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Can any one tell me if there is a utility that will make adding objects and writing the required code into the Track.ref file easier than manually doing it. Like adding the occasional dl`d object as I go along the process of route building? I have no problem getting all the objects I need at the outset (i.e. Jim Wards stuffit.bat or copying all the needed files from other routes.) I would like to be able to add as I go along. Any help appreciated.
BFloyd,The only thing that I can see is that if you are lucky, some good sould will add a *******.ref file to the download that you can cut and paste to your .fre file. Other than that, I don't think I know of aything, but if something does come up, by all means, lets hear about it.Hope this helps.The RE made me crazy, crazy, crazy, you try typing messages with your tongue because the straightjacket won't let you use your hands.LC17
No automatic thingie I know of, get Mike Simpson thinking about it and he might come up with something tho!Usually the author includes shapes & textures folders with everything already in the right place, so all you need is to copy the folders and paste them into the \RouteName folder, if not the .s and .sd files go in \Shapes, the .ace files go in \Textures. Most add-on objects come with their own ref file, or a ref file data block in the readme somewhere, and the best way is to copy and paste. First thing I did was double click on a .ref file, chose "open with" wordpad, and checked the little box for "Always use this program to open this type of file", now ref files are automatically associated with wordpad. So I doubleclick on my ref file, scroll all the way to the bottom, and make a mental note of what the last object is.Opening the ref or readme file for the add-on in another wordpad (ain't multi-tasking wonderful?!) I select all, copy, switch to the ref file for the route, and edit, paste underneath the previous last line. Now if something screws up I know where to look for missing or extra ")"s, underneath the jpsportsground at the bottom.Whatever the new last line object is, I look for that one and temporarily place one to test it, if it's in the object selector menu, I know all the lines above it in the ref file are OK, and therefore all the lines are OK.
I wrote a utility as part of a packaging mechanism to update a routes .ref file. Essentially, it takes the package .ref file and inserts it into the routes file, complete with a unique header and trailer comment line. If the update is applied again, the old entries are located, removed and the new ones inserted.I didn't make it a general purpose routine, but I suppose I could if enough want it. Just give me some 'specs' or suggestions on how it should function.Martyn T. Griffin griffinmt@mindspring.com
Thanks for all your help guys. I have gotten so used to having great utilities like RRiter and Con-Builder ect. that I figured someone has come up with one for these purposes. I did come across a program in the library called `shapeshifter` but have`nt had time to check it out yet. I`ll do it this weekend. Again thanks to those who responded. "Start small,save often and always back-up your Route."
To copy an object from an existing route and automatically update the *.ref file, you can use Shape-Shifter by J. Dicus, available in the Train-Sim.com library. I believe it does not adjust a *.ref file for new objects that you have created or downloaded.Michael Vone Step by Step Guide to Route Building for MSTS - http://trainsimulatorworld.com/catalog/b470.htm Albula Line Route Rocky Islands Route Cliff Hanger Route http://avsim.com/hangar/utils/mvchallenges/
You could manually install a new object into one of the default routes and then use Shape-Shifter to move it into your route....No? Ok, now I have really gone over the edge! Bill...Sniper....I think I need some pineapples and coconuts! I gotta quit this train stuff for a couple days! TGIF! I can hardly wait to get home and lay some more track.Cal Rasmussen Beaverton, ORColumbia Gorge Route (The Dalles Yard done, proceeding to lay track Westward approaching an East/West region boundary. Keep your fingers crossed!)
There is a simple way. D/L refman.zip from www.filelibrary.com I am sure you'll find it extremely useful and easy. There is also a refclnv3.zip somewhere which cleans your ref file of unneeded entries. I didn't D/L my files from that site but it's the first one that showed in Google search. The creator is a greek train fan doing Informatic studies in a greek uni. His e.mail john99@hol.grGeorges from London.
Opening the ref or readme file for the add-on in another wordpad (ain't multi-tasking wonderful?!) I select all, copy, switch to the ref file for the route, and edit, paste underneath the previous last line. Now if something screws up I know where to look for missing or extra ")"s, underneath the jpsportsground at the bottom.
Whatever the new last line object is, I look for that one and temporarily place one to test it, if it's in the object selector menu, I know all the lines above it in the ref file are OK, and therefore all the lines are OK.
