How to Make Good Scenery
Trainz aficionados are a diverse group with varied interests in one or more aspects of this game of tremendous complexity. Developing the scenery that surrounds the tracks is one such aspect, but one that only a seemingly limited few have mastered. This How-To page will introduce those interested in improving the look of their route to techniques they can learn and apply. Although scenery objects (assets) are important and will be discussed, the focus here is on the landscape itself: the use of the Topology and Paint tools in Surveyor Mode. Although applicable to any version of Trainz, the text is based on the tools and renderings available in TRS2019.
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Layout
As a general rule, Trainz users that develop routes tend to follow one of two layouts: the Linear model or the Area model. Placement of map squares end to end allows the Linear model to develop long track runs with minimal effort. Creating a large map of many squares (Area model) takes more effort but can better render distant scenery. The two layouts are sometimes combined with Area layouts used for places of cities, dense industries, and complex train yards, connected by long runs of Linear layouts. Note that layout choice is independent of prototypical vs. imaginary route design.
Hills and Mountains
Topography on a Route is developed using the Topography tool in Surveyor mode. Enhancing topography changes a flat baseboard into one with hills and valleys, opening up opportunities for road and railroad cuts, viaducts and bridges, and, of course, tunnels. Varied topography establishes glimpses of the wider world as a train moves down the track.
Water Features
Of all the various landforms one can create, water features hold the greatest potential for enhancing scenery along a Route. And water is superbly rendered using the Surveyor Topology - Get height tools menu. Three tools are provided: Add water 'W', Adjust height 'E', and Remove water 'Q'. An input box for setting water surface height is provided. The Add water tool paints a surface in the same manner as coloring, described above. However, the water surface has a number of interesting properties, the most significant being it is transparent and reflective. Improvements in rendering of these properties with each successive Trainz version has certainly been a major contribution to making a realistic GCI.
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