Route Merging Help

[OwainGlyndwr]

Hiya boys,

could some kind person or persons point me in the direction of a really easy to understand tutorial on merging please.

Bearing in mind that i am getting on in years and not as fleet of mind, as i used to be. ;)

Any help would be gratefully received.

Thank you,
Mike.

[ssbobz]

The only thing I really know about it is that both routes must share the same origin point.

[OwainGlyndwr]

Yes i knew that thank you buddy.

Looking for a tutorial or similar on how it is actually done.

Mike.

[davedingler]

Hey Mike,

The way that I've done this in the past is to compare the total file structures and transfer the differences to the one you want to keep. Be sure to rename the new file.

A pretty good program for making file comparisons is "Beyond Compare" that shows the complete folders side by side and you can move or copy the files that you want to use to create the new route.

Bye the way, you're not so old!

Dave

[RailWanderer]

The use of terrain files would be a problem too, but not as difficult to handle. I would suppose this would have to do with which data (DEM) was used and how accurate you want the terrain to be. Seams can be handled using the smooth tool, if you care nothing as to the accuracy of the terrain when it comes to small differences.

File structure would be a bit of a concern, Are these routes made by the same author? When speaking of file structure I would be talking more about the Route Properties, Template, Environment, and Ground texture files or any file that deals with these. With a bit of manipulation and restructuring these could all be modified to work properly as combined files.

To tell you the truth, you have a bit of work ahead of you, but it can be done, as mentioned before, that these two routes have the same world coordinates. I have done it myself and one just needs to stay focused on the project and keep fairly good records of your progress to keep from having to redo mistakes. Also, you may want to consider getting permissions from the authors to use and modify the routes if you plan on publishing your work. Hell, I am 68, and I had no problems handling it, so don't let your age get in the way of your enjoyment.

[BoostedFridge]

Mike,

There is no way to merge two unrelated routes together in this simulator and have them seamlessly interact together. This is regardless of how close geographically the edges of the route may be.

There are ways to rob tiles and transplant them into another route, but the only way I have found to do this is very time consuming, and requires so much rework on the transplanted tiles that is would almost be faster to just extend the original route from scratch.

If the two routes share the same template, then it is more feasible, but still requires a lot of careful planning, and hours and hours of work.

Can you give me an idea of the scope or nature of the project you have in mind?