.dds texture viewing questions

[qballbandit]

Hello,
I admit I know next to nothing about these files other than that they are more and more being used for OR train releases.
I use XnView to view the textures, but wanted to understand - do these .dds textures have alpha channels, and if so, how do I know they do?
Also, what is the best way to view the shapes that have .dds textures to see how my engine or wagon looks?

Thanks very much,

[ebnertra000]

I use paint.net, and while I have yet to try it, it can view .dds textures directly, without modification. As to viewing them on a model, I don't know, since that's out of Shape Viewer's league

[R. Steele]

Does goku's CE view dds textures?

[GokuMK]

Yes. You can use TSRE to view .dds and OR freightanims.

[ossie]

Yes. You can use TSRE to view .dds and OR freightanims.

I only recently downloaded TSRE and will spend some time learning how it works during my holidays Goku, but does it have the facility to take thumbnail shots like RR, and if not, will you add that feature at some point in time?

[burgerbern]

i use a free program called DXTBmp its just like TGA tools in its operation where you open the DDS file and can send to your chosen drawing program, it also shows the alpha layers just like TGA tools as well

you can find it here http://www.mwgfx.co.uk/programs/dxtbmp.htm

link for download at bottom of the page, i can highly recomend it

[qballbandit]

Thanks Bernard, and the rest

Old habits...I am so used to clicking shape files to view my new engines/wags, that this .dds file stuff took the wind out of my sails when I received my recent Trainsimulations NS packs

[GokuMK]

but does it have the facility to take thumbnail shots like RR, and if not, will you add that feature at some point in time?

If you want to "shot" image of the rolling stock to clipboard, or disk, you can.
If you are thinking about msts thumbnails used by MSTS AE, or other old MSTS tools then - no. TSRE will never allow for that, because TSRE uses realtime 3D preview - no need for ugly thumbnails, and no need to use old tools for MSTS, because you can use TSRE instead.

[R. Steele]

Using MSTS_Check v1.2 (msts_check.zip - Ged Saunders ) with TSRE CE will also provide many of the missing file tests provided by other consist utilities. Not as convenient, but very workable.

[GokuMK]

TSRE CE has some tests for missing files.
If there is need for more, I can add new functions, but no one requested it.
... oh, crstagg requested for more, but he didn't specifed what he wants.

[R. Steele]

Goku, at this time I wouldn't devote too much energy/time to adding more testing features, there are enough other utilities out there to compensate for that. From what I'm reading in the threads, folks would probably like more effort devoted to producing instructions/manuals for the CE and AE. ( I did read your post about the CE manual/instructions by years end or so...good for you, thank you)
Also I'm finding I cannot abide having the AE mashed up with the RE, too confusing. I really don't need to see all that RE stuff.
I actually like the schematic view presented in the MSTS AE much better than the 3D view.
To me an ideal would be the your GUI with a schematic representation of the route with the ability to view schematically
1. All sidings and platforms
2. Signals and Switches
3. Roads or anything else that crosses the tracks
4. Simple schematic representation of buildings adjacent to sidings.
5. ActivityObject ID number
6. and of course the usual - reverse points, waiting points, messages, etc.
Not a realistic request, I know, just an outlier opinion.

Maybe I haven't worked with the AE enough, but it just appears too "squirrely" for my tastes, like whatever I touch will damage something in the route. Well, see...perhaps my naive opinion will change once I have the chance to devote more time to explore it.

One thing, when you get the loose consist list, there is no way to reference back the Act file...no loose consist ID numbers, at least I haven't found a way to show them?

Really, I don't know enough or have had enough experience with it to even make intelligent suggestions. Pay no attention to me!