Microsoft Train Simulator Distance Levels

In order to improve performance Microsoft Train Simulator provides the ability to vary the complexity of a model based on its distance from the viewing location. The complex model is shown only when the complexity is needed. At large distances only a very primitive model is required. In this tutorial we will give an overview of the steps required to create distance levels for a model.

This tutorial assumes familiarity with 3D Canvas and that all other Train Simulator tutorials have been completed.

bulletIn this tutorial we will use the GWR Class 517 0-4-2 steam locomotive model provided by Paul Gausden. It can be downloaded here.

The first step is to run the Train Simulator Wizard and test the model in Train Simulator.

If you are using GWR Class 517 model you should click "Reset" when asked to identify parts. This will ensure that you have everything named using the wizard's standards.

 

bulletCreating distance levels can be as simple as selecting either the Near/Far Distance Levels or Consolidated Distance Levels export preference. If you select one of these 3D Canvas will automatically create distance levels.

Near/Far Distance Levels will create a simplified model to be seen at very far distances (over 700 meters). To do this it simply removes all parts that are not in the "Main" group for the model.

Consolidated Distance Levels creates a simplified model as above, but also uses automatic simplification to create an in-between version of the model. For many models this produces a good transition between the complex version of the model and the simplified version of the model.

For these options to work it is necessary for all parts that define the basic shape of the model be located in the Main group. So for the GWR Class 517 you would need to include the cab, boiler, smoke box etc. in the Main group. All other smaller parts including the wheels will be removed for the simplified version. But, since this model will be viewed at a great distance (over 700 meters) the lack of smaller parts and wheels will not be noticable.

A hazard of these two types of distance levels is that Train Simulator may not accept the resulting export since it prefers for the number of groups for each distance level to stay constant. This form of automatic distance level generation results in inconsistent numbers of groups between levels.

Note: The Retain Sub-Objects option is only intended to be used by those creating signals.
 

 
bulletThe Custom Distance Levels option allows you to manually create your own simplified versions of your model. This will be the main focus of this tutorial.

The setup for custom distance levels is quite different from the setup, described above, for automatic generation of distance levels.

In this tutorial we will be creating multiple versions of the same model. Each model will be progressively simpler.

Unfortunately, as mentioned above, Train Simulator does not like the number of groups to change between distance levels. This means we have to do some planning to avoid changing the number of groups in the simpler versions of the model.

The best method to ensure a consistent number of groups is to evaluate each part in each group. If there is a part in the group that you are certain will be in the simplest version of the model then the grouping does not need to be changed. If however you find that each part in the group will be removed in the simplest version you will need to move these parts to the Main group.

The Custom Distance Levels option requires that each object has a unique name. To create unique names select your entire model (right-click on an object in the root group and choose "Select Hierarchy"), and run the Create Unique Names plug-in. If you do not have 3D Canvas Pro you will need to manually create unique names for all objects. The Wizard will warn you if it finds that you do not have unique object names.

 

 
bulletThe next step is to create a duplicate of your model. Select the full hierarchy of the model and then copy and paste it to the scene. It will copy over top of the original model so grab the model by its root object and move it over so you can see both models.

 
bulletDelete all of the small parts from the duplicated model. Take care to ensure that you do not empty out (delete) any groups. If you planned well earlier this should not be a problem.

 

 
bulletUse the Reduce operation on any parts that are complex and solid. You may want to run the Crease operation after reducing since the reduced parts often become too creased.

There is no need to merge triangles after applying the Reduce operation.

 
bulletWe have our first distance level model.

Rename its "Main" group to "Main.20". This will make this version of the model become visible at distances of 20 meters and higher. Normally 100 to 300 meters would be more reasonable but we would like to easily see the changes in distance levels when viewing our model in Train Simulator to ensure correctness.

 

bulletRun the Train Simulator Wizard with Custom Distance Levels selected.

 
bulletHere is our distance level in Train Simulator. If you compare to the next picture you will see obvious differences. Remember that we are viewing this model from 20 meters. When viewed from 100 or more meters there will be no differences noticeable.

 
bulletThe original model.

 
bulletCopy and paste the reduced model to create a third distance level.

 
bulletAgain, delete objects and reduce until you have a simple model.

Rename its "Main" group to "Main.30". This will make this version of the model become visible at distances of 30 meters and higher. Normally 700 meters would be more reasonable but we would like to easily see the changes in distance levels when viewing our model in Train Simulator to ensure correctness.

Export and view the model in Train Simulator to ensure that the model transitions properly through the distance levels.

Once you are satisfied rename the "Main.20" group to "Main.200" and the "Main.30" group to "Main.700" and export to Train Simulator.

We now have a model with three distance levels.

 

In addition to the reduction techniques used above you can of course reduce point counts using all of the standard modelling techniques including point trimming, face merging etc.

Entire objects can also be replaced with less complex objects. When doing this it is necessary to move the new object to the old group prior to deleting the old object. Keep in mind that once you have made copies of your original model you cannot change the position of groups in the original model unless you change their position in the reduced versions also.

It is important to not move objects between groups. If objects are moved between groups they will look wrong in the distance levels unless the objects are moved in all distance levels of the model.

The above example had three distance levels. This is a reasonable number, but there may be a benefit to create more distance levels to ensure a smoother transition between distance levels when viewing in Train Simulator.