Road Top Mass Transit (RTMT) - Development and Support

[Andreas Roth 607]

Originally posted by: SmacksimIf that's your first installer, you're a natural.quote>

 

LOL, not really! Actually, I the basic work was done with a wizard, and the rest (such as as the mutually exclusive components) were the result of hours of searching through the forums in order to find a script snipplet. Add lots of headaches and frowning, accompanied by frequent swearing, and you get the idea. Other than that, you're right, of course. Once you have created such a script, you can modify it for every other installer without too much hassle. But for the regular work, I still prefer the Clickteam installer, where you can create a script by simply selecting some options in the dialogue boxes. Nevertheless, thanks for the compliments, much appreciated.

[Andreas Roth 607]

...da** page flip error...

[Smacksim 0]

Hey, I can sympathise! I used to write installers for game mods in DOS, if you can believe that! One problem with the modern installers is that each of them seem to have their own variation of scripting language, so once you learn one, it becomes awkward to change formats.

Anyways, I hope the RTMT mod gets an installer.

[J0nnD0ugh 31]

This is nice. Can this work w/the latest NAM file?

[Smacksim 0]

Been working for me JOnnD0ugh.

[J0nnD0ugh 31]

Cool.

[cogeo 960]

Hi all,

An installer is now in the works.

The package currently comes in two languages, English and German.

If you want another language to be included (and you are willing to make some translation work) please PM me or post in this thread. The translation work takes about half an hour, incl testing.

[schooner2 2]

Hi, I have been away from playing SC4 but I am now back at it.  One question- does the RTMT V3 work with both the newest NAM (Jan 07 version) and the Rural Highway Project?

[cogeo 960]

@schooner2: This pack does not interact with NAM in any way, and does not rely on or require NAM. It is a set of transit-enabled lots, while NAM is a network mod and does not contain lots. So there should not be any problem.

[schooner2 2]

OK. Thanks, Cogeo!

[cogeo 960]

The installers are now on the STEX. Here is the link.

[Marc Collins 36]

The installer is great! I am reinstalling this after using it happily since the beginning. If I want the "Big Blue" bus stop shelters, where do I find the specified "RTMTV3_PropS_BusStop_BigBlue.dat" and the other two .dats? They are not in the linked STEX download of the stand-alone shelter, which just has the usual model and lot files.

Thanks,

Marc

[cogeo 960]

@Marc Collins: The installers contain two preconfigured prop sets, which I hope would be OK for most players.

If you want something special you have two options:

- Use one of these prop sets and add or replace some of the default propfiles.

- Configure the Props subfolder completely yourself (install the desired prop files - check the readme for details).

The "Big Blue" busstop has not been included in any of the two installers, as some players find it too "big" (lol) plus it requires a dependency.

File RTMTV3_PropS_BusStop_BigBlue.dat is in the original Road Top Mass Transit upload. You should remove the TfL busstop datfile (installed by the installer) as well as any other bus stop datfile, as this is a single-prop file, which means that only one busstop prop may be installed.

The "other two" datfiles are the prop-family implementation. In this case the "Big Blue" busstop may be installed together with other busstop propfiles. The game will select the props randomly, but you can force it to select specific props, eg have the Big Blue busstops along your main avenue, one of the Berlin busstops in other downtown areas, and some of the SG's busstops at your suburbs - check the readme for instructions.

And remember, you can select either the single-prop or the prop-family mode for your busstop or subway props, BUT NOT BOTH - install only the relevant propfiles and delete the rest.

[Marc Collins 36]

Thanks cogeo...but what/where is the "original" RTMT Upload? I just grabbed what looked like the brand new installer (very convenient)--wouldn't it have all the options?

[_MostlyHarmless 17]

Sorry if I missed it. In order to avoid no road zots, just zone a 2x2 zone with CRTL, so it overlaps the transit. Know what I mean? Man I suck with words...I'll try to get a picture up.

[sebastin 1]

How can i delete most the RTMT V3? I only use some.... but the this mod has bloated my menus and it's taking too much space, that is some 3MB. I only use road bus stops and subwaystops not bloody britney and simpsons stuff! lol!

[cogeo 960]

@sebastin: RTMT in no case takes 3MB, my installation is 600KB, and I have a "full" installation with multiple busstop and subway models as well as textures. The Readme exceeds 1MB (because of the images included), but this should not be a problem, as this is installed under the STEX_Downloads folder and not under the Plugins folder (so you may not experience an increase in start-up time). The installer does this by default; if you have installed the pack manually, please move it yourself.

