SMM Digital
V-Scale Models for Railworks
SMM Signal Bridges Version 1- Online Manual
Authored by Jerry Conaway
Updated 2010-1205-2010
Index:
2 - Introduction
2 - Before You Install
3 - Installation
4 - How These Signals Work
5 - Signal Types
8 - Signal Naming
11 - Signal Cantilever / Bridge Installation
This asset represents trackside train traffic control signals of a type that is commonly used today in North America. Although the models were built using Norfolk Southern prototypes, bridges and cantilevers such as these can be found on almost any railroad.
The prototypes for these signals can be found at Cohutta and Reeves, Ga.
Before You Install...
Before you test this packaged asset, there are a few things you need to know:
- This is Beta version software. It has never been tested in limited release. However unlikely, there is still a possibility that it may damage your Railworks program, or even damage your computer. If you do decide to install this package, you do so at your own risk, and the developer of this Asset assumes no liability for any incident arising from it’s use or misuse.
- This version is Work In Progress, meaning it may differ in appearance and function from the final release.
- LICENSING: As of April 2, 2011, the author of this asset will allow the following uses by the End User:
- Modification of the signal shape file (GeoPcDx), texture files (TgPcDx), and .bin files in order to suit the needs of the End User and/or the Railworks community.
- Upload and distribution of the MODIFIED asset to sites that feature Railworks content or to personal websites that feature said content. The asset must still be offered free of charge, and credit must be given in the README files for the modified asset to the original author. Do not upload the original, unmodified assets, as I like to keep track of their downloads from SMMDigital.net
- Use as an attached asset, in modified or unmodified form, on freeware Railworks routes, meaning routes that are produced by an individual or individuals for distribution without monetary gain.
- Use as an attached asset, in modified or unmodified form, on payware Railworks routes, meaning routes that are produced by an individual or individuals for distribution for monetary gain. If you do use this on a payware route, please consider dropping a few coins in the SMMDigital tip jar!
The above Licensing Agreement supercedes all agreements contained within READMEs or Manuals that have been previously distributed. It is extended to the unique assets that were made for the NSAND route, but not to the route itself (i.e. you can use, change, and distribute the assets with the SMM prefix, but you cannot change or redistribute the actual route).
Known Issues
- None at time of publishing.
Installation – Signal Bridges and Cantilevers
- Find the folder where the SMM_SigBridges.zip is located. After running a virus scan on the file, unzip the contents of the file to the folder of your choice.
- Open the Railworks Packager and click on the “Install” button. Navigate to the folder where the unzipped SMM_SigBridges.rwp is located. Choose the .rwp and click on the install button again. Follow the prompts.
- After you open Railworks and the World Editor, make sure that "SMMDigital" and "RailNetwork" is checked under the Object Filter.
- You will find these Assets under the "Modern Signals" category.
Change Log
Release 1.2 Beta – 2010-1205
- Rebuilt Cantilevers to height as per prototype specifications. Built signals bridges up to 6 tracks across.
Release 1.2 Beta – 2010-1124
- Cantilever 1 and Signal Bridge 1 release alongside SafeTrans signal package.
Signal Types
This package contains several different assets to meet most of your signaling needs. These bridges are static objects and do not include signals, which must be installed seperately.
SafeTran cantilever in "fresh paint", 2 tracks.
Generic cantilever in "fresh paint" and weathered/dirty, 2 tracks.
Signal bridges, "fresh paint" and weatherd/dirty, 2-6 tracks. (Default bridge pictured for comparison and is not included in the download).
Signal Naming
The signals, once installed, will be located under the "Track Infrastructure" category. The names will be "SMM_SigSTCantilever", "SMM_SigCantilever", or "SMM_SigBridge*trk", where the "*" denotes the number of tracks. If the asset name is followed by "Wheathered" then the asset has been "roughed up" to give it a used-outdoor appearance.
Signal Cantilever / Bridge Installation
To make these assets fully operational, you will need signals to go on them. You can use the default signals in Railworks by attaching the "Head" signals meant for Gantries to any vertical post on the signal bridge. However, these bridges were made to work with the gantry objects used in the SMM_Griswold and SMM_SafeTran signal packs. To use these signals (downloaded seperately), follow these simple steps for installation.
- Choose a signal cantilever or bridge from the Signal Object filter.
- Place the asset in the middle of the track and rotate until you are satisfied with the asset alignment. The bridges are built on a 1.5' concrete pad, so you have a little bit of leeway with the vertical movement as well.
- Choose one of the desired Griswold gantry signals from the Object Filter, place on the tracks, and link as necessary.
- Raise the signal up to the height of the bridge and rotate into it's final position.
- Using the bar "clamps" on the back of the signal gantry post, position the signal so that the clamps are on the bridge bars. The clamps are aligned so that when they are in the right position, they clamp both the top and bottom bar.
- NOTE: The original gantry signals that came with the SMM_Griswold trackside signals do not have the clamps on the back. All current downloads of this signal have them, and an upgrade fix is available for users who have already downloaded and started using this signal. Be aware though that the updated gantry signals are two feet taller than the originals, so you will have to make adjustments to them if you have already installed them.
- For the SafeTran gantry signals, repeat the same procedure, but when placing the signals on the bridge, the junction boxes should rest on top of top and bottom catwalks. You may have to juxtapose a bit to make sure the extension arms are not running through a diagonal brace bar.
- - F2 the World Editor to save your results.
Conclusion
If you have comments or suggestions concerning this project, please contact me at betatesting@smmdigital.net. I will not answer postings or private messages left through Forums or other web portals. Due to the volume of mail, and the fact that I do have a life outside of simming, I will not be able to answer every piece of mail that I receive.