How to Use Layers

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==Loading a Route and Loading a Session==
 
==Loading a Route and Loading a Session==
 +
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7 width="730"> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.<td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
  
 
The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a '''Route''' by itself (with no "child" Session) or a '''Session''' and its "parent" Route.
 
The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a '''Route''' by itself (with no "child" Session) or a '''Session''' and its "parent" Route.
 +
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Until you gain experience and confidence in working with '''Routes''' and '''Sessions''', and their layers, the best advice is to <span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">always load and edit a Session, not a Route.</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
  
<table>
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<table> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td><br>
 
<td><br>
 
*The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Route only''' is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. '''Note that a default "session-layer" is present'''.  
 
*The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Route only''' is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. '''Note that a default "session-layer" is present'''.  
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.'''<td>
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<td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.'''</td>
</tr>
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</table>
+
*The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Session based on that Route''' is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.<br><br>
+
 
+
In both cases, the '''Route Layers''' are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the '''Session Layers''', that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.
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<br><br>
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<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7 width="730">
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<tr valign="top">
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<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.<td>
+
<td>'''If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route''' because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END 2nd level -->
 +
*The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Session based on that Route''' is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.<br><br>
 +
 +
In both cases, the '''Route Layers''' are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the '''Session Layers''', that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.<br>
 +
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td>
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<td>If you load a '''Session''' and do not want to edit any of the '''Route layers''' then click the '''Lock Route Layers''' icon on the Layers Tool
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN 3rd level -->
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td>Click the '''Lock Button'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
+
</table> <!-- END 3rd level -->
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>'''If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route''' because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session.<br><br>
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
+
</table> <!-- END 2nd level -->
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#fcbcbc>
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<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#fcbcbc> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td></td>
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROUTE</span> without a SESSION then only <span style="text-decoration: underline;">edit the Route Layers</span>'''</span></td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROUTE</span> without a SESSION then only <span style="text-decoration: underline;">edit the Route Layers</span>'''</span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
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<tr valign="top">
</td>
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span> and edit any Session layers then <span style="text-decoration: underline;">save the Session</span>'''</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''When you save a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span>, give it a distinctive descriptive name (do <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOT</span> use Default)'''</span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
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<!-- END top level -->
 +
 
 
==Creating a New Route==
 
==Creating a New Route==
  
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<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. If you don't select a layer to delete then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</td>
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<td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow;"> If you don't select a layer to delete then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''. </span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer.</td>
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<td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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<td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br>
*Click '''Merge''' to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See '''Merging Layers''' below for more information  
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*Click '''Merge''' to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See '''Merging Layers''' below for more information. <span style="background-color: #fcbcbc; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;NOTE: Merge cannot be undone&nbsp;</span>
*Click '''Delete''' to delete the layer and its contents. '''This cannot be undone'''
+
*Click '''Delete''' to delete the layer and its contents. <span style="background-color: #fcbcbc; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;NOTE: Delete cannot be undone&nbsp;</span>
 
*Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation</td>
 
*Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. If you don't select a layer to merge then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</td>
+
<td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow;"> If you don't select a layer to merge then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''. </span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td>
+
<td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''=
 
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''=
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>There are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the '''Route Layers Group''' and what should be placed in the '''Session Layers Group'''. Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different '''Sessions''' will be created using a particular '''Route'''?</td>
+
<td>In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the '''Route Layers Group''' and what should be placed in the '''Session Layers Group''' (for an exception see '''Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes''' below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different '''Sessions''' will be created using a particular '''Route'''?</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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:Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.  
 
:Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.  
 