As for your menus, I guess you are talking about Simgoober's busstops. RTMT V3 needs only the "small" models, not their lots or the simpsons stuff. The "small" models are included in the datfiles named SG_BusStop01.dat through SG_BusStop20.dat. If you don't want additional buttons in your menu you can delete the .SC4Lot files. You can also delete all other datfiles, if you are not to use them, so the SGBusStops folder can just contain the 20 small model files. You can also do the same if you have installed additional busstops like the BigBlue or the DPMO busstops, ie keep the model files (*.SC4Model) so that they are available for use by RTMT and delete the *.SC4Lot files, so that you don't get additional buttons for lots that you don't intent to use.

The RTMTV3 buttons are quite many (15 or 18), but they are all placed conveniently near the end of the Misc Transit Menu, instead of being scattered here and there. Plus they have a distinct style and this is not just decorative, there is also an ergonomic benefit: not only you can locate them easier, you don't need to examine each button carefully to see what it is, just roll your mouse wheel until you get in or out of the "RTMT area" in your menu.

[cogeo 960]

AcE-cOdEr, the file for Spanish translation is attached in this post.

[AcE-cOdEr 1]

Hey! Thanks cogeo, gonna try it right now.

[sebastin 1]

hi cogeo and thanks for the well explained answer. In my RTMTV3 folder I have 3 subfolder: models 226kb, props 60.5 kb and simgooberprops 2,01 MB. I deleted some from goober folder and got it ironed to 1,7 MB. The props folder isnt big but theres lot's of bus stop looks that i dont use. I only use road and avenue on tops of bus, subway and bus/subway. I only need like one or two looks, what do i delete? I've been having these lot's of in my city but i havent seen the look varying at all. Every bus shelter has looked the same blue one.

I must add that I love these lot's and I use these mainly in industrial areas.

[cogeo 960]

@sebastin: You don't need to have the propfiles (and their models) for props that you do not intent to use installed. So delete everything that you don't like (both the propfiles and models). The RTMT buildings/lots/buttons are all included in one datfile, so you can't remove just some of them selectively (it's an everything or nothing case), unless you mod them yourself (remove everything unneeded), but these don't take much space/memory anyway. Better send me or post some screenshots of your installation folders to check if everything is OK.

[clocknane17 0]

Okay I just got the Transit Supermod V2 and I am a little comfused by the contents of the read me. It states there are three different categories which I see, however each category has several BAT files u can get. Now, my question is can I get the transitsupermod_trafficsim_pathfindingPERFECT_V2_0.dat along with the Transitsupermod_trafficsim_pathfindingPERFECT_sppedx10_highcapacity_v_2.dat or can it only be one or the other since they are from the TrafficSim Mod and also does the same apply with the RoadTopMT and Automata_crime categories as well. Any responses are appreciated and thanks alot.

[cogeo 960]

clocknane17, sorry I cannot provide support for transit supermod and the RoadTopMT included in it:

- The Transitsupermod (as well as mods like Transit Bug Fix, Traffic Cop etc) are regarded as obsolete. You only need the Network Addon Mod (NAM), it contains almost everything what those "old" mods do plus many other nice features like Ground Light Rail (GLR), Pedestrian Mall Tiles, Intersections, Puzzle Pieces, etc etc. It is also undergoing maintenance and updates almost regularly. In addition, you are going to encounter problems (conflicts) if you install both NAM and one of the plugins above. So I would say uninstall everything else and install only the NAM.

- As for Road Top MT, I have uploaded a new version (V3, link in my sig) - you can also find some other packs on the STEX. It contains some improvements and fixes and has realistic props, like busstop shelters and subways instead of just a bench. You can choose amongst 25 busstop and 16 subway props, and configure its look by installing optional plugins. Installation is somewhat complicated but this is the price for the customizable look. If you have trouble installing this, try the installer version. I have made two pre-configured prop-sets, which I believe can cover the needs of >80% of the players, but if you want something special you have to go manually.

And two common problems, concerning ALL Road Top MT sets (even the ingame tollbooths):

- The lots immediately behind the stations may face abandonment due to blocked access (the no access zot appears). This cannot be fixed, but there are some workarounds, check the readme for details.

