erosion whereas convex slopes are more often seen in late-stage eroded landscapes (hills and gentle valleys). However, these are generalizations and slope form is highly varied in most regions. The <b><i>Height up 'U'</i></b>, <b><i>Height down 'D'</i></b> and <b><i>Plateau 'P'</i></b> tools are used to shape the land, usually at small to medium radius and medium sensitivity settings. Height up 'U' produces a convex surface and Height down 'D' produces a concave surface where applied on a slope.		All land is the result of the forces of erosion and gravity acting upon some earlier (geologically earlier) uplift. You can raise up the land, but fine tuning is then applied for a more realistic look and this entails removing portions of the uplift. Steeper slopes (cliffs) represent more resistant material: that is, rock; but mass-wasting (localized landslides) can create a cliff in more easily eroded material. Indeed, concave slopes present a picture of substantial, on-going erosion whereas convex slopes are more often seen in late-stage eroded landscapes (hills and gentle valleys). However, these are generalizations and slope form is highly varied in most regions. The <b><i>Height up 'U'</i></b>, <b><i>Height down 'D'</i></b> and <b><i>Plateau 'P'</i></b> tools are used to shape the land, usually at small to medium radius and medium sensitivity settings. Height up 'U' produces a convex surface and Height down 'D' produces a concave surface where applied on a slope.

	Very fine adjustments around tracks, roads, or buildings require putting radius and sensitivity at their lowest settings and clicking as needed to adjust the land height in relation to the object. Two things need be understood in applying this action, foremost of which is the fact that only clicking directly on a grid vertex point will cause the ground to rise or fall. If hidden by ground texture, you may need to move around a bit to find the "sweet spot". Secondly, raising or lowering the ground may also raise or lower the object, requiring later object height adjustment. However, for spline objects, if the height as been set (the white spinning circle changed to a yellow spinning circle) adjustment of the ground surface will not effect the spline vertex and raising the ground can bury part of the spline.		Very fine adjustments around tracks, roads, or buildings require putting radius and sensitivity at their lowest settings and clicking as needed to adjust the land height in relation to the object. Two things need be understood in applying this action, foremost of which is the fact that only clicking directly on a grid vertex point will cause the ground to rise or fall. If hidden by ground texture, you may need to move around a bit to find the "sweet spot". Secondly, raising or lowering the ground may also raise or lower the object, requiring later object height adjustment. However, for spline objects, if the height has been set (the white spinning circle changed to a yellow spinning circle) adjustment of the ground surface will not effect the spline vertex and raising the ground can bury part of the spline.

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Sourtoe: Add picture of waves hitting a shore

