Recently I have had my computer re-formatted due to a nasty virus, and the machine itself not being set-up properly. As part of the re-boot, all of my TSM files, textures etc. were backed up and moved across to another device until the re-format was complete.

I re-installed TSM and tried to open one of my TSM files to begin finishing it off for release in the near future. The first thing happened was a window opened up saying something about part number, and to click okay. I do this and keep getting the same message pop up. I got jack of this, opened up Windows Task Manager, and closed TSM.

I then went to the website and downloaded the latest update of TSM. After installing the update, the file was opened and work was started. After adding a few new parts, I decided to press the 'C' key so that I could view the file in Shapeviewer. After directing the .S file to the correct folder, and clicking 'okay', I waited for the normal summary to appear. This happened, and Shapeviewer was opened, load shape was clicked, the right shape found and selected, but nothing happened! I noticed in the small box which displays the kujus, that it said "Error - S file not unicode".

I then closed SV, opened TSM and loaded an un-altered shape, pressed 'C' and repeated the same process only to find the same warning popped up when I tried to load the shape into SV. The most annoying thing is that all shapes with the acception of one have not changed since I last worked on them before the PC was rebuilt.

This is causing quite a lot of frustration, as I do not know what is causing the error, and I want to get the models finished for release in the near future.

Can anybody please point me in the right direction or give me a clue as to what might be going wrong?

Thanks in advance!

CB.

Gidday CB,
I have followed your description, but cannot replicate the problem.
However, you say that having pressed the 'C' key (this opens the "Create Train Simulator Object" dialogue box) and waited for the report to appear and "ShapeViewer was opened". Are you saying that this happened without intervention from you?
If you opened SV, and you selected the shape, I assume SV came up with the error then?
Are all the boxes ticked in the "Processing Options" dialogue box in the "Create Train Simulator Object" box ticked i.e. are you creating new files when you export to the Sim?
Have you uncompressed the .s file and visually checked it?
Maybe send me the file and let me have a look.
It is a while since I have had to install either application, but I remember having to set up links between programs - perhaps that was RR - dunno. Have to think about that one.
Have you done a search on TrainSim.com for the problem?
Cheers
Allan

Hi Allan,

I opened SV manually as usual, it didn't open automatically (I should be a bit more concise in my description next time!).
I'm not really up on the technical side of things like playing around with .S files, usually I annoy Russell about such things; but I think he needs a break at the moment. I haven't added the model to the sim yet either as it still needs to be centred and the animation done, as well as sound. I usually zip the file and send it to Russ to help me with the trickier stuff.

I'd be quite happy to send you the file to see if you can nut the problem out. I'm totally stumped as to what it could be!

Are there any spaces in the texture file names?
When creating the shape, are you converting and compressing the textures at the same time, and converting the shape to binary? The only option I use when creating the .s is Replace Existing Files.
How many parts does the model have? I think the limit is around 90.
What is the poly count? (in TSM, go to File > Project Statistics)

Now that I think about it, TSM on my old computer would not convert textures, even from the time it was first installed. However, with my new computer, it will convert the textures, (except 1024x1024's) but not compress them. I always use Ace-it to create textures so that is not a problem for me.

I'm a little mystified too. I've tried to repicate the problem but can't work it out.

I' keep trying today.

Cheers,
Matt

[b]rowie[/i], no there are no spaces in the texture files, and all texture names are fairly short (max. 8 charaters).
All four boxes are checked when I go to convert the model for viewing in SV.
I think the poly count is somewhere around 12,500 - I'm being very careful about adding any extras so the model won't fall over.

To add a footnote, I tried converting another TSM file which had worked in the past last night (one of Russ's models), and ran into the same problem. I'm starting to think that it might be the TSM program on this computer, and not the TSM files themselves. Any clues on whether or not I need to change setting in order for TSM to work properly?

Hi CB, you have PM.
Would you please create a simple model containing 2 rectangular boxes, texture them with something fairly innocuous and see if you can export them as static scenery. If they export, then it may be the more complex files that are giving trouble. If a simple model will not transfer, you probably have a TSM install problem.
Also when did you last export the loco?
Do you have a good range of backups that you can go back to?
Cheers
Allan

Okay.

I have tried making the simple shape, and I cannot get it to load into SV at all - in fact I can't even find the .S file to load it, despite checking the directory for where it may have gone to. This is really weird stuff.

I do have backup shapes for the model that I haven't tried converting to be viewed in SV. I have also backed up and zipped my TSM Projects folder on the off chance something is really a-miss.

Cheers

CB.

CB, you have PM's
Cheers
Allan

Thanks Allan.