</td>
 
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes:</span><br>
 +
*The '''recommended''' practice in these versions of Trainz is to place all consists in a '''session layer''' and '''NOT''' in a '''route layer'''. Because these versions use a '''Unified Driver Surveyor''', placing a train in a route layer after switching from Driver to Surveyor will mean that it will not appear in your existing sessions (other than the one you are currently editing)
 +
*Recent experiments using the '''Unified Driver Surveyor''' have indicated that when portals produce trains they will be placed into the same layer as the portal - so if a train that is in a '''Session layer''' enters a portal that is in a '''Route layer''' and is later returned to the layout, it will be returned in the same '''Route layer''' as the portal. This has ''possibly always been the case'' with portals but has not been noticed until the arrival of the '''Unified Driver Surveyor'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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*'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
 
*'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
 
*A '''Test Layer''' for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
 
*A '''Test Layer''' for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
 +
*A '''Ruler Layer''' if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layering behavior just like all other objects and splines, they have the shortcoming of having no properties window to summon to manage their layering. Consider placing all rulers on a dedicated layer with the following rational: a) If you need to move or delete them, you know exactly which layer to unlock to do so; b) Hiding a dedicated ruler layer will eliminate their visual obstruction for your clarity in Surveyor modeling in a single easy step; c) Since rulers cannot be bound (see [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below), you cannot use the secondary layer techniques, discussed below, to manage them; and finally (d) Too many rulers can slow down performance, therefore a dedicated layer which can be deleted when dimensioning and alignment work is completed is an efficient way to manage rulers and your route.
  
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is above the layer containing the track that they are attached to. If the '''route-layer''' is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.</td>
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<td>'''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is above the layer (i.e. higher up the list of layers) containing the track that they are attached to. If the '''route-layer''' is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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<td>It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":-
 
<td>It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":-
 
*Track and interactive industries with track
 
*Track and interactive industries with track
*Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels)
+
*Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)
*Signals
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*Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)
 
*Junctions and switches
 
*Junctions and switches
*Track signs (speed limits, warnings, etc)
 
 
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.</td>
 
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
*'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer''' particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
+
*'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer''' and using a Session Layer for '''ALL''' consists is the '''recommended''' method for '''Trainz Plus'''. Particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
 
*'''When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name.''' Avoid the temptation to use '''Default''' as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions under the same Route all called '''Default'''.</td>
 
*'''When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name.''' Avoid the temptation to use '''Default''' as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions under the same Route all called '''Default'''.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
='''Adding Objects To Layers'''=
 
='''Adding Objects To Layers'''=
  
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''=
 
='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''=
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
* An exception to this practice may be required when using the <b>Delete Ruler</b> tool. Unless a dedicated ruler layer was established, or otherwise, if the layer of a ruler(s) to be deleted is specifically known, there is no easy way to identify which of layer(s) a ruler(s) may reside on (this due to the unavailability of properties windows for rulers). Therefore when using the <b>Delete Ruler</b> tool, it is most efficient to temporarily unlock and unhide all layers under most circumstances.
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''=
 
='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''=
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>Multiple scenery objects can be moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the ''Surveyor Main Menu''</td>
 
<td>Multiple scenery objects can be moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the ''Surveyor Main Menu''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Rulers cannot be moved to a different layer because no properties window can be summoned for them. To move a ruler to another layer, it must be manually reproduced on the desired layer (using the Add Ruler Tool), then the pre-existing ruler must be deleted (using the Delete Ruler tool). </td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table></td>
 
</table></td>
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
='''The Bound Layer'''=
 
='''The Bound Layer'''=
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#Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''
 
#Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''
 
#Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
 
#Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
<br>
 
 
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td>
 
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
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<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.</td>
 
<td>If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
 +
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Note that although <b>rulers</b> are layer resident, they cannot be managed by a bounding layer technique because there is no facility to display or edit their properties.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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**The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
 
**The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
 
**The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.
 
**The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.
[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]
+
<br>
 +
<table width="100%">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 
----
 
----
 
----
 
----
<br>
 
  
 
='''Trainz Wiki'''=
 
='''Trainz Wiki'''=
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
+
----
 +
This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.
 +
----
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]

Revision as of 09:47, 26 May 2020

The information in this Wiki Page applies to TANE, TRS19 and Trainz Plus.

Contents

What Are Layers?

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Layers are a Surveyor tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World.
DotPoint.JPG Layers are a Driver tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World.

Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor Object, Track and Train tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session.


