RCT3 Custom Scenery Importer Links & Tutorials

[Belgabor]

Hello everybody,

As hinted we have now moved all development of the custom scenery importer to SourceForge. This means:

New version will be available in the download section there, the last changelog on our homepage.
All bug reports should go to the bug tracker there.
All feature requests should go to the feature request tracker there. Please be sensible :)
You can also ask for help there, but it's probably better to do so here.


Links:
Home page (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/)
Changelog (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/changelog.html)
Project page (http://sourceforge.net/projects/rct3/)
Trackers (http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=181524)
Custom Scenery Installation Tutorial (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/install_cs.html)
Beginner's Tutorial English (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner_tutorial.html) / French (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner_tutorial.fr.html) / Discussion thread (http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549603)
Advanced Tutorial (incomplete) (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/advanced_tutorial.html)

Downloads (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=181524)

Note: New releases will still get their own release thread so all team members can advertise it without me needing to update the title of this thread.

[marnetmar]

This sounds excellent Belgabor :up: :up: Thanks for the updated information & updated importer.

[Belgabor]

Beginner's Tutorial (http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner%20tutorial.html) created.
Please post all comments on it in the specific thread I created for it (http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549603).

[RCT-Spanky]

Any news on version 18 of the importer? BTW: The importer works perfect with Vista.

[Belgabor]

Not really, nothing to show :p
I'm currently working on a project for myself (something I wanted to do for almost a year now), but I'll get back to the importer soonish.

[scit445]

good job m8 :)

[Crispylad]

witch one is the thing you make the objects?

[surfingoz]

This is the importer, you do not make your object in this. You need to make you object in a 3D modeling program such as Milkshape, Blender, Sketchup or any other 3D modeling program. If you click the link in my signature you will find heaps of tutorials that will teach you how to make normal CS, Shops/Stalls, Park Entrances, Benches etc. If you follow the link you will also find a list of everything you need to create CS.

[ronjon]

i dont even get your tutorial on how to import stuff into the game HELP ME PLEASE

[wabigbear]

i dont even get your tutorial on how to import stuff into the game HELP ME PLEASE


I responded to your other thread.

[bondybronx]

i not speak english.
comment mettre des effet(lumiere...) ds les objet avec sketchup
please.

[mattatt14]

Does the importer work ok with windows vista?

[Belgabor]

I guess so, nobody complained. But why would you want to run it in Microsoft's spyware-enhanced crippleware?

[mattatt14]

because my computer is vista:eek:

[Belgabor]

Get XP. Protect your privacy.
Gosh, sounds like a MS advert =)

[shyguy]

I'm using the latest version of the importer. (I think) v17fix2. The "no shadow" button doesn't seem to work. Is there a work around, or is there a new version that does work?

[LightGrenades]

I'm using the latest version of the importer. (I think) v17fix2. The "no shadow" button doesn't seem to work. Is there a work around, or is there a new version that does work?


I am having the same issue as well.

[mattatt14]

Get XP. Protect your privacy.
Gosh, sounds like a MS advert =)
getting xp isn't cheap, and I like windows vista. I've gotten used to it with time.:p

[CodeWord]

I Tryed for like 2 hours to figure it out with the tutorial but i dont know where to start because i have already made a sketchup creation and i cant figure out how to use imprter.

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[guitarist4life]

well, im starting to make custom scenery, but my only problem is i download the importer, unzip all files, open up the importer,t han i closed the folder with all the imporer files. so the next day, i come back, and i ope up the importer, it says "libOVL.dlll cannot be found" or something of the sorts, whats up with this?

[Belgabor]

well, im starting to make custom scenery, but my only problem is i download the importer, unzip all files, open up the importer,t han i closed the folder with all the imporer files. so the next day, i come back, and i ope up the importer, it says "libOVL.dlll cannot be found" or something of the sorts, whats up with this?

If you extracted all files to the same directory it should work. If not, it's probably some Vista idiocy.

[hhaney]

I have just started to research CS for RCT3 and am using Blender as modelling program. I created a simple 3H wall and would like to apply 1 texture to 1 side of the wall and a second texture to the other side of the wall. How do I do this and then how do I use the Importer to do this?

Your help on this request will be freatly appreciated.

[sr3d]

^Uvmapping

[Belgabor]

I have just started to research CS for RCT3 and am using Blender as modelling program. I created a simple 3H wall and would like to apply 1 texture to 1 side of the wall and a second texture to the other side of the wall. How do I do this and then how do I use the Importer to do this?

Your help on this request will be freatly appreciated.

Make everything that needs separate textures separate objects in blender. Those will show up as separate meshes in the importer and you can apply different textures to them.

[hhaney]

Thanks - I'll try it.

