Improved Shadows, and “freeintcam” returns!

The team have been working on a long list of bug fixes and tweaks and "Service Pack 1 hotfix1 beta 2" will is now available!

The existing Beta Stream patches are available from 80341, 80345 and 80349 to 80729 (the previous beta release).  The new patch is then from 80729 to 81133.

Sorry, Steam and Mac users miss out on this round of testing but will get the public release at the same time as everyone else. Each of these patches will take you to a DRM version. As with the last update, if you wish to remain on a DRM-Free build, we suggest you skip this Beta Test and just download the release version as this will keep your version DRM-Free.

We expect to release this version as a public release next week (depending on your feedback). If you have an issue that has not been addressed, and you haven't previously submitted a bug report through support.trainzportal.com, then please do so. Your detailed bug reports are the best way to ensure your issue will be fixed in an upcoming release.

So what have we been working on?

Shadows have been tweaked!

We're happy to say the majority of users will notice some significant improvements to shadows without any performance impact. There are still some trade-offs between close up and distant shadows which is a necessity when you are rendering over 200 square km of world at one time, but we're sure most of you will be very happy with these tweaks.

In-cab camera controls - back by popular demand!

Yes, that's right - the "freeintcam" functionality has returned! It appears we do listen after all :)
Turn the option on in General Settings
Use left-right-up-down arrows to move around the cab
Use Pg-Up and Pg-Down keys to move up and down in the vertical axis
Use RMB and drag to look around
Use mousewheel scroll to change Field of View

Service Pack 1, Hotfix1, Beta 2 Fixes

In addition to this list of fixes for Beta 1 we have made the following changes for beta 2:

• Major improvements to shadows:
  • Significant reduction of shadow “flickering”
  • Improvements to attachment of shadows to the base of trees at all angles
  • Shadows on train cars less affected by asset LODs
  • Added new Medium shadow option (Low plus Terrain shadows enabled)
• In cab camera control option (freeintcam) added to General Settings
• Bulk replace tool optimised
• Bulk replace tool no longer pauses using "current section only"
• Bulk replace shows progress bar for all 3 area options
• Edit session no longer forgets driver commands on reload
• “Repeat” driver command saves in Save Game (and reloads)
• Creating a new consist is now much quicker
• Save filter in Surveyor now saving correctly
• Numeric input allows backspacing and copy/paste
• CTRL-F properties box correctly populated on opening
• The camera icons shown on the menu bar now match the list
• Can now save all settings in multiplayer rule
• Users can rejoin correctly after being kicked out of a MP session
• Map Display Option Keys in Driver no longer hidden by Score interface
• Increased font size for gradient figures in mini maps
• Additional Minimap / 3D alignment fix with Heightmap option (for very hilly areas)
• Mini Map in Surveyor and Driver remembers the Map Display Options settings
• Compass shows and hides using "show compass in 3D view" toggle
• Surveyor properties more reliably undoes changes on cancellation
• Disable / Enable Content button now toggles correctly
• "Edit Session" default size no longer fullscreen and window size is remembered
• Interlocking tower user selection icon shows in Driver when required
• "Dependants" and "Dependencies" filters changed to “Dependants Include” and “Dependencies Include”
• Calendar has correct dates for 2016
• F6 key in driver hides the driver commands and does not reappear at industries
• 'Hide messages' is now the default option
• Train Tab properties tool no longer brings up 'ctrl + right click' tooltip in Driver
• Edit Route now prompts for correct save route/sessions options based upon edits
• Last route edited now selected in Route Menu
• Updates to featured asset for Routes Menu
• Surveyor reloads to saved position
• Performance preset icon in Driver reflects current state
• Steam loco cannot suddenly reverse direction
• Material naming validation improvements
• Crossing assets will now post a "Crossing","StateChanged" message to script when their internal state is changed
• MOVehicle animated bell support playing on startup
• FXText font rendering now similar between TS12 and T:ANE
• Fixed a case where trackside objects with custom properties would not show those properties in the Surveyor property edit dialog
• Constructors.NewImage(); now returns an image
• MOsignal with 4.2 or higher now showing signal lights in game
• Text in Trainz Settings window not clipped
• Fix - Opening Test Track twice causes TANE to lock up
• New engine specs can be created for payware in testtrack
• Added a "current drawn" stat to Testrack to measure amps
• Pausing no longer affects ammeter readout
• Made some adjustments to power to correct Ammeter display
• Several Healesville loco animation level of detail updates
• Added Draw Distance Cap (can be set in Edit Route and overriden by users)
• Added Compact Route option*

*Compact Route option is used during route development after repeated route merge operations or bulk operations. It will improve performance for certain functions (such as spawning assets from a portal). This function should not be used if you have created additional sessions as it will break session compatibility. This feature is definitely a beta implementation so ensure your content is backed up prior to using it.