For narrow-gauge or long articulated locomotives, you need swinging coupler faces. SFM allows you to add a pivot point modifier to the front and rear couplers so they turn on sharp curves. Category D: File Repair & Conversion (The "Lifesaver") 15. Corrupted Unicode to Binary Conversion Sometimes a shape file saved in "Unicode" format crashes MSTS. SFM converts it to Binary format, which loads 30% faster and is more stable. In fact, always convert to Binary before final packaging.
The best thing you can do with SFM is convert a summer-only locomotive to run in all 4 seasons. By copying the shape file and renaming the texture paths from Main.ace to Main_win.ace or Main_aut.ace , you create a fully seasonal fleet. Part 3: Step-by-Step – A Quick Start Guide to Your First "Best" Fix Let’s walk through Use #16 (Batch Renaming) , one of the most practical "best" features. msts shape file manager 25 best
Over time, .s files become fragmented. Using the Load and Save cycle in SFM rewrites the file structure, removing byte-padding that Open Rails sometimes chokes on. Category C: Animation & Mechanics (The "Gadgeteer") 10. Adding Wipers (Animation Matching) The "best" hidden feature is synchronizing wiper animations. If your wipers move too fast, SFM allows you to edit the animation matrix speed variable to match the real-life blink rate of the rain selector. For narrow-gauge or long articulated locomotives, you need
Some old models have a dummy [internal] reference that causes a crash. SFM lets you delete the entire internal section via the Edit -> Delete Selected menu. Category E: Advanced Modeling Tricks (The "Pro Level") 20. Creating "Flat" Billboard Trees Route builders: SFM can rotate a flat square polygon to always face the camera (Billboard mode). You modify the TexQuad parameters to enable RotationDelta so your tree lines look 3D from any angle. Corrupted Unicode to Binary Conversion Sometimes a shape
To make a loco’s headlights glow realistically, you need an Additive Alpha pass. SFM lets you assign a second texture slot for night windows and ditch lights, ensuring they glow without washing out the base color. Category B: Performance Optimization (The "FPS Saver") 6. Reducing Polygon Count (Unwanted Parts) High-poly models kill frame rates (FPS). Use SFM to "delete" sub-objects. For example, delete interior cab polygons on locomotives you will never drive from the outside view. This instantly boosts performance for trailing units.