2022-01-23T18:13:44Z

Add picture of waves hitting a shore

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 23 January 2022
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	It is possible to overcome the disappearance of bottom with distance from shore and, for example, create an offshore reef or shoal or just extensive shallow water with a unique bottom type or color. Choose an area to create this and raise the bottom to just <u>above</u> the water surface using the <b>Height up 'U'</b> tool set at low sensitivity. Then lower the area (<b>Height down 'D'</b> tool) to just <u>below</u> the water surface; the grid (or bottom color) will disappear. Now, click anywhere on the baseboard with the <b>Add Water 'W'</b> tool. This has the effect of resetting the display relationship between the water surface and the bottom for the entire baseboard. The shoaled area, without any shore, will reappear and can be colored as sand or mud. You can expand the shoal with the <b>Plateau 'P'</b> tool set at high sensitivity and wide radius. Although it may appear that nothing is happening as you do this, clicking the baseboard with the <b>Add Water 'W'</b> tool will reveal the change you are making. Switching to <b>Map View</b> under the Camera Menu will show the bottom display as light blue for deep water (bottom not visible), light grey for visible but fading bottom, and dark grey (or some color if not "Grid (PBR)") for shoal bottom. Curiously, returning these areas to "deep water" will remove the shoal, but have no impact on the color scheme displayed in Map View (in Trainz Plus; could be adjusted in earlier Trainz builds).		It is possible to overcome the disappearance of bottom with distance from shore and, for example, create an offshore reef or shoal or just extensive shallow water with a unique bottom type or color. Choose an area to create this and raise the bottom to just <u>above</u> the water surface using the <b>Height up 'U'</b> tool set at low sensitivity. Then lower the area (<b>Height down 'D'</b> tool) to just <u>below</u> the water surface; the grid (or bottom color) will disappear. Now, click anywhere on the baseboard with the <b>Add Water 'W'</b> tool. This has the effect of resetting the display relationship between the water surface and the bottom for the entire baseboard. The shoaled area, without any shore, will reappear and can be colored as sand or mud. You can expand the shoal with the <b>Plateau 'P'</b> tool set at high sensitivity and wide radius. Although it may appear that nothing is happening as you do this, clicking the baseboard with the <b>Add Water 'W'</b> tool will reveal the change you are making. Switching to <b>Map View</b> under the Camera Menu will show the bottom display as light blue for deep water (bottom not visible), light grey for visible but fading bottom, and dark grey (or some color if not "Grid (PBR)") for shoal bottom. Curiously, returning these areas to "deep water" will remove the shoal, but have no impact on the color scheme displayed in Map View (in Trainz Plus; could be adjusted in earlier Trainz builds).
	<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0 width="~~750~~">		{{clear}}

			<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0 width="950">
	<tr valign="top">		<tr valign="top">
	<td width=25>[[file:PencilTips.PNG\|link=]]</td><td><font size="4">Y</font>ou can spot in tiles with white (for example, "ALWater 2") to mimic waves breaking along a shore. Other mostly white paints can mimic crashing waves or rough water. The paint "MineralWater3" produces an intense aquamarine with a pattern of waves.</td>		<td width=25>[[file:PencilTips.PNG\|link=]]</td>
			<td><font size="4">Y</font>ou can spot in tiles with white (for example, "ALWater 2") to mimic waves breaking along a shore. Other mostly white paints can mimic crashing waves or rough water as shown in the example from Kahiki by Sourtoe. Try different tiles (look for stream or waterfall tiles) to achieve the desired effect.<br>The paint "MineralWater3" produces an intense aquamarine with a pattern of waves.
			</td><td>[[File:Rendering_Surf2.jpg\|400px\|left\|A coastline showing waves hitting shore]]</td>
	</tr></table>		</tr></table>
			{{clear}}

	=== Water Effect Layer ===		=== Water Effect Layer ===

Sourtoe: Start section on Effects Layer for Water

2022-01-02T02:41:41Z

Start section on Effects Layer for Water

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			=== Water Effect Layer ===

			The '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Water_Effect_Layer Water Effect Layer]</span>''' has been introduced primarily for Surveyor 2.0 and is available in <b>TRS19 SP4</b>. However, a route can only have one system for rendering a water surface—the traditional "legacy water color" or the water effect layer—and functionality of the latter is presently limited. Converting a route from legacy water color to Water Effect Layer is accomplished using the Edit Environment-Environment window in the Edit Menu, clicking the icon to the right of the select a water surface type. Converting requires a download and the result is removal of the legacy water surface and replacement with an inky black water surface. '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Water_Effect_Layer Instructions for proceeding]</span>''' are sparse at best. Converting back to the traditional water surface entails removing the water effects layer and then repainting water surface(s) everywhere on the route.

