Moving the Tracking Camera

[Train-a-Mania]

For the new version, could the tracking camera (#4) be moved around using the arrow keys like it does in MSTS?

[seagoon]

For the new version, could the tracking camera (#4) be moved around using the arrow keys like it does in MSTS?

Nick, just hit the 8 key (*8) and you have a moveable tracking camera.
In fact, you can move it to wherever you like.

BK

[Train-a-Mania]

Nick, just hit the 8 key (*8) and you have a moveable tracking camera.
In fact, you can move it to wherever you like.

BK

I'm talking about the #4 view where the camera isn't moving but follows the train as it passes.

[seagoon]

I'm talking about the #4 view where the camera isn't moving but follows the train as it passes.

Nick, the arrow keys do nothing when in the #4 camera view......well, not for me they don't.
Repeated pressing of the #4 key relocates the viewpoint but the arrows do zilch.

Which is why I suggest that what you want to do is easily accomplished with the #8 camera in OR.

Bruce

[Train-a-Mania]

Nick, the arrow keys do nothing when in the #4 camera view......well, not for me they don't.
Repeated pressing of the #4 key relocates the viewpoint but the arrows do zilch.

Which is why I suggest that what you want to do is easily accomplished with the #8 camera in OR.

Bruce

#8 doesn't lock onto the train. My point is that I would like to see the #4 view move with the arrow keys like it does in MSTS.

[seagoon]

#8 doesn't lock onto the train. My point is that I would like to see the #4 view move with the arrow keys like it does in MSTS.

Sorry for being so obtuse but I just can't grasp your point.

In MSTS, if you first go into the #4 view, you are positioned at the side of the track (in most cases) and the train heading towards you.
Pressing the up, down, left or right arrow keys does nothing, but repeated pressing of the #4 key simply relocates the tracking view.
Using Ctrl+Shift+9 then frees the camera's tracking so that you can rotate it "on the tripod", so-to-speak.
But the arrow keys are still ineffectual.

In OR, the #4 key operates in the same manner and the #8 key now enables the camera to be moved wherever the user likes.

Therefore I can't quite get your line of thought when, in OR, we already have far more flexibility than what is offered in vanilla MSTS.

Bruce

[CNW 5099]

I think he may have a different cam.cfg file.

[woody]

More than likely he does as I do and I too would like to see this added to OpenRails if at all possible. It allows you to zoom waaaay out and it still tracks the train. Another added benefit is that it stays locked onto the train while you bump the arrow keys to get the camera exactly where you want it. Makes for great railfanning views in MSTS. Something sorely lacking in all other sims.

Here's a copy of my camcfg.dat file in MSTS. It is camhack 4.2 and was created by by Richard J.

If I am not supposed to post this here please let me know and I will remove it. I figured some would like to get a look at it to see how it differs from the original.


SIMISA@@@@@@@@@@JINX0C0t______

Skip (

CAMHACK version 4.2
Modified by Richard J (aka richard222)

)

camera ( CamTypeCab
CamType ( CamTypeCab CamControlviewSwitch)

Fov ( 60)
ZClip ( 5 )
WagonNum ( 0 )

CameraOffset ( 0.2 3.2 0 )

Description (Cab_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeFrontTracking
CamType ( CamTypeFrontTracking CamControlTethered)

Fov ( 36 )
ZClip ( 0.9 )
WagonNum ( 0 )

CameraOffset ( -12.5 13 -50 )
ObjectOffset ( 0.2 1.1 2.0)

Description (Tracking_Cam_1)
)

camera ( CamTypeRearTracking
CamType ( CamTypeRearTracking CamControlTethered )

Fov ( 35)
ZClip ( 7.0 )
WagonNum ( -1 )

CameraOffset ( -20 45 26 -210 )
ObjectOffset ( 1.3 2.2 3.1)

Description (Tracking_Cam_2)
)

camera ( CamTypePassenger
CamType ( CamTypePassenger CamControlRotate )

CameraOffset ( 1.046 2.14 4.506 )
Direction ( 0 0 0 )
RotationLimit ( 60 360 0 )

