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Author Topic: Create a "Fast Tracks" track library + creating open format for tracks & objects  (Read 1119 times)
lacota
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« on: February 06, 2010, 07:50:52 PM »

Create a new library for the Fast Tracks templates.

It would also be helpful for track & object libraries to be single files that can be downloaded from the anyrail website and created and exchanged by users.
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David
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« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2010, 08:31:25 PM »

The Fast Tracks (handlaidtrack) templates are on our to do list.

We are considering some sort of exchange platform, but no concrete plans for that yet!

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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lacota
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« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2010, 04:42:22 AM »

As a software developer myself I would recommend going with an open approach using standard file formats such as xml, png, ogg and html. You can use a standard compression format to package the files. Add Lua when you add operations and the sky's the limit. This also minimizes the tools you need to build for both yourself and your end users. I am doing something similar for a game I am developing.
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lacota
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« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2010, 04:54:20 PM »

Any idea of when the Fast Tracks system will be included? I'm kind of stalled until this comes online. Is there anything I can do to help? Would it be possible for me to be in the 4.0 beta?
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Jeff
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peartree@thepeartree.net edenspeartree
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2010, 06:24:59 PM »

The trouble, as I understand it, is that pieces of track in the libraries are stored in vector format as geometric shapes and not as graphic objects. If you can think of a way around that short of rewriting the entire program, then you've got a shot.
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Jeff
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lacota
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« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2010, 03:01:08 AM »

That's no problem. In fact I would expect the path finding to be based on vectors. The objects themselves can be stored in vml. One could also offer templates (curves, turnouts, etc) so users only need to adjust the parameters; length & curve radius. Adding a foreground image should not necessitate a complete code rewrite. In my game each object has a number of representations depending on which way the player chooses to view it. That's the standard mvc pattern. What language is this written in?
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David
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« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2010, 01:14:27 PM »

The software is written in C++.

All objects are defined in a vector like way, and are rendered to screen in the right position, scale, color, etc. whenever required.

We are not going to open up the way track is defined. We really want to keep controlling the track elements as they form the core 'knowledge' of the system, and we want to make sure they are as correct as possible. So, whenever a new track library is asked for, and you have the necessary geometrical data, we'll be glad to add it.

In version 4 of the program, which will be released pretty soon, drawing shapes has become quite a bit easier.
What we are thinking of is a platform to exchange your drawings. This can include scenery elements such as trees and rocks, but also all sorts of structures.

Finally, we'll add a way to include bitmap pictures in your plan. Of course,when rotating or scaling, their quality might suffer. This feature can be used to base your plan on a Google Earth screenshot, or scans from your plan book.

We will add the Fast Track templates after the release of version 4 of AnyRail.

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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Jeff
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peartree@thepeartree.net edenspeartree
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2010, 02:00:01 PM »

I certainly hope that the grouping/ungrouping of shapes won't get lost in the shuffle. A number of us regard that as a very high priority Smiley
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Jeff
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David
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« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2010, 02:05:23 PM »

Group/ungroup is a prerequisite for an exchange platform. Don't worry!

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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lacota
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« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2010, 05:40:06 PM »

I installed Version 4 and it is a much better interface. Thanks

Any updates on when the fast tracks templates will be available?

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David
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« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2010, 11:54:06 PM »

We've a list of a dozen or so new track libraries to add.
Fast Tracks is one of them. We do our best to handle them all as soon as possible!

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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lacota
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« Reply #11 on: July 03, 2010, 06:31:53 PM »

Is there an update on when the fast tracks libraries will be available?
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David
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« Reply #12 on: July 03, 2010, 07:23:17 PM »

Hi Lacota,

I'm sorry about the delay. Could you tell the scale/gauge you want to use? We can do that one first.

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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lacota
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« Reply #13 on: July 04, 2010, 05:05:30 PM »

Thanks David, I'll be using HO scale standard gauge.
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David
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« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2010, 09:41:46 PM »

Fast Tracks for H0 gauge has been added in version 4.7.1.

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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