	=Problems=		=Problems=

Sourtoe: Tweaking text Water Features; add link to topology tab

2021-12-25T18:20:32Z

Tweaking text Water Features; add link to topology tab

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	= Water Features =		= Water Features =
	Of all the various landforms one can create, water features hold the greatest potential for enhancing scenery along a Route. And water is superbly rendered using the water tools found in Surveyor '''Topology ~~- Get height~~'''. Three tools are provided: <b><i>Add water 'W', Adjust height 'E'</i></b>, and <b><i>Remove water 'Q'</i></b>. An input box for setting water surface height is provided. The ''Add water'' tool paints a surface in the same manner as coloring, described ~~above~~. However, the water surface has unique properties, the most significant being ~~it is transparent~~ and ~~reflective~~. Improvements in rendering of these properties with each successive Trainz version has ~~certainly~~ been a major contribution to making a realistic CGI.		Of all the various landforms one can create, water features hold the greatest potential for enhancing scenery along a Route. And water is superbly rendered using the water tools found in the Surveyor '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php?title=Help/Topology_Tab Topology Tab]</span>'''. Three tools are provided: <b><i>Add water 'W', Adjust height 'E'</i></b>, and <b><i>Remove water 'Q'</i></b>. An input box for setting water surface height is provided. The ''Add water'' tool paints a surface in the same manner as coloring, described elsewhere. However, the water surface has unique properties, the most significant being transparency and reflectivity. Improvements in rendering of these properties with each successive Trainz version has been a major contribution to making a realistic CGI.

	Painting water establishes a level surface at the setting in the ''water surface height'' box. Expanding this surface always maintains the same height as long as you begin painting from the existing surface (no need to adjust the setting). The <b><i>Adjust height 'E'</i></b> tool adjust the entire connected surface all at once, but does not change any other water surfaces on the map not connected to the one being adjusted. Thus, you can create a series of lakes at different elevations so long as the water surfaces of each are not connected. Determine this independence by selecting <b>Wireframe View</b> in the <b>Display Menu</b> (or pressing <b>F9</b>). This displays the baseboard in white and the water surface(s) in grey, removing all the painted surfaces. Use the <b><i>Remove water 'Q'</i></b> tool to disconnect close-by water surfaces that you wish to set to different heights. Working upstream of a long river, you can progressively raise the surface of segments at points with rapids, waterfalls, or dams. Just be sure the water surface is broken at these points. An oddity built into the <b><i>Adjust height </i></b> tool is that if you hold down the Shift-Key while raising or lowering the water surface, the surface becomes bendy, going up or down within a limited area, no longer representing a level surface. If you bend it too much, it snaps back to a level surface at some new height. There must be a use for this?		Painting water establishes a level surface at the setting in the ''water surface height'' box. Expanding this surface always maintains the same height as long as you begin painting from the existing surface (no need to adjust the setting). The <b><i>Adjust height 'E'</i></b> tool adjust the entire connected surface all at once, but does not change any other water surfaces on the map not connected to the one being adjusted. Thus, you can create a series of lakes at different elevations so long as the water surfaces of each are not connected. Determine this independence by selecting <b>Wireframe View</b> in the <b>Display Menu</b> (or pressing <b>F9</b>). This displays the baseboard in white and the water surface(s) in grey, removing all the painted surfaces. Use the <b><i>Remove water 'Q'</i></b> tool to disconnect close-by water surfaces that you wish to set to different heights. Working upstream of a long river, you can progressively raise the surface of segments at points with rapids, waterfalls, or dams. Just be sure the water surface is broken at these points. An oddity built into the <b><i>Adjust height </i></b> tool is that if you hold down the Shift-Key while raising or lowering the water surface, the surface becomes bendy, going up or down within a limited area, no longer representing a level surface. If you bend it too much, it snaps back to a level surface at some new height. There must be a use for this?

Sourtoe: Found an excellent example of hiding the edge in a small layout w/o mountains

2021-12-16T02:34:07Z

Found an excellent example of hiding the edge in a small layout w/o mountains

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	* by extending water (ocean or large lake) to the "horizon".		* by extending water (ocean or large lake) to the "horizon".

