Adding Objects to Existing Routes

I am just teaching myself to add objects to existing MSTS routes. I think I'm getting the hang of it , but there are two routes that I've tried to add new objects to so far won't reflect the new objects in the "more" box of the route editor. This would be the Monon Route and the San Diego & Arizona Route. I add the appropriate shape and texture files and edit the Ref file but the new object does not show up in the "more" box. Is it something I'm not doing or is there something about these routes that does not like new objects being added? I've had some success with a number of other routes. I'm just doing this for my own enjoyment and hope the creators of these fine routes do not mind James

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RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, MikeSimpson, Nov-20-04, 03:23 AM, (1) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, OTTODAD, Nov-20-04, 09:10 AM, (2) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, yulbrynner, Nov-20-04, 11:02 AM, (3) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, black5, Nov-20-04, 11:58 AM, (4) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, yulbrynner, Nov-20-04, 12:22 PM, (5) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, OTTODAD, Nov-20-04, 04:35 PM, (6) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, yulbrynner, Nov-27-04, 05:59 PM, (9) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, jstarkey, Nov-21-04, 11:49 AM, (7) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, jstarkey, Nov-25-04, 05:42 PM, (8) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, DRGWK36, Nov-27-04, 08:11 PM, (10) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, jstarkey, Nov-28-04, 08:48 PM, (11) RE: Adding Objects to Existing Routes, DRGWK36, Nov-29-04, 06:50 AM, (12)

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Hi James,If the new objects do not appear in the More box, this is usually due to an error in the .ref file - Make sure you have the correct number of brackets around each item you add. An extra bracket will cause all following items to disappear from the More box.Mike

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-20-04 AT 09:25 AM (EST)

Hi James !I find it easiest to simply COPY an entry from the same Class and after PASTE to below the one copied, making sure that the closing Bracket is there, change it's FileName and Description, etc, as required.O t t oStatic (
FileName ( chimney2.s )
Shadow ( RECT )
Class ( "Buildings" )
Align ( None )
Description ( SmokeStack )
)
P.S.: The indentations are not necessary but make checking the Syntax and brackets easier ! I think that Quotations marks " are required only when there are "Spaces like this" in the text. Also make sure you use an UNICODE capable Editor ! In WIN-XP NOTEPAD and WORDPAD will do. In WIN-98 and before WORDPAD only. Don't know about WIN-ME and WIN-2000.

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James:You also need to copy the .SD file to your route's Shapes folder. I Think you already did.I use Route Riter 5.2.52 when I copy many or all objects from one route to another, it's much easier and fast.
However there's a little bug in it, for there are a couple of objects left, that I have to add manually to the Ref file.
But even so, I saved much time using RR, and that's my main tool.
Its REF file editor also lets you detect any lacking entries; you can sort or edit categories names, and you can add a new entry, without worrying for the syntax and brackets.
Anyway it's good to learn the correct syntax to detect any other errors.Mike:
Thanks for RR, and for all your support.Otto:
I also use your method when having to create several similar entries, to make sure they are well written. For example, the stations names titles.Greetings !

Eduardo
My E-mail is in my profile.

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Eduardo..
Why not try the '6' series of Routeriter..???? Many more functions..bugs cleared..and a 'ref file' checker amongst lots more...
You'll love it.!!! Georges

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-20-04 AT 12:32 PM (EST)

Georges:
Yes, I will try!
The only reason I didn't want to install RR6 yet is that together with Net Framework, it requires Java Runtime, and here is where I gave up: I don't love those environments that execute code, for once I had a problem with Java, that let a warm enter everyday in my computer, despite the antivirus program, it drove me crazy until I found that it took benefit and located itself in the Java folders.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I feel like using RR6, and all I need is confidence.
It's worth trying!Regards...

Eduardo
My E-mail is in my profile.

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Hi Eduardo !One of the reasons why I do not let my SIMS WIN-XP computer do anything else but SIMS, the WIN-98SE doing all the dodgy Internet stuff ! O t t o

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Georges:You were right!
Thank you for encouraging me to install the new version 6;
I installed the 6.1.33 version from the libraries; I'm happy, and have no problem. New utilities are very interesting, though I must learn more to use them correctly, such as changing latitude, and so on, this must be very touchy, but useful;
So far I didn't have any security problems with Java Runtime Environment. (I was worried about this).
I like it !Regards...

Eduardo
My E-mail is in my profile.

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Thanks to all for the suggestions. I have downloaded Routeriter 6 . OK, now I have another project on my hands as this tool looks like an excellent one but a bit complex for my limited skills. Oh well, that's what this message forum is for and I am very grateful for the advice of the more experienced in these matters. You'll be hearing from me .James

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Hi, I warned you guys I'd be back . I am *still trying to add new objects to the excellent Monon Route. Alas, despite following all of your good advice I still can't get them to show up in the "More" box in the Route Editor.Her is what I have done to try to make this work:Copy all of the appropraite .S, .SD and (if available) .THM files from my new object to the Shapes folder in Monon.Copy any .Ace files from my new object to the Textures file in Monon.Open the scrap of new text *with wordpad*, copy it and paste it into Monon's Ref. file and *save my changes.When I hit the "More" button in the Route Editor the new object does not show up....I've tried this a number of times. I did install Routeriter and figured out how to do this with it. It copied and installed the appropriate files and Ref File entry from the shape I wanted to move from an existing route to the Monon Route. I checked to make sure all the files were in the proper place and that the Ref file language was correct and still the new object did not show up in the "more" box in the Route Editor.So, is there something specific about Monon (and a few other routes) that makes it impossible to add new objects or, as is more likely the case, am I missing something here? As I said, I just do this for my own enjoyment and have found the Monon Route to be excellent. I just want to add a few new touches here and there for my driving pleasure.As always, 1000 thanks and a very good Thanksgiving to one and all.James

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James - there shouldn't be anything special about a specific route that limits the number of objects in the More box.Where did you put your new item? I suspect it's at the very end of the .ref file. Try moving the first new item to be the first one after the defaults (Platform, Siding, Hazard, etc. - it's probably a "Static" item) and see if things remain the same for the remainder of the .ref file.Also, you said you just cut and pasted the new item into the file. Can you post the new text in your post - there may be something with that particular item that's causing a problem.Andy

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Andy,Putting the new item's info at the *beginning of the .ref file does work! Not sure why this is as it doesn't always seem to be necessary but it's got me adding new objects to the Monon route and I thank you!James

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James - the reason why it works is that there is probably a missing ")" or "(" somewhere in your .ref file. MSTS doesn't read the file after that point, so the objects below the missing paren never show up. If you add a new object to the bottom of the list, it doesn't make it into the More box. Andy

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