Cajon Pass: ScaleRail

[Machinist]

Three weeks ago I downloaded all free and payware stuff from 3DTrains, but only yesterday I noticed the awesome mod Cajon Pass: ScaleRail with raised ballast and new levers (you can read the junctions' direction from far distance). It's awesome! I hope 3DTrains can do also a mod of the upcoming 19th's update of BSB. When you install the mod route all your existing scenarios go automatically into the mod folder. To play scenarios added after the installation you can re-install the route or copy manually the new scenarios folders to the 3DTrains route version.

RailWorksProc2 2012-06-16 03-23-31-56.jpg

[dejoh]

It is a great route. The "switchstands" in my opinion, are the best part of the route, along with the sharp trackage. Those yellow European,
goofy looking switchstands should never have shown their faces on an American route. Thanks to the many creators of the USA throw switch.
With its many variations.

[BNSF650]

Why are them numbers so bright? Its daytime?

[Machinist]

Why are them numbers so bright? Its daytime?

Loco numbers brighter, even during the day? that's LEP enhancement...

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

I had this mod still lying around so thanks for remembering me. I installed and am admiring the new track right now.

I am correct in assuming it is concrete ties for the track and wooden ties for the switches.
The read me said something about texturing issues/z-buffer issues resulting in lots of moire effect.
Also some switches still have closed frogs.
Have these ever been resolved by Scalerail's author as this is still a beta v.1.04.14.10? At lease mine was.

[BNSF650]

Has anybody tried this now with the New Updae from RSC Service pack?

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

I have just applied the ScaleRail patch to the sp1 version of Barstow-Sann Bernardino.
The install program makes a copy of the B-SB route folder first and applies the ScaleRail to that copy only, leaving the original B-SB intact.

From the manual:

"Introduction

While modeling and refining our ScaleRail product, the default San Bernardino to Barstow route acted as the Guinea Pig for much of our experimentation and testing. Soon afterward, we realized that these edits might make a great platform for showing what can be done with just basic track, and how ScaleRail greatly enhances the visual experience of RailWorks.

The default San Bernardino to Barstow route is not an exact duplicate of the BNSF Cajon Subdivision, and the towns of San Bernardino, Victorville, Barstow, etc. are not 1:1 replicas, but the route does give a fair representation of the area and the BNSF line. There are several spots where the track profile is incorrect, sidings are missing, or grades not set properly, as well as a few inherent visual issues with the default track and scenery. Aside from adjusting the trackside scenery items (and anything else directly impacted by the addition of ScaleRail and its raised ballast profile), no attempt was made to correct the issues in regards to those already found in the default route.

We hope you enjoy running this version of Cajon Pass!"

and

"Known Issues

A bug in one of the RailWorks alpha shaders causes a Moiré effect on the ties, especially more pronounced on concrete ties. This is a confirmed issue in RailWorks, and RS.com are working to solve the problem, and an update is scheduled to be available when the German version of RW is released. However, you can minimize the effect of Moiré by visiting and reading this post on UK Train Sim.

Trackside vegetation between the east-end of Summit and Milepost 18 (west of Barstow) needs adjusting.

Some switches do not render properly. This is a an issue in the default route, and only minor tweaks will be performed to fix these, so that the adjustments do not affect signaling or existing scenarios."

That closed frog also appears in the default sp1 route, the service pack didn't apply any corrections/updates to the track, no superelevation either.
I didn't notice obtrusive Moiré effects with my settings SAA2x2, bilinear filtering, the picture being crisp and sharp.

[glenn68]

Is there a version of the Cajon outside of RSC?

Thanks,
Glenn

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Not that I am aware of.
G-Trax is referring to its ScaleRail copy in my above posting.

There is an "Otto-Enhanced" extension available from his private server over at trainsim.com but it appears to have remained unfinished.

[Machinist]

I have just applied the ScaleRail patch to the sp1 version of Barstow-Sann Bernardino.
The install program makes a copy of the B-SB route folder first and applies the ScaleRail to that copy only, leaving the original B-SB intact.
I didn't notice obtrusive Moiré effects with my settings SAA2x2, bilinear filtering, the picture being crisp and sharp.

Thank you for checking in advance, I was about to test it today, I was quite sure would work. Great news!!! With Scalerail version Cajon must to be even more nice then current is with SP1. For now ahead I'll play only Scalerail version, all is needed to do is (eventually) copy manually new scenarios into Cajon mod folder (or reinstall the route).

Moire with SP1 is terrifc, became worse indeed, now is calling too much attention of engineer in cab. Well at least for simple mortals who can't set MSAA 2x2, but even with MSAA 3x3 is very noticeable. I'm talking about defaut Cajon, because 3DTrains says the moire is gone in its version, I'll check now.

Cya,
Doc.

[glenn68]

I may give this a try later on this evening.

Glenn

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Doc, the B-SB ScaleRail install program copies the whole route folder, scenarios and all. It appears under its own entry in the route selection list: Cajon Pass: ScaleRail.

Obviously, any new scenarios have to be installed in both the default and ScaleRail B-SB folders.
The ScaleRail B-SB looks nice, though I haven't checked for differences in scenery. You probably need to compare each tile individually to spot the differences in asset use.

The winter textures of ScaleRail don't match up with the winter ground textures of the California desert and mountains the route runs over. There is much more snow on the trackbed than on the lineside dirt and rocks. I think it is best to change any winter scenario to some other season.

[Machinist]

Just confirmed... in my rig, of course.

Very noticeable moire in BSB Default even with MSAA 3x3, that's the new not good thing of SP1.

No moire at all with Cajon Pass: Scalerail...

So, no doubt indeed: from now ahead I'll play only Cajon Pass: Scalerail mod route.

Cheers,
Doc.

[glenn68]

Here is a few more questions, What do I do?
1. Do I make a clone of the route and then what takes places after this?

Glenn

[Machinist]

Here is a few more questions, What do I do?
1. Do I make a clone of the route and then what takes places after this?

Glenn

No, Glenn...

Just install the mod route, the installer will do all for you: first it will clone the BSB default route (with all current scenarios within), and then will replace tracks into the modded route by Scalerail assets. That simple! The new mod route will show as Cajon Pass: Scalerail, when you choose Drive by Route.

Go ahead, for me is a must have route mod!

Doc.