	The ever popular "Mojave Sub Division" by Jointedrail presents an interesting situation. A prototypical route, track direction and terrain are set by the real world and terrain varies from steep, high hills to flat desert and valley bottom, in places changing dramatically. The "world edge" effect is dealt with by the breadth of this linear layout (width varies from 6 to 12 baseboards), yet the "edge" remains conspicuous in many locations.		The ever popular "Mojave Sub Division" by Jointedrail presents an interesting situation. A prototypical route, track direction and terrain are set by the real world and terrain varies from steep, high hills to flat desert and valley bottom, in places changing dramatically. The "world edge" effect is dealt with by the breadth of this linear layout (width varies from 6 to 12 baseboards), yet the "edge" remains conspicuous in many locations. A relatively small Area style route depicting terrain with minimal topography that deftly handles hiding the map edges is "Fall Harvest-Nebraska" by Robert3a0. In this route, minimizing the vertical faces of baseboards applies two tricks: distancing the tracks from the edges and using long straight arrangements of baseboards.

	= Hills and Valleys =		= Hills and Valleys =

Sourtoe: Adding text covering small streams/creeks

2021-11-05T17:24:54Z

Adding text covering small streams/creeks

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 5 November 2021
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	In a landscape of topographic relief (mountainous), extending a linear feature with the level water surface may prove impractical, requiring that the water surface be broken up into unconnected segments that can rise step-like as the stream extends upslope. A good example of how to "connect" these segments is provided in the MPS Route, "Sgt_Fury4449's Epic route" where a wild river is depicted flowing from tributaries and lakes down to a coastal estuary.		In a landscape of topographic relief (mountainous), extending a linear feature with the level water surface may prove impractical, requiring that the water surface be broken up into unconnected segments that can rise step-like as the stream extends upslope. A good example of how to "connect" these segments is provided in the MPS Route, "Sgt_Fury4449's Epic route" where a wild river is depicted flowing from tributaries and lakes down to a coastal estuary.

			Creeks and small streams can be perennial (contain water year-round) or intermittent (flowing water present during the wet season). Dry streams might be created by a contrasting tile "material" representing sand, mud, or rounded boulders/gravel as a bed winding across the terrain beyond the banks. A number of stream spline objects are available to represent water, the splines presenting different widths and colors (search the Download Station for "stream" and "river"). For wider splines, first create the physical channel, lay the spline in, and then cover the edges by raising the banks. Narrow splines can be used in short segments where the water is just glimpsed within a dense riparian vegetation. If you do not set the spline height, the depicted feature will follow the ground surface (bed) you created.

	=== Ocean and large lakes ===		=== Ocean and large lakes ===

Sourtoe at 17:04, 5 November 2021

2021-11-05T17:04:58Z

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	=Problems=		=Problems=

	The <b>Get Height 'G'</b> tool of the <b>Topology</b> menu is essentially non-functional; an elevation will sometimes be obtained (once only if Plateau 'P' is set and 'G' is typed), but the value is not the current cursor point on the baseboard but ~~the~~ previous value selected. The <b>Plateau 'P'</b> tool serves to obtain the elevation of a point on the baseboard in TRS2019.		The <b>Get Height 'G'</b> tool of the <b>Topology</b> menu is essentially non-functional; an elevation will sometimes be obtained (once only if Plateau 'P' is set and 'G' is typed), but the value is not the current cursor point on the baseboard but some previous value selected. The <b>Plateau 'P'</b> tool serves to obtain the elevation of a point on the baseboard in TRS2019.
	{{clear}}		{{clear}}
	<!-- BEGIN bugs table -->		<!-- BEGIN bugs table -->