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The Layers Tool

SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG












RightArrowRed.JPG
Click the Layers Tool to open up its properties.
LayersTools.JPG


NotePad.PNG Notes:

The layers are organised into two groups:-

  • Route Layers in the top group, and
  • Session Layers in the lower group.
Each group can contain multiple layers - the scroll bars next to the layer names shown on the left indicate that there are more layers in each group than can fit into the display window area.


Loading a Route and Loading a Session

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.
DotPoint.JPG If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.

The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a Route by itself (with no "child" Session) or a Session and its "parent" Route.

PencilTips.PNG Until you gain experience and confidence in working with Routes and Sessions, and their layers, the best advice is to always load and edit a Session, not a Route.
LayersToolsRoute.JPG LayersToolsSession.JPG
  • The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a Route only is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. Note that a default "session-layer" is present.
DotPoint.JPG An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.
DotPoint.JPG If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session.
  • The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a Session based on that Route is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.

In both cases, the Route Layers are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the Session Layers, that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.

PencilTips.PNG If you load a Session and do not want to edit any of the Route layers then click the Lock Route Layers icon on the Layers Tool
LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Click the Lock Button


Stop.PNG WARNING:
DotPoint.JPG If you load a ROUTE without a SESSION then only edit the Route Layers
DotPoint.JPG If you load a SESSION and edit any Session layers then save the Session
DotPoint.JPG When you save a SESSION, give it a distinctive descriptive name (do NOT use Default)


Creating a New Route

LayersNewRoute.JPG
NotePad.PNG Notes:
  • When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single "route-layer" and a single "session-layer".
  • Both layers will be empty (the baseboard with its grid is saved with the route but is not in any layer).
PencilTips.PNG A layer can be renamed at anytime by double clicking on its name with the left mouse button and typing a new name.

The "Active Layer"

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG The Active Layer is the selected (highlighted) layer.
DotPoint.JPG When you load the Route only into Surveyor, the first Route layer will be the Active Layer
DotPoint.JPG When you load a Session into Surveyor, the first Session layer will be the Active Layer

In the image above, the route-layer is the Active Layer. You can change the Active Layer at any time by clicking on the name of another layer.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

The Active Layer is the "working layer" which is:-

  • where new objects will be added to the layout
  • the layer that is automatically selected for merging and deleting
Caution:
Stop.PNG Trainz does not identify which is the Active Layer in Surveyor and this often leads to problems such as objects being added to the wrong layer.
See PageLink.PNG Adding Objects To Layers below for more information.


Adding a New Layer

LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG Click the Add Button

An Add layer dialogue window will appear.

LayersAddLayer.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Enter a name for the new layer
  2. Select the layer group, Route or Session, where it will be placed
  3. Click the Tick.PNG icon

PencilTips.PNG You can easily rename the layer or move it to the other layer group later if you change your mind.

Deleting a Layer

LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG Select the layer to be deleted and click the Delete Button. If you don't select a layer to delete then Trainz will select the current Active Layer.


Warning:
Stop.PNG Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below.

If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-

LayerDeleteEmpty.JPG

Choices.PNG Choices:
  • Click Yes to delete the layer
  • Click No to cancel the delete operation

If the layer being deleted is NOT empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-

LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG

Choices.PNG Choices:
  • Click Merge to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See Merging Layers below for more information.  NOTE: Merge cannot be undone 
  • Click Delete to delete the layer and its contents.  NOTE: Delete cannot be undone 
  • Click Cancel to cancel the delete operation

Merging Layers

LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the Merge Button. If you don't select a layer to merge then Trainz will select the current Active Layer.
In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Merging a layer into another layer will move ALL the objects from the first layer into the second layer. The first layer, which is now empty, will then be deleted.
DotPoint.JPG Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.

The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-

LayersMergeInto.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the destination layer for the merge
  2. Click the Tick.PNG icon
The Merge into: list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers


Locking Layers

PencilTips.PNG It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.


DotPoint.JPG If you LOCK or UNLOCK a Route Layer while editing a Session then you will have made a change to the Route and will be asked to save both the Route and the Session when you exit Surveyor.


