Turntables - Converting Static Ones into Working Ones?
#1
Posted 30 May 2016 - 02:46 AM
My understanding of the concept for turntables is that they need to be in the Tsection file for them to be able to operate. Naturally a static object won't be in the Tsection file, so I am wondering whether it would be possible to use an "include" style of process to add the relevant code to the Tsection file for the route. By doing it on a route by route basis, it would eliminate the need to make modifications to the universal Tsection as the changes would only apply to the route loaded.
After speaking to Carlo, he has suggested that the current include methodology replaces lines of information rather then adding to it, so it would not work in this scenario. Thus a new method of adding to the Tsection file would be required.
As a result there are two questions that come to mind:
i) Is there interest in the turntable concept being extended to include the ability for static turntable objects to be animated?
ii) Any thoughts on how an alternative "include" functionality can be developed?
Thanks
#2
Posted 30 May 2016 - 04:34 AM
#3
Posted 30 May 2016 - 05:04 AM
The animation of turntables is already built in to the model and Carlo has added the functionality to make them work within a route database. It has been proven in the turntable thread that it is not a requirement for a turntable to be in the global tsection.dat, but the turntable must have animation already present in the shape file.
#4
Posted 30 May 2016 - 06:40 AM
I would love to see the turntables working on all the Australian routes that have them but it seems the turntable models would have to be remade.
I see that a lot of the Australian turntables are the same model used in several Australian routes.
Regards Geoff.
#5
Posted 31 May 2016 - 08:16 AM
#6
Posted 31 May 2016 - 11:03 PM
jovet, on 31 May 2016 - 08:16 AM, said:
Whilst I agree that this is the "ideal" approach, the original modeller may not be still active, so re-making the turntable shapes may not be possible without somebody being prepared to rebuild them.
I would prefer to settle for a 2001 working model turntable model rather then a static one.
#7
Posted 01 June 2016 - 09:23 AM
steamer_ctn, on 31 May 2016 - 11:03 PM, said:
The original modeller is not really relevant. Many talented people (including myself) are quite capable of recreating the appropriate shapes from scratch that match the original dimensions/specs but look a lot better and are also able to be animated properly. As long as the goal is to have them fit in with the appropriate track system (X-Tracks, DB/US-Tracks, ScaleRail, UKFS, etc.) it shouldn't matter who creates them.
#8
Posted 01 June 2016 - 10:58 AM
The more feasible way would be to look to the future and design new turntables. These will no doubt start to surface now that turntables are being worked on. I have two that I'm currently testing. Nothing special in appearance yet just a basic model strictly for testing. Also it is worth noting that new tables can be constructed to the demensions of the older turntables and there shape files replaced in Global folder as jovet mentioned.
I wonder if a way for these to be entered in a local tsection file in the route folder, similar to the way dynamic track works, would be an option... This approach would need more thought and discussion among the community as how to proceed.
#9
Posted 01 June 2016 - 02:04 PM
jovet, on 01 June 2016 - 09:23 AM, said:
Again I agree in principle, but as I am not a talented modeller, are you offering a service to rebuild turntables to the "new" standard for routes where the original modeller has left the community?
#10
Posted 03 June 2016 - 02:31 PM
jared2982, on 01 June 2016 - 10:58 AM, said:
As the "local" tsection.dat is currently only for the route's dynamic track, I vote that it stays that way. I think it's a lot easier for us (as a community) to manage a single, global tsection.dat than to try and spin off its duties. If everyone can be the same then we can get consistent results.
steamer_ctn, on 01 June 2016 - 02:04 PM, said:
The thought has crossed my mind more than once. I haven't seen all of the turntable shapes out there, but I've been annoyed with some of the default ones for a long time.