Sourtoe: Add Mojave Sub Division example to Layout

2021-11-05T17:02:50Z

Add Mojave Sub Division example to Layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 5 November 2021
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	Trainz aficionados are a diverse group with varied interests in one or more of the multiple aspects of this game. Developing the scenery that surrounds the tracks is one such aspect, but one that only a few have really mastered. This How-To page will introduce those interested in improving the look of their route to techniques they can learn and apply. Although scenery objects (assets) are important and will be discussed, the focus here is on the landscape itself: the use of the '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Help/Topology_Tab Topology]</span>''' (sic) and '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Help/Paint_Tab Paint]</span>''' tools in Surveyor Mode. Although applicable to any version of Trainz, the text is based on the tools and renderings available in '''TRS2019'''.		Trainz aficionados are a diverse group with varied interests in one or more of the multiple aspects of this game. Developing the scenery that surrounds the tracks is one such aspect, but one that only a few have really mastered. This How-To page will introduce those interested in improving the look of their route to techniques they can learn and apply. Although scenery objects (assets) are important and will be discussed, the focus here is on the landscape itself: the use of the '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Help/Topology_Tab Topology]</span>''' (sic) and '''<span class="plainlinks">[https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Help/Paint_Tab Paint]</span>''' tools in Surveyor Mode. Although applicable to any version of Trainz, the text is based on the tools and renderings available in '''TRS2019'''.

	For every route builder, the first consideration is achieving a scenery consistent with the landscape they are mimicking. Choice of objects, particularly vegetation (types of trees, for example.), is perhaps primary but topography—creating the terrain of hills, mountains, gullies, etc.—is of equal importance and should be the starting point for a new route or expansion of an existing route. Another rule requiring consideration is the "decrease detail with distance" rule. The computer will attempt to render everything you have added within a scene (up to the "Draw Distance setting), a scene that is constantly moving with the train being operated. Great detail may be called for close to the track, but not at distances far from the track; details should decrease with distance on the premise that no one is really going to notice them, no matter how much fun they might be to create, and rendering them places a cost on performance.

	= Layout =		= Layout =
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	With respect to the layout of a Route or Map, Trainz users tend to follow one of two models: the '''Linear''' model or the '''Area''' model. Placement of [[baseboard]]s end to end allows the Linear model to develop long track runs with minimal effort. An excellent example is "Belarusian woodland" by Oleg Khim. The Area model (a large map of many baseboard squares) takes more effort but can better render distant scenery. Excellent examples of this style are "Sebino Lake, Italy (1980s)" by jango and "Bodmin & Wenford Railway TRS2019" by marky7890. The two layouts styles are sometimes combined: area style layouts used for places of cities, dense industries, and complex train yards connected by long runs of linear style layouts. An example approaching this mixed style is "Coal Country" by Scratchy and "Rodnye Prostory - SND" by TrainzLagutin 1995. Note that layout choice is independent of prototypical vs. imaginary route design. However, scenery choices will be influenced by the model you choose to employ.		With respect to the layout of a Route or Map, Trainz users tend to follow one of two models: the '''Linear''' model or the '''Area''' model. Placement of [[baseboard]]s end to end allows the Linear model to develop long track runs with minimal effort. An excellent example is "Belarusian woodland" by Oleg Khim. The Area model (a large map of many baseboard squares) takes more effort but can better render distant scenery. Excellent examples of this style are "Sebino Lake, Italy (1980s)" by jango and "Bodmin & Wenford Railway TRS2019" by marky7890. The two layouts styles are sometimes combined: area style layouts used for places of cities, dense industries, and complex train yards connected by long runs of linear style layouts. An example approaching this mixed style is "Coal Country" by Scratchy and "Rodnye Prostory - SND" by TrainzLagutin 1995. Note that layout choice is independent of prototypical vs. imaginary route design. However, scenery choices will be influenced by the model you choose to employ.