Locking Individual Layers

To LOCK an individual layer, click on the Open Padlock icon next to its name. The layer being locked does not have to be the current Active Layer.

DotPoint.JPG The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted but they can be moved to other layers.
LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG
  • The first image on the left shows two Route Layers, both UNLOCKED with their Padlock icons Open. One layer, "Trees", is highlighted showing that it is the currently active layer.
  • The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED.
  • A locked layer can be UNLOCKED by clicking its Closed Padlock icon.

If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-

LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG
  • Click the Tick.PNG icon to UNLOCK the layer

Locking ALL Route Layers

LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Click the Lock Button

This will LOCK ALL the layers in the Route Layers Group. The Session Layers Group will not be affected.

The Route Layers Group can be UNLOCKED by clicking the Lock Button again.

Moving a Layer

Main Points:
DotPoint.JPG Layers can be moved up or down
  • within the same layer group (e.g. Route or Session)
  • between the two groups
DotPoint.JPG A layer containing track objects (e.g. signals, switches, etc) CANNOT be placed above the layer containing the track

In the example shown below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.

LayersMove1.JPG LayersMove3.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the layer to be moved and hold down the left mouse button
  2. Drag the layer up or down to its new position

  • The move can be between layer groups as shown left or within groups to move the layer to a higher or lower position in the group.
  • The only situation where layer order within a layer group makes any difference is when adding track objects (e.g. signals, track signs, etc) to a track.


DotPoint.JPG When adding track objects to a track, the object being added must be in the same layer or in a layer below the layer containing the track. For more information, see the section PageLink.PNG The "route-layer" below.
DotPoint.JPG If you attempt to move a layer containing track objects, such as signals, to a position above the layer containing the track, you will get an error message.

Hiding Layers

To hide or show a layer click the Eye Icon next to its name.

LayersHideNone.JPG
  • In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers
  • All the layers have their Eye Icons set to Show
LayersHideTree.JPG
  • In the image shown left the Trees layer has its Eye Icon set to Hide

DotPoint.JPG If you attempt to add an object to a hidden layer you will receive a warning message.
DotPoint.JPG Layers that are hidden when saved in Surveyor will also be hidden when loaded in Driver.


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Route Layers vs Session Layers

This topic has filled endless threads in the Trainz Forums with arguments raging on both sides.

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the Route Layers Group and what should be placed in the Session Layers Group (for an exception see Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different Sessions will be created using a particular Route?


NotePad.PNG Notes:
  • For a Route with only a single Session - everything can safely go into the Route Layers Group
Many creators only ever build a single Session for each of their Routes and do not use Session Layers at all (but they still have to save the session separately from the route).
  • For a Route with multiple (2 or more) Sessions - certain things will probably need to go into the Session Layers Group for each Session.
Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.


NotePad.PNG Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes:
  • The recommended practice in these versions of Trainz is to place all consists in a session layer and NOT in a route layer. Because these versions use a Unified Driver Surveyor, placing a train in a route layer after switching from Driver to Surveyor will mean that it will not appear in your existing sessions (other than the one you are currently editing)
  • Recent experiments using the Unified Driver Surveyor have indicated that when portals produce trains they will be placed into the same layer as the portal - so if a train that is in a Session layer enters a portal that is in a Route layer and is later returned to the layout, it will be returned in the same Route layer as the portal. This has possibly always been the case with portals but has not been noticed until the arrival of the Unified Driver Surveyor


The Route Layers Group

DotPoint.JPG The Route Layer Group should be used for everything that will always appear in Driver Mode regardless of which Session is playing.