[Anubislive]

Great Tutorial, I got so much further with that help, one thing keeps happening to me though, the objects where the hight is smaller then the width en depth seem to be imported on their side, i checked your tutorial again and again, but i didn't find a way to change that problem.... I hope someone has a answer for me...keep in mind , english is not my own language, so please keep it as simple as possible! thanks in advance! and if it help[s; im yousing sketchup

[Belgabor]

This has nothing to do with the dimensions, it's a matter of difference in the coordinate system your modeller uses and RCT3's.
Review
http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner_tutorial.html#sect15
http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner_tutorial.html#sect222

[Anubislive]

Yeah i thought it was in one of those tutorials...but i don't know where to start looking, do i need to change something in the transformation matrix or in the size measurements? thnx for reacting so soon btw belgabor!

EDIT- Found it: I had to change the Transformation matrix to "fix orientation" (trying this was a long shot so i got lucky!) thnx anyway Belgabor!

[dmillsop94]

It keeps crashing when I add an icon texture.

[railmanz]

I tried to rct 3 importer for my box test. It'sn't work through to install.. I still confision your tutorial....


Railmanz

[Obie]

I just wanted to say thanks. I use Milkshape for my Sims2 meshing and can't wait to try some CS for RCT3. Wish me luck.:) I've already checked out the link in your signature and downloaded the import/export software.

My first success! Okay so it's just a cube and the texture isn't as sharp as I would like but so what, it's in there, the game didn't explode and I'm rather pleased with myself, it's a start. I had a rather bizzarre little glitch though, every time I tried to add my .bmp texture in the texture manager, Windows would shut down the importer/exporter program. I switched it to .png and it was fine. Strange.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8021/cubeme0.jpg

[hhaney]

I like all the tutorials, but can someone out there give me a tutorial on how to animate scenery that activates based on trak assignments like the Cook's Doors CS set?

I would appreciate this very musch.

Regards

[Takacs]

I have a few problems, if anyone can help me as I'm new to this..

I'm using Sketchup 6 pro to make custom scenery.

1. My cube I did doesnt align with the grid, its centred on a line when its supposed to be fixed on 1 full tile. (And it also starts half in the ground so I have to hold shift and bring it up.

2. I used the importer and installed file, I opened in game and it showed up how I saved it. But I can't find it anywhere in my Style/Themed folder, and I would like to remove it.

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks..

[FlyingDutchman7]

^nr.1: Do you have plugins? (I hope this is the same with Sketchup pro)

[Takacs]

Yes, I have the plugins for Sketchup where you can pick Full tile, half tile, quarter tile etc, I made the cube exactly aligned to the grid for full tile.

Maybe it was something to do with the importer, Alot of the things i didn't understand, like what alot of the names I had to put was for what different bits, and I ended up having the group name for the cube the same name as the actual cube I created. I could take screenshots for you if that would help you understand what I am saying. :-)

[elljhitch]

You must have done the SID settings wrong when importing and its halway in the ground because you didn't fix the co-ordination when creating the .ovl. And, yes, pics please.

[Takacs]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/Takacs/Help1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/Takacs/Help2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/Takacs/Help3.jpg

If you could help me out with what I need to put in the importer that would be nice, I used the tutorial but It was confusing in a couple of places and I'm also not sure what some things mean and do.

[elljhitch]

What tutorial did you use?

[Takacs]

http://rct3.sourceforge.net/tutorials/beginner_tutorial.html

That one.

And do you have any idea why this object isn't appearing in Style/Themed? I've even done a search for it, and nothing. But its in the game.

[Vodhin]

1: you have probably modeled the cube so it is centered in the modeling program- centered vertically (2 unites below, 2 units above). Simple move the cube up 2 units in the modeling program.

2: you probably have the placement setting to "Wall" instead of "Full Tile" which will move the object over by 2 units and also force rotation based on the poisiton of the mouse pointer.

3: To make groups, you have to have a special Text String for the group name as well as a name for each piece. Groups also MUST use the same Icon for the group settings (as opposed to the icons for the scenery pieces themselves). Example:

your Text String list should be something like this:

Group Name
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
etc...

When you set up your Scenerys' SID (That's the scenery button, and SID might best be understood as "Scenery Information Data") each item in a particular group should have the same Text String for the group name and the same Icon for group icon.

If you use a different icon in the group icon setting, it will appear as a new group (even if the name is the same).


As for the missing install: You must figure out where it is. in order to develop a set, you will need to delete previous install attempts prior to installing a newer version: especially if you rename a text string, rename icons, and or delete scenery pieces / re-create scenery pieces with new OVL names. The importer will NOT remove existing pieces or update names, and you will end up with the dreaded "No SVD for SID" error (which is what happens when there are OVLs in the folder, but the theme either does not list them anymore or the place that they exist is now different).