- Incompatibility (visual glitch) with NAM's turning lanes, when placing the roadtop stations next to an intersection (which unfortunately is the best position regarding functionality/usability). Either don't place roadtop stations next to intersections, or do not install turning lanes.

[clocknane17 0]

Ok Cogeo thanks for the response I will delete other files and just use the NAM.. thanks again.

[cogeo 960]

Announcing the expansion of the RTMTV3 pack for Avenue/GLR dual networking.

I'm going to expand the pack with stations for Avenue/GLR dual networking puzzle pieces (included in the new version of NAM). The new stations will use the existing props and textures, as well as the same design and stats principles. Existing (already plopped) stops and stations will remain the same, so you won't need to bulldoze anything when installing the new version; ie the updates will be only additions, not changes to existing stops and stations.

Eight new stations are to be made:

- Busstop

- Busstop (2x2)

- Subway

- Busstop/Subway

- GLR

- Busstop/GLR

- Subway/GLR

- Busstop/Subway/GLR

Some preliminary work I have done has shown that these are feasible (see the pic above). The textures will be updated (a zebra pass will be added). The markings are to be updated as well (moved slightly outwards to match the lanes of these new tiles). For the GLR stations, there isn't really enough space for platforms, but there is some little space to put a shelter (with columns between the tracks); combined with the zebra crossing, I think it will look quite OK.

Looking forward to any comments, ideas or suggestions.

[warrior 169]

I've got an idea for textures to make the centre section bigger.

I'll upload a pic soon.

[Mayor Abe 3]

Good Idea! I've been waiting for GLR/Avenue stations. But,  will this be relased as just a patch, or will I have to remove the old RTMT to use?

[cogeo 960]

@warrior: thanks, I would prefer to stick with the narrow platform idea though, making the lanes somewhat curved (to make room for a wider platform) may cause a few problems, eg you may need about half a tile for the transition (x2) and what is left (from the 2x2 lot) is the area between the two transitions, ie this limits the length of the shelter (making the lot longer would not be acceptable). Also using a shelter with narrow platforms makes an overhanging shelter prop (eg 4-tiles long) possible. But it would be interesting to discuss new ideas anyway.

@Mayor Abe: haven't decided yet, most possibly I'm going to make it more modular, ie it will possible to optionally install the roadtop stations, the non-roadtop stations and the stations for Avenue/GLR networks. Not everybody has these Avenue/GLR tiles installed, some players don't even use NAM. But the important thing is that you won't have to bulldoze any of your existing stations, when installing the new version.

[toxicpiano 125]

That's great news cogeo! No more bus stops at the side of GLR avenues

[cogeo 960]

My progress so far. All new eight Avenue/GLR stations (see my post above) are lotted - for the right-hand driving versions for the moment- and modded, except for the capacities. The textures have been updated as well. Also, a zebra pass has been added, for the GLR stations. Below is a pic of the Bus/Subway/GLR station.

As you can see, there is enough space to add 1 meter-wide platforms. The model of course is not yet ready. I'm going to make custom LODs, so these glitches with the automata will be fixed. The roof will be semitransparent and some few details are to be added. Also, a similar 4-tiles long model is about to be made (the lot will still be 2x2 so as not to block traffic on 4 consecutive tiles, which would not be acceptable, ie the long version will be overhanging). Needless to mention, the GLR Shelter models (like all others in RTMTV3) are selectable by installing optional plugins.

I need some help on the following:

- What are the capacities of these puzzle pieces? The query tool says "Elevated Rail" but the traffic query "Avenue" (I know they are defined as both el-rail and avenues). Knowledge of network capacity is necessary in order to mod the station capacities. I can perform some tests to "guess" it, but I would like to avoid all this hassle.

- For some weird reason pedestrians are not converted to GLR traffic on exit, ie the 0x82,0xF0,0x00,0x07 switch does not work. Any quick fix for this?

- Translations: All strings (lot names, menu descriptions and prop names) in this pack are placed in a separate plugin, so that the language can be chosen by installing the corresponding locale file. I have two partially translated files - German and Spanish - (many thanks to Andreas Roth and AcE-cOdEr). These contain translations for the existing stations, but they need to include the new stations as well. This isn't much work, there are 15 additional strings (range 0c9db053 to 0c9db06a) that need translation. I have attached the files in this post. For anybody who wishes to make a translation to any other language, I have included the English file as well. Instructions can be found on the first page of this thread.

RTMTV3_Translations.zip