There is nothing stopping you from placing everything in the "route-layer" of the Route Layers Group and never having to worry about dealing with layers ever again - some creators prefer to work this way. However, layers do provide you with a way of organising your scenery objects to make them more manageable, particularly in more complicated layouts. Some examples:-

  • A Special Objects layer or layers that can be used to hold certain scenery objects. For example all the trees or a particular building. This can be very useful when you need to hide those objects to locate or place other objects. Trackside cameras in particular can be very difficult to find when placed in a forest.
  • A Platform Objects layer can be used to hold all platform items such as seats, luggage, luggage trolleys, people, lamp posts, etc. Because these items are placed on top of a platform object they can be very difficult to move or delete without first moving the platform. The layer containing the platform can be locked allowing these objects to be easily moved or deleted.
  • Hiding and Showing Objects in Driver Mode. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
  • A Test Layer for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
  • A Ruler Layer if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layering behavior just like all other objects and splines, they have the shortcoming of having no properties window to summon to manage their layering. Consider placing all rulers on a dedicated layer with the following rational: a) If you need to move or delete them, you know exactly which layer to unlock to do so; b) Hiding a dedicated ruler layer will eliminate their visual obstruction for your clarity in Surveyor modeling in a single easy step; c) Since rulers cannot be bound (see PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below), you cannot use the secondary layer techniques, discussed below, to manage them; and finally (d) Too many rulers can slow down performance, therefore a dedicated layer which can be deleted when dimensioning and alignment work is completed is an efficient way to manage rulers and your route.
PencilTips.PNG
  • It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same layer particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
  • A very useful development tool is the Bound Layer. See PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below.

The "route-layer"

DotPoint.JPG To avoid any confusion over which layer is the original "route-layer", this is one layer that should not be renamed or moved from the top position.


While all layers are equal, the "route-layer" is special.

Warning:
Stop.PNG Track objects, such as signals, junctions and track signs, cannot be placed in any layer that is above the layer (i.e. higher up the list of layers) containing the track that they are attached to. If the route-layer is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.


PencilTips.PNG It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":-
  • Track and interactive industries with track
  • Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)
  • Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)
  • Junctions and switches
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the Route Layers Group.


The Session Layers Group

DotPoint.JPG The Session Layers Group should be used for everything that will only be seen in the currently loaded Session.

If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

Session Layers can contain:-

  • Scenery objects that will only appear in one or some of the Sessions.
For example: If you have placed human figures and equipment for a track work crew alongside the track and want them to be seen in a daylight Session but not in a night Session, then place them in one of the Session Layers of the daylight Session only. Likewise, station staff holding lamps would be placed in one of the Session Layers of the night Session only.
  • Consists used in a Session.
PencilTips.PNG
  • It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer and using a Session Layer for ALL consists is the recommended method for Trainz Plus. Particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
  • When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name. Avoid the temptation to use Default as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions under the same Route all called Default.


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Adding Objects To Layers

When an object (such as a scenery item, consist, track or track object) is added to the layout it is automatically placed in the currently Active Layer. Unfortunately, Trainz does not indicate which layer is the Active Layer unless you open the Layers Tool to look. This can lead to objects being placed into the wrong layers and while these objects can later be moved to another layer (see the section PageLink.PNG Moving Objects To Other Layers below) it would be better to correctly set the Active Layer first.

PencilTips.PNG It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.


DotPoint.JPG You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED.

If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-

LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG
  • Click the Tick.PNG icon to UNLOCK the layer.


DotPoint.JPG When adding track objects (signals, speed signs, etc) to a track, the objects being added must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below the track layer. For more information, see the section PageLink.PNG The "route-layer" above.


NotePad.PNG Notes:

There are many features of Trainz Routes and Sessions that are NOT stored in layers. These include:-

  • landforms
  • textures
  • trackside camera positions and settings
  • weather conditions
  • time of day
  • session rules and driver commands
  • signal and junctions settings
  • rolling stock loads
  • industry settings
  • portal settings
  • passenger station settings
  • navigation points
  • interlocking tower settings^

Landforms, textures and trackside cameras are saved as part of the Route while all the others are saved as part of a Session.
^ A bug has been reported in the Interlocking Towers (and the Enhanced Interlocking Towers) where the path and settings are initially saved in the Route but any later edits and changes are then saved in the Session. The workaround for this is to always load the Session when working with ITs and EITs.