Fov ( 35 )
ZClip ( 0.5 )
WagonNum ( -1 )
ObjectOffset ( 1.1 0.0 1.1)

Description (Passenger_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeSpotter
CamType ( CamTypeSpotter CamControlFull )

Fov ( 35)
ZClip ( 2 )
WagonNum ( -0.9 )

ObjectOffset ( -1.1 2.2 1.2.1)

Description (Spotter_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeDerail
CamType ( CamTypeDerail CamControlFull )

Fov ( 90)
ZClip ( 0.9 )
WagonNum ( 0 )

Direction ( 30 180 0 )
CameraOffset ( 0 20 0 )
ObjectOffset ( 0 0 -50)

Description (Derail_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeCoupling
CamType ( CamTypeCoupling CamControlTethered )

Fov ( 50 )
ZClip ( 0.1 )
WagonNum ( 2 )

CameraOffset ( 6.6.6.6 6.6.6.6 6. )
Direction ( 0 90 0 )
Rotation ( 180 360 180 )

Description (Coupling_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeYard
CamType ( CamTypeYard CamControlFull )

Fov ( 70)
ZClip ( 2 )
WagonNum ( 0 )

Description (Yard_Cam)
)

camera ( CamTypeHeadout
CamType ( CamTypeHeadout CamControlFull )

Fov ( 30)
ZClip ( 0.9 )
WagonNum ( 0 )

Direction ( 0 0 0 )
RotationLimit ( 0 540 0 )

Description (Headout_Cam)
)

[seagoon]

Ahaaa!
Thanks, lads. I was starting to doubt my own installation of MSTS!

I'll try that hack, Woody......thanks for posting it.

Bruce

UPDATE:
I don't like the fixed Headout view so have replaced that with the default, but all else is great.
Thanks again.

[muskokaandtahoe]

One of the ideas I've proposed for OR is Camera sets. Rather than one set of cameras for keys 1-8, multiple sets, each using 1-8 cameras.

For example, a railfan set: 1-8 cameras, with preset locations, that work like the existing Camera #4, Add rotate and vertical move at a minimum. A Front-Rear tracking set, starting w/ preset locations that work like cameras 2, and 3... only instead of just 2 cameras that work that way, you get up to 8... four positions at each end. And so on. Something like that would allow for many sets -- a waay up high "Helicopter" set for instance that's like the tracking set I've already described..

As for switching between sets, I've suggest a very thin line of icons to click on.

Dunno if it'll ever come to be but I think it could answer for everyone's unique preferences.

[Train-a-Mania]

Sorry for the confusion, Bruce. I modified my camcfg file so long ago I forgot it was modified.

I like your suggestion Dave. I hope the team will implement it.

[seagoon]

Sorry for the confusion, Bruce. I modified my camcfg file so long ago I forgot it was modified.

No worries, Nick.
I've done a similar thing - gone into .WAG files, change the sounds then when I've needed to reinstall, totally forgotten that I changed them so have to do it all over again!

Bruce

[OTTODAD]

All viewing cameras in a Train Simulator should have a 360° fish-eye range, zoomable with the mouse wheel, not having to turn-off the Num-Lock and all Cursor Pad arrow keys function without and with Ctrl for raising and lowering the view like in the MSTS Route Editor !

Here is the MSTS Ctrl-Shift-9 function working in outside camera views and partly in the #4 camera view, the latter not responding to Cursor Pad arrow keys:

http://www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/video/msts-fish-eye-camera.wmv
Alt-Enter to view Full-Screen.

The #8 camera is detached from the player train, does not move with it but can move on it's own.

Viewing options are convoluted in most simulators, MS-FS-X not being an exception !

O t t o

[seagoon]

[COLOR=#000000]All viewing cameras in a Train Simulator should have ...etcetera

Should have?
That's your personal wish, Otto, but it may not be everybody's.
And with OR under continual development there are those of us who like to see other aspects of the sim - namely operational features -actually taking priority over glitz.

You have to have the cake baked before the icing is applied, Otto.

Bruce