Model Tweaker: Request a tutorial

[kathrynlacey 36]

Could someone post a tutorial with pictures on how to resize a model to make it wider with pictures going step by step?

Also, I would like to see how to merge two models into one, like a building onto another building to make a new building.  Any takers?

 

[BartonThinks 3,416]

Hey Kathryn,

Here's a quick run-through of how to make a building wider. I'm afraid I've never used the Tweaker to combine models, so I can't be any help on that front.

Note: I would strongly encourage you to make a backup copy of any model that you're planning to tweak with this method. Store the original file somewhere safe and then tweak the copy.

The reason for this is that, when you tweak a model, you overwrite the original file with a distorted version. It can take a lot of trial and error to get the dimensions right, which means you may need to try tweaking the model multiple times. If you keep tweaking the same file over and over, the quality of the model may degrade substantially. So it's best to keep a copy of the original model somewhere safe. That way, if you need to try tweaking the model again, you can make a new copy of the file and start over.

Step 1) Open the file containing the model you want to work on.

Step 2) Go through the models contained in the file and select the one that you want to tweak.

Step 3) Choose the "Scale" tool.

Step 4) Select the dimensions that you want to adjust. To make the model wider, you'll select "Width (X) only."

 

Step 5 - Option 1) Enter the fractional scaling factor that will be used to adjust the model. In the screenshot below, I chose a factor of 3/2. This will make the width of the model 150% of its original size, so the model will be 50% wider overall.

Step 5 - Option 2) If you prefer, you can use a decimal factor instead of a fractional factor. In the screenshot below, I set the decimal factor at 1.5. This is the same scaling factor as the previous screenshot, just represented a different way (3/2 = 1.5). So once again, this would make the model 50% wider.

Step 6) Click "OK." When you do this, the Tweaker program will overwrite the model in the file you opened with the modified version. Note that here's no way to undo this action. If you try to scale the model back to its original dimensions, the quality may be distorted. As mentioned above, it is always best to create a copy of the file first and then work on the copy.

 

Hope that helps!

[kathrynlacey 36]

Thanks.

[rsc204 21,804]

On 13/08/2020 at 10:12 PM, kathrynlacey said:

Also, I would like to see how to merge two models into one, like a building onto another building to make a new building

There are two types of Models (S3D) used by SC4. Typical BATs as not 3D, this function I do not think is intended for use with such. After all, the end result would be no different to positioning two such models together on a lot. If both models overlap, it’s unlikely you get good results trying.

The second kind of models are True 3D models, but these are rarely used for anything other than Transit Network models, for example a segment of Elevated Rail, or Automata, which need to move in all directions. So an example of where this is useful, you could combine a piece of El-Rail, with a piece of Elevated Road, to make a model for intersecting those networks. Something that is supremely useful when making NAM content, but less so for much else.

[kathrynlacey 36]

Well, I tried to scale a model, but it seems the file is the same size in bytes but with a new date.  How can I see a difference?

 

[BartonThinks 3,416]

2 hours ago, kathrynlacey said:

Well, I tried to scale a model, but it seems the file is the same size in bytes but with a new date.  How can I see a difference?

 

I use iLive's Reader and PIM-X to view models. Either one will allow you to look at model files, either before or after they're tweaked. Between the two, PIM-X is more user-friendly, so if you haven't used either program before, I'd probably suggest starting there. Links to both below.

PIM-X Download Link

PIM-X User Guide

Reader Download Link:

 

[rsc204 21,804]

8 hours ago, kathrynlacey said:

Well, I tried to scale a model, but it seems the file is the same size in bytes but with a new date.  How can I see a difference?

Note due to how the process is handled, file sizes shouldn’t change. The actual textures used don’t get edited at all. The model is altered, but the number of verts and associated data remains identical , even if the values are different. 

[SIM-ple Jack 17,444]

2 questions. Where is the SimCityLocale.dat that's keeping me from getting this started. I have Tweaker in the latest version of ILives, but it wont load anything unless it's some custom lot I made with a blank RCI lot. Will I have the same problem with a standalone Tweaker? How do I get what's in my plugins to load in the app?

[Silur 3,299]

I have it here: C:\Program Files\GOG Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\UKEnglsh\SimCityLocale.dat

[SIM-ple Jack 17,444]

9 hours ago, Silur said:

I have it here: C:\Program Files\GOG Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\UKEnglsh\SimCityLocale.dat

That did the trick. Thanks. Don't know why, but I think I tried the US version and it didn't work. Now I can see the Maxis stuff, but I'm having difficulty bringing in custom lots.

[rsc204 21,804]

15 hours ago, Silur said:

I have it here: C:\Program Files\GOG Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\UKEnglsh\SimCityLocale.dat

Bear in mind, this would only work if you both had the GoG version of SC4 and used the default install path. Those vary greatly, depending on where you get SC4 from. But the key thing to remember is to find where SC4 is installed, then use the correct folder name, for the language you use (red). You may have more than one folder, for example English, UKEnglsh and other languages. Most people should probably choose English over UKEnglsh, since the first is US English and the later UK English. Although since the text in both is identical, it's a moot point really, except that some versions may not include the UK folder.