identifying track materials for TDF tweaking

Discussion in 'Track Modding' started by PatientRF2fan, Jan 23, 2021.

  1. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    I am experienced with creating AIW etc and been modifying TDFs for some tracks.
    What should I use to identify the various track material (New Asphalt , Concrete etc) rather than trial and error?
    Viewer, 3dsimed or 3dsmax???

    Side note:
    Some Tracks like Belle Isle .70 seem to have only one material assigned in the TDF for road even though there are many visible surface changes. Can I assign different material to get a better driving experience using the mentioned software?
     
  2. Woodee

    Woodee Registered

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    it's the prefix of the material names.... look in the TDF and down the bottom of each entry there is an abbreviated surface "code"

    upload_2021-1-23_21-36-51.png
     
  3. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    Thanks Woodee, appreciate it. I was aware of these entries and been modifying them. Trouble is I have to change grip to 60 and drive the track in dev mod looking to identify what material is affected. I am asking what viewer is recommended to speed this process up.
     
  4. philrob

    philrob Registered

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    Simed will show you all the different materials , to allow different reactions to be applied to changing surfaces.
     
  5. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    thanks so much Philrob, i just see so much info and some suggests that some software is out of date like Gjed etc.
    Now I can at least narrow the path to go down.

    As you know the rf2 info journey can be fragmented at times....
     
  6. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    Just a follow up. Once I figured out the file system and opened the SCN file in Simed i accomplished what i needed. I can now optimize tracks for my own personal use. I fixed belle isle and now i can assign the driving feedback for the multiple surfaces. My journey moves on to 3dfx max next to learn how to fix tracks with low poly and perhaps the uneven crash walls at Toronto and Longbeach....... for personal use of course
     
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  7. philrob

    philrob Registered

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    Great to see you have it sorted, best of luck with the road polys.
     
  8. Woodee

    Woodee Registered

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    Have a look in the Targa Florio thread as there is discussion about the Blender method of mesh reconstruction.
     
  9. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    Thanks Woodee, i will look at that.

    I see plenty of talk/debate over using 3dmax ($$$) or Blender (open source)
    I cant see myself building tracks from scratch just customizing existing items for personal. would blender be the best option then for my needs?
     
  10. Woodee

    Woodee Registered

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    well it is free ;)
     
  11. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    can i ask?.... regardless of price what software works the best with less challenges
     
  12. Woodee

    Woodee Registered

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    Personally I don't know because I am a 3dsmax user and not touched much of Blender. 3dsmax currently has official plugins and Blender has third party ones. They both work it seems but the workflows may be a little different.
     
  13. PatientRF2fan

    PatientRF2fan Registered

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    thanks, i sensed that may be the case and now I can choose the path.
     

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