How to uncompress S files ?

[lvlender]

seems I keep tripping across readme files that direct me to modify 's' files. Example...

Uncompress each S file and rename the Ace file to

BO_C40-8_7587.ace
BO_C40-8_7588.ace
CO_C40-8_7589.ace
CO_C40-8_7590.ace
CO_C40-8_7585.ace
CO_C40-8_7586.ace

Recompress S file.

Is there a tutorial or WIKI on how to do this? Pehaps someone could porvide guidance?🤔

[yellowdog]

Shape file manager

https://www.trainsim.com/forums/filelib-search-fileid?fid=78928

[eric]

You can also use FFEdit Sub v1.2

https://www.trainsim.com/forums/filelib-search-fileid?fid=87969

It's not necessary to re-compress the file unless you want to. I tend not to recompress shapefiles for rolling stock.

[lvlender]

Hi Eric,

used that utility you pointed me to (thanks!). I groped around in the utility and was successful in uncompressing one of the 'S' files I am supposed to make changes to. Per the readme file in the locomotive install, I am to change the name of an ACE file that the 'S' file is pointing to. I dutifully scoured the 'S' file but, don't find any reference to an Ace FILE. Where should I be looking?

[eric]

Search for the word "image" --- that should list any ACE or DDS files used by the shapefile.

[OmenRotcod]

Eric, I've noticed that if I don't re-compress the shape file, the loco/wagon does not show up in the sim (Activity). Has anyone else noticed this?

David

[lvlender]

Hi Eric,

yes, I did a search of the word, image, and got the following...

images ( 3
image ( UP_C40-8_9159.dds )
image ( C40_Interior.dds )
image ( C40_Windows.dds )

I'm confused. Does the 'S' files optionally use either ACE or DDS files to display the engine's 'skin'? Should I be renaming the DDS file to the name(s) that the download's readme instructions say?

BTW, the engine download I am attempting to install is Trainsim File ID 82171. I noted that the sumitter of File ID 82171 has UP_C40-8_9159.dds as part of the install package. I may be thick but, just changing the title of a file does not alter its contents, right? How does the author expect me to change the skin to the correct C&O colors ?

As a preliminary test I placed the C&O files into my D:\Train_Simulation Routes\TRAINS\TRAINSET folder. The engine displayed in my TRES Consist Editor as a typical UP colors with 9159 as its I.D. I am awaiting your help before I start altering the uncompressed 'S' file...

[pwillard]

Eric, I've noticed that if I don't re-compress the shape file, the loco/wagon does not show up in the sim (Activity). Has anyone else noticed this?

I can't say I've ever experienced compressing shape files as being required.

[eric]

I'm confused. Does the 'S' files optionally use either ACE or DDS files to display the engine's 'skin'? Should I be renaming the DDS file to the name(s) that the download's readme instructions say?

Yes... for the one texture mentioned, change the S to refer to the applicable ACE filename as an ACE. Leave the interior and windows textures untouched as DDS.

ORTS should be capable of rendering mixed ACE and DDS within the same shapefile.

[lvlender]

Hi Eric,

the file you instructed me to find is, in fact, a DDS file already. So should I change the DDS files title from UP_C40-8_9159.dds to BO_C40-8_7587.DDS ? And when I do, how will that change the color of the engine from UP orange to B&O solid dark blue?

C40 locomotive.jpg

[lvlender]

OKAY, I got it. What the author of File ID 82171 intended was for the image line inside the 'S' file to be changed from UP_C40-8_9159.DDS to BO_C40-8_7587.ace. He does supply both files in his download. Once I renamed the file to the ACE file, everything displayed okay.
BTW, as a safety measure I opted to re-compress the 'S' file. That utility tool is sure neat. Thanks for sharing it with me. Have a great evening.

[oper190]

Eric, I've noticed that if I don't re-compress the shape file, the loco/wagon does not show up in the sim (Activity). Has anyone else noticed this?

Yes I've experienced the same issue. They do not display in OR nor in Shape Viewer. Apparently MSTS was more forgiving in that regard as they would display there.

[eric]

I've seen Shapeviewer and OR choke on uncompressed files where the encoding wasn't correct i.e. not in Unicode.

That said, 100% of the testing I do on buildings, rolling stock and track systems I've built are uncompressed, and I've yet to see that happen when the encoding is correct.

[bootednancy]

Uncompressed S files chew up a LOT of memory space..............look at a compressed file.....maybe 60-80 mb...........Uncompress the same file and it will be over 2000 mb
When done editing, COMPRESS THE FILE

[eric]

Sure, it's a best practice. But... when you're testing something out, it's also an unneeded nuisance.