Notice to all visitors and members of the Train-Sim.Com message forums: If you plan on using a signature banner in your posts, we would like to remind you that there is a maximum size for banners. That maximum is 450 pixels wide by 120 pixels high, and not to exceed 25k. Your compliance is appreciated. FORUM RULES Problems? There are two common reasons for problems with logging in and posting messages. The first is that you are running a firewall that prevents your messages from being sent to the server. The other is that you have cookies disabled; the DCForum software requires cookies to work properly.
Recently, I downloaded the MSTS Heavyweight Passenger Cars (generic), and an assortment of the Chicago & North Western streamlined coaches, both of which I plan to repaint into NHRR colors.
None these models have interiors. Consequently the windows had been painted black or dark gray. I thought it would be nice to create window openings so that one could at least see thru the cars. I created the necessary alpha channels and went through all the drills. Alas, my desired effect did not work. I made a handful of attempts on the heavyweight and I presume the C&NW will return the same negative result. In researching the archives, it appears that because these cars ‘do not’ have interiors, this effect (looking through the body of the car) cannot be achieved. I presume that my understanding correct?In one post, the author suggested that due to the lack of interiors, the effect would be the same as not having the other side of the car there at all…, you simply see scenery through the near side windows, no opposite side partitions or window openings. In thinking about it, that seemed logical. But I could not even achieve that effect.Just curios..., I’d be interested in any comments. I guess for the moment I’ll have to live with gray windows.Thanx and have a sparkling day.Bob
RE: See thru passenger car (windows) or lack thereof...
Yes, even if you could get the windows to appear transparent, you would not see the other side of the car's interior. Only one side of a poly renders in the game.I haven't modeled anything for the sim in a long time, but if I recall correctly, transparency of a surface is indicated in the shape file itself. If the original shape wasn't exported with a transparent texture assigned to it, then adding an alpha to the original non-alpha texture won't produce the results you are looking for.
RE: See thru passenger car (windows) or lack thereof...
Hi Bob,there are a couple of generic heavyweights "Mark I" with see-through effect in the library. See for example the "Erie Heavyweight" set (eriepset.zip and erie2661.zip), or the NH Class 7800 (coachunr.zip and coachrbl.zip).Upside is that the Erie cars even have a very basic "interior" in the form of seat outlines painted on the opposite inner wall, so that your eyes might even be tricked into believing there is an interior when the train flies by in the #4 view.On the other hand: Why not download the generic heavyweights "Mark II" that Dick Cowen released a few weeks ago. Granted, their more elaborate textures give a bit more work when doing a reskin, but on these cars you've got a broader variety of car types to choose from, and interiors of excellent detail.Lukas a.k.a Swissie
RE: See thru passenger car (windows) or lack thereof...
Thanx Lukas,I saw the Erie file when I was in the Library. I try to minimize my time in there, and the Generic Heavyweights looked pretty good at a glance. That’s not to say that I don’t like them…, I do, and I’m still planning on some repaints. Same holds true for the C&NW cars. I didn’t notice the Dick Cowen files. Mind you I was on the fly as usual. I’ll take another run at the Library…, maybe today.Thanx for the input. Much appreciated…, like all the advice you give to everyone. Bob