If you are using VISTA, and you have multiple User Accounts, you will need to read up on "Taking Ownership of files and folders" and "Virtual Store" over at the Microsoft website, and perhaps a few other "File Manager" related articles- support.microsoft.com is a place to start.

[Takacs]

I am using Vista yes. I've got permission on all my folders, I have hidden folders and files viewable, searched and everything, nothing at all, Its doing my head in.. And I really don't want to re-install everything. Any ideas why I can't see it? :S I just installed it from the importer and its in game but I can't see the file. :/

Thanks for the help so far.

[Takacs]

I still need help on this, I even removed all files in the style/themed folder and it still shows up with my cube in the game? :S

[Vodhin]

Please be careful- the rules here at this website say that you cannot post again unitl someone else replies (AKA no double posting).

You need to learn about using vista, about "virtual store" and "file/folder ownership" (this is a new feature of Vista- tell me what it is and I'll believe you have actually set your "permissions" correctly).

Also, make sure that your "Working" folder- where you are saving the file that the importer is working with- is not in any RCT3 folder, not in the program files folders, not in the documents folders, not in the pictures or video folders... You working folders are best located directly off you your hard drive. For example, I have my sets' working folders in a main folder called "RCT3Models" that is directly on the C drive...

[Takacs]

I am sorry for double-posting. What do you mean tell you what it is and you will believe I have my permissions correctly? I don't understand exactly what your telling me.. I don't know what this Vista Virtual Store is? And I do not know where this importer is saving stuff to? I pressed Install and It just did it. It didn't ask me where.

Edit: Aha! I found something, I went into C:/Users/[Myuser]/Appdata/Local/Virtualstore/Programfiles/Atari/rct3

And I found there my folder containing my file. But I don't understand why it is here? The importer automatically did this?? Could you explain to me what I need to do with the importer to make it so it installs directly to a folder on the c drive like you said? And is it ok for me to delete my folder in the virtualstore file? Thanks.

[Vodhin]

Vista did that, not the importer. You'll need to read up on using Vista, setting programms to have certain access levels based on your computer's configuration and your needs.

If you are ever in need of help with Windows, just press F1...

[Takacs]

Ok, Thanks alot for the help Vodhin. :-)

Edit: Everything works as it should now, I've taken control of all my folders and files, I've re-done the cube, used the importer again, saved it and it installed right to style/themed this time, the names are right.. Like the group name and then the scenery item name. Went into game it was in the correct placement. So I dunno what I did last time where I made it go into the ground and centred. Anyway, I appreciate the help you've given me :P and can I just say that Vista sucks. (not that everyone didn't know that already). 8)

[Leeds]

I'm curious, which importer do I get as I'm using Vista and SketchUp 6 (not Pro version), and wish to be able to export directly into OVL from SketchUp. Is there any way I can do this, and would someone give me a link to the exact file I need to download please? (if ya give me a link to a group of files, I'll be stumped) This would be greatly appreciated, and yes I do understand about the VirtualStore (I actually install custom scenery directly into there due to the fact I'm not an admin, CS works fine!).

[Belgabor]

There is no such importer. You always have to export from SU to ASE and load that into the importer to create OVLs.

[Vodhin]

Ok, Thanks alot for the help Vodhin. :-)

Edit: Everything works as it should now, I've taken control of all my folders and files, I've re-done the cube, used the importer again, saved it and it installed right to style/themed this time, the names are right.. Like the group name and then the scenery item name. Went into game it was in the correct placement. So I dunno what I did last time where I made it go into the ground and centred. Anyway, I appreciate the help you've given me :P and can I just say that Vista sucks. (not that everyone didn't know that already). 8)


You're welcome. Except for the User account control (and, oddly enough, I never had to get around virtual store, it was never implemented on my computer) I actually prefer Vista over XP Pro. I've allways been one to pay attention to what's happening behind the scenes in an OS, and Vista has better tools for keeping an eye on things.

anyway, I'm glad things are working out for you now, and I look forward to seeing what you develop for RCT3.

[VampireSundae]

Okay I'm messing around with the CS tuts and I've gotten to using the importer but the Edit Scenery Settings window won't close/save. When I press okay like the tut tells me to, nothing happens at all. And if I press cancel or close the window, naturally, I have to enter everything over again. :weird: I followed the tut to the T so I don't know what's going on.

[kamyk]

I had the same prob. Make sure all the boxes listed as unknowns, color, etc, including the one called supports all have numbers in them - 0 if you have no reason to use any of them. Every entry form in the scenery settings has to be filled in with something, except the flags check boxes.

[VampireSundae]

Perfect! Thank you!