	With the Linear model, the edge of the baseboard is always a short distance away from the track, dictating specific scenery choices to obscure this fact from the view of the train. The Area model is especially suitable to creating mountainous country, such as depicted in "TRS19 Canadian Rocky Mountains - Viktor Lake to Ross Peak & Glacier" by RoysTrainz. Mountains that rise high above the track elevation require space to gain that elevation without displaying unreal slopes and "TRS2019 Canadian Rocky Mountains Ottertail to Castle Jct" by RoysTrainz shows just how big a map is needed to provide massive mountain peaks. The Area model can also be used to compress a lot of track in a small baseboard set by separating track areas with tall features (hills or backdrops). This layout "folds" a Linear track into an Area layout following techniques used by model railroad builders/designers.		With the Linear model, the edge of the baseboard is always a short distance away from the track, dictating specific scenery choices to obscure this fact from the view of the train. The Area model is especially suitable to creating mountainous country, such as depicted in "TRS19 Canadian Rocky Mountains - Viktor Lake to Ross Peak & Glacier" by RoysTrainz. Mountains that rise high above the track elevation require space to gain that elevation without displaying unreal slopes and "TRS2019 Canadian Rocky Mountains Ottertail to Castle Jct" by RoysTrainz shows just how big a map is needed to provide massive mountain peaks. The Area model can also be used to compress a lot of track in a small baseboard set by separating track areas with tall features (hills or backdrops). This layout "folds" a Linear track into an Area layout following techniques used by model railroad builders/designers.

	===Edge of World ===		===Edge of World ===
	No matter the size of the layout developed, the reality is your world map will have an edge. If a square or rectangular configuration of baseboards is maintained with expansion, this edge will simply appear as the end of the world so long as your viewpoint remains on the map. However, with the <b>Linear</b> style especially, maintaining a rectangular or square map is not possible for routes of any size. On flat terrain, the view from close to the tracks can show the sides of baseboards at the margins in what has been dubbed the "world edge effect". Fortunately, this problem can be reduced or avoided in a number of different ways. Here, we list the following aids to hide the "world edge":		No matter the size of the layout developed, the reality is your world map will have an edge. If a square or rectangular configuration of baseboards is maintained with expansion, this edge will simply appear as the end of the world so long as your viewpoint remains on the map. However, with the <b>Linear</b> style especially, maintaining a rectangular or square map is not possible for routes of any size. On flat terrain, the view from close to the tracks can show the sides of baseboards at the margins in what has been dubbed the "world edge effect". Fortunately, this problem can be reduced or avoided in a number of different ways. Here, we list the following aids to hide the "world edge" (each is discussed below under the appropriate subject):
	* behind scenery objects;		* behind scenery objects;
	* behind backdrops or a "double rise" (~~topography~~);		* behind backdrops or a "double rise" (distant high terrain);
	* behind higher elevation topography (hills or mountains);		* behind higher elevation topography (hills or mountains);
	* by extending water (ocean or large lake) to the "horizon".		* by extending water (ocean or large lake) to the "horizon".
	~~Each~~ is ~~discussed below under~~ the ~~appropriate subject~~.
			The ever popular "Mojave Sub Division" by Jointedrail presents an interesting situation. A prototypical route, track direction and terrain are set by the real world and terrain varies from steep, high hills to flat desert and valley bottom, in places changing dramatically. The "world edge" effect is dealt with by the breadth of this linear layout (width varies from 6 to 12 baseboards), yet the "edge" remains conspicuous in many locations.

	= Hills and Valleys =		= Hills and Valleys =

Sourtoe: More correcting of menus vs tool vs setting

2021-11-03T19:10:26Z

More correcting of menus vs tool vs setting

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 3 November 2021
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	=Problems=		=Problems=

	The <b>Get Height 'G'</b> ~~setting~~ of the <b>Topology</b> ~~tool~~ is essentially non-functional; an elevation will sometimes be obtained (once only if Plateau 'P' is set and 'G' is typed), but the value is not the current cursor point on the baseboard but the previous value selected. The <b>Plateau 'P'</b> ~~setting presently~~ serves to obtain the elevation of a point on the baseboard in TRS2019.		The <b>Get Height 'G'</b> tool of the <b>Topology</b> menu is essentially non-functional; an elevation will sometimes be obtained (once only if Plateau 'P' is set and 'G' is typed), but the value is not the current cursor point on the baseboard but the previous value selected. The <b>Plateau 'P'</b> tool serves to obtain the elevation of a point on the baseboard in TRS2019.
	{{clear}}		{{clear}}
	<!-- BEGIN bugs table -->		<!-- BEGIN bugs table -->