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Deleting Objects From Layers

PencilTips.PNG It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally deleting objects from the wrong layer.
  • An exception to this practice may be required when using the Delete Ruler tool. Unless a dedicated ruler layer was established, or otherwise, if the layer of a ruler(s) to be deleted is specifically known, there is no easy way to identify which of layer(s) a ruler(s) may reside on (this due to the unavailability of properties windows for rulers). Therefore when using the Delete Ruler tool, it is most efficient to temporarily unlock and unhide all layers under most circumstances.


DotPoint.JPG You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED.

Unfortunately Trainz does not give you a warning message when you attempt to delete an object from a locked layer, the object just refuses to be deleted.

PencilTips.PNG If you cannot delete an object then check:-
  • that the objects layer and bound layer (if set) are unlocked
  • that you are using the correct delete tool (e.g. such as attempting to delete a tree with the spline, signal or rolling stock delete tool) - it happens!


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Moving Objects To Other Layers

LayersObjectProperties.JPG
Steps.PNG Steps:

To move individual objects from one layer to another:-

  1. Open the Properties window (? button in the Object Tools) of the object to be moved
  2. Click the Layer or one of the scroll buttons
  3. Select the new layer
  4. Click the Tick.PNG icon


DotPoint.JPG You can move an object into and out of a locked layer
DotPoint.JPG Multiple scenery objects can be moved to another layer by using the Bulk Asset Update/Replacement tool from the Surveyor Main Menu
DotPoint.JPG Rulers cannot be moved to a different layer because no properties window can be summoned for them. To move a ruler to another layer, it must be manually reproduced on the desired layer (using the Add Ruler Tool), then the pre-existing ruler must be deleted (using the Delete Ruler tool).
LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG


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The Bound Layer

This is a little used and probably little understood layer feature. It allows you to attach an object to two different layers so it can have the properties (locked/unlocked and show/hide) of both layers. The bound layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.

DotPoint.JPG An object will be LOCKED and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its bound layer is locked.
DotPoint.JPG An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its bound layer is hidden.


Some applications:-

  • Temporarily locking an object by binding it to a locked layer while allowing other objects in the same unlocked layer to be moved or deleted. A simple but very effective development technique is to create a Route layer called "Locked" and then lock it. If you need to temporarily stop an object from being deleted or moved then it can be bound to the "Locked" layer.
  • Temporarily hiding an object by binding it to a hidden layer (this will require the hidden layer to be made visible so the object can be unbound).
LayersBoundLayer.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:

In the Properties Window of an object:-

  1. Click the Bound Layer box or one of its scroll buttons
  2. Select the layer to be used as the Bound Layer for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the Bound Layer back to <none>.


DotPoint.JPG When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer reset to <none>


PencilTips.PNG If you are going to be working with multiple objects that will be bound to a locked or hidden layer then a simple strategy is to:-
  • Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs
  • Bind the individual objects to that layer as required
  • When editing, testing or whatever you are doing has been completed simply delete the new layer. All objects that have been bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer property reset to none so the hidden objects will reappear and the locked objects will be unlocked.


PencilTips.PNG If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.


PencilTips.PNG Note that although rulers are layer resident, they cannot be managed by a bounding layer technique because there is no facility to display or edit their properties.


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Layers in Driver Mode

During the running of a Session in Driver Mode visible layers can be hidden and invisible layers revealled according to the events that occur during the Session.

LayersDriveShow.JPGLayersDriveHide.JPG The two Driver Mode scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
  • In the first image on the left, all layers are visible
  • In the second image on the left, two of the layers have been hidden
The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.

This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-

  1. A Driver Command - specific to a particular driver, or
  2. A Session Rule - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist

Using a Driver Command

The driver command Layer Control hides and shows named layers.
LayerControlExample.png

Using Session Rules


RulesWiki.PNG Rules Used:


Screenshot.PNG Session Editor Screenshot:

LayersDriveHideRules.JPG


Explanation.PNG Description:

In this example:-

  • The Trackside Check Rule is triggered when a specific train comes to a stop at a trackmark. This then executes the following rules:-
    • The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden.
    • The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
    • The Message Popup Rule is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.


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Trainz Wiki

TrainzWiki.png

More Tutorials and Guides to Using Trainz


This page was created by Trainz user pware in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.


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