EDIT: Do I have to make more than one scenery.ovl for each item? When I tried to create it for all of my items at once because they all have the same texture, it popped up and said that all but the first weren't going to be written to the file...

[kamyk]

YVW :)

As for what you just asked? If I understand the question right, yes each new object must have it's own .ovl file I believe... as each object also has to have it's own scenery setting, and if you only use one .ovl for all your objects then you couldn't set scenery settings for each object...

There are instances in which more than one .ase file goes into an .ovl but that is for things like objects with moving parts, more than one part, different levels of detail, etc. (Don't quote me on that, I just started 3 weeks ago myself).

[VampireSundae]

Thanks! Again, very helpful. I also looked at some CS that I have installed and realized that in the actual file is just an abundance of .ovl files for each item so I just wanted to make sure. :)

I didn't realize how much work went into making and importing. :bulb:

[Parkelch]

I decided to do CSO as well and stumbled over the same problem as Takacs.
My cube is laying in the middle of 2 RCT tiles.
Besides that, my wall is laying flat.

I always clicked on "Fix Orientation".

I studied all tutorials and played around with the settings today, but I can't find a solution that helps, so I hope someone of you will tell me. :noob:

http://www.felix-krueckau.de/Shot0088.jpg

Used software:
Blender 2.49
RCT3 Object Importer (v17fix3)

[StarBP]

When using the Importer version 18 beta 2 (or OVLMake 0.5), there is an error saying that mingwm10.dll was not found. Vodhin, please add the DLL extracted from this .zip file (http://starcalc.110mb.com/rct3/mingwm10.zip) into the Importer and OVLMake packages. It isn't nice to make people Google just to be able to use a program you made. ;)

Also, Parkelch, this post by Vodhin may help you:

you probably have the placement setting to "Wall" instead of "Full Tile" which will move the object over by 2 units and also force rotation based on the poisiton of the mouse pointer.

[RCT3Callum]

If I want an object to snap to the edge of a tile should I be using a Full tile placement? I'm currently using quarter and it won't snap to the edge.
I guess it's not Wall due to the above post, but should I try full tile?

[StarBP]

If I want an object to snap to the edge of a tile should I be using a Full tile placement? I'm currently using quarter and it won't snap to the edge.
I guess it's not Wall due to the above post, but should I try full tile?

It depends. What kind of object? Pictures, please.

[RCT3Callum]

Not to advertise, but it's easier this way, it's my Clocks set. They're a panel (1,2,4x 0y 1,2,4z) with an alpha texture. I'd like them to fit against a wall. :)

[Vodhin]

Positioning in the Importer:

Full Tile= center of modeling program is center of RCT3 square
1/4 Tile = center of modeling program is offset by 1 modeling unit in X and Y (or X and Z in Milkshape).

How you model the object in relation to the center of the modeling program AND the setting used in the importer both affect how the model gets positioned in game.

Wall setting is used to align the center of the modeling program to the edge of the RCT3 grid: to use Wall, you need to have the object centered in the modeling program- if it doesn't seem to work, rotate it 90 degrees in the modeling program and re-import.

And, BTW, StarBP- I didn't write the Importer (I did make a number of suggestions to the interface layout and whatnot) it was written by Jonwil, updated by DragonsIOA, and further modified by Belgabor and The_Cook.

[floridamonkeybo]

Hey Man I went there and tryed downloading it and I extrackted all the files and clicked install but it said it could not find the publisher. PLEASE HELP

[vuurwerkgast]

Hello,

I have a question about the importer.
I have made some objects and installed in Rct3 but al the objects are spread over the list...
Does someone know how to put them al into one group.
Such like this:
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3866/rct3vraag.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/rct3vraag.jpg/) http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/rct3vraag.jpg/1/w1024.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img25/rct3vraag.jpg/1/)

I really need your help.

[Oreon]

Vuurwerkgast, what you haven't done is create a text string for your scenery set, and by text string i just mean what it's called. So you might have text strings for all your objects but you need one for the name of your scenery set. And if you want, an icon texture.
Then in the scenery creator menu ('edit scenery settings'), in the 'Group' section - should be arranged like this:

Group Disable [check box]
Icon *text bar..................................* *drop down arrow*
Name Strring *text bar...........................* *drop down arrow*

Selet the icon that you'll use to go next to the name of your scenery set (but it's not exactly necessary you can use the icon you used for one of your objects)

Then in the Name String box, choose the name of your set. As long as you added it in the text strings part of the importer like you did with your objects, it should be there.
If all objects have the same group text string, they will all be in one group. So select the name of your set as the group text string.

Otherwise, they all have different group text strings and are effectively in their own sets.

[vuurwerkgast]

Thanks Oreon,
Now can i begin making CSO packs.
Greetz Mike :D