List of changes in version 8 – 3D Train Studio UK

This changelog lists new and changed features as well as bug fixes for 3D Train Studio v8.

Last updated on 20/10/24

Vertically positioned tracks can now be modified more easily.
Avoidance of jumps when forming tracks with large radii.
Elimination of inaccuracies with rotated brushes.
Access to the direction of travel of vehicles via a property in the graphical Event Manager.
Mouse borders are no longer displayed in video recordings and screenshots.
Simplified copying of the description of catalog contents to the clipboard.
Fixed a bug when changing model variations with linked objects.
Fixed a bug when editing linked particle effects.
Fixed a bug when saving animated signals and turntables.

Model extensions

Track contacts have a decoupling function.
All 3D models now support multiple particle effects. These work similarly to animations and can be controlled via the properties window and/or the Event Manager.
Particle effects additionally support an attraction to simulate gravity.
Custom model animation speeds.
When adding models multiple times, optionally random variations can be selected.
Table edges can be assigned an individual colour.
Terrain design allows rotation of square brushes.

Event management

Extension of the repetition “For all vehicles in a train/vehicle group” to include an additional alignment of the individual vehicles relative to the direction of travel. This means that vehicle doors can be opened on the correct sides with just a few commands.
Access to the portal connection via the Event Manager.
Return values from custom events are returned to the calling function in Lua.
The font size of the actions/Lua scripts can be changed in the Event Manager.
A new control interface based on JSON-RPC and integration into the Event Manager.

Catalog management

Catalog categories that were last opened can be selected directly from the selection list.
Revision of systems: When saving a system, the old versions are retained for a while. A previous version can be opened by right-clicking on the attachment.
Automatic online backup of the user catalog, see program settings.
A save notice appears every 15 minutes.
Optional clearing of the online cache in the program settings.
If a content ID is searched in the wrong area, a more meaningful error message is shown.

Bug fixes/adjustments

In simulation mode, only objects which allow mouse interaction are outlined.
When changing vehicle variations, vehicles remain correctly positioned on the tracks/roads.
When merging floor panels, different height positions are taken into account.
Invalid routes can be quickly renewed on the overview page using the context menu.
Routes and vehicle destinations are no longer incorrectly displayed during internal video recording.
The internal video recording now also records animated objects.
Fixed a bug where a track contact lost properties.
Fixed an error when entering a virtual depot from a cockpit view.
Fixed a bug when duplicating (multiple) with linked/grouped objects.
Fixed bug when moving groups with linked objects.
Fixed a bug that caused linked objects to slowly move away on very large systems.
Fixed display problems when full screen effects were disabled.

Custom cameras can be activated directly in the tree view via an additional icon.
The current position of an animation can be queried via Lua.
The full screen menu (top right corner) no longer covers the main menu in small windows.
Fixed a bug where keyboard events were sometimes not processed correctly.
Fixed bug related to active layers.
Fixed sporadic errors when closing floating windows.
Fixed an error when multiple vehicles entered a virtual depot at the same time.

Support for multi-line text in graphical Event Manager (new value type)
Windows 11 ARM support.
Performance optimizations for labels, especially for running text.
Correct handling of control characters in labels (&).
When inserting models via the context menu (right mouse button), the current mouse position is taken into account again.
Global keyboard hotkeys no longer incorrectly execute in tree view.
Detailed improvements and corrections.

New user interface

Modern, reduced user interface with a focus on the 3D system.
Permanently visible structure view, replaces the old selection dialog.
Combined tools for terrain design.
Separation of controls and properties elements into separate areas.
Updated Gizmo design.
Improved display of object selection.
Improved route visualization (direction arrows).
Free positioning of all windows.
Optional hiding of the menus.
New full screen mode with start in full screen (top right corner of the window).
Full high resolution support (4K monitors).

Labeling function

3D models support labels whose texts can be customized by the user (e.g. train destination indicators or license plates).
Support for static and scrolling texts.
Controllable via event management.
New keyword “Labeled” in the online catalog lists all 3D models with a labeling function.

Advanced positioning

Switch between local and global gizmo axes (in the Position window)
Simplified, multiple insertion of models with random orientation, e.g. for vegetation or groups of people.
Individual height adjustments of a multiple selection (lock symbol in the position window), for example to position a group of trees along a slope.
Fine adjustment of position, rotation and scaling using additional buttons in the position window.

Event management

Setting the direction of travel of a stationary locomotive.
New “Crane has been reset” event for resetting a crane to the home position or to the waiting position after a transport problem.
Access to the transported goods of a crane via EV.
Access to the signal connection via EV.
Access hour, minute and relative time (0 – 1) of time objects in Lua.

Additional

New print dialog with export to PDF and elimination of blurring when printing the technical view.
The Route window displays extended information about why a route is currently blocked.
Improved crane functions so that vehicles can be placed onto tracks/roads without detours.
Text fields optionally snap to tracks, roads or other splines.
Optional reduction of the graphics resolution for less powerful computers.
In simulation mode, the screen saver/power saving mode is deactivated.
Windows 10 x64 is required. Windows 8 and earlier and x32 are no longer supported.