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--- manual:subwaysim:map_construction:creating_superstructure [2026/01/05 10:00] – dcs
+++ manual:subwaysim:map_construction:creating_superstructure [2026/01/12 20:06] (current) – dcs
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Creating a Superstructure ======
+===== Overview =====
 In this section of the Railtool documentation, we explain the fundamentals required to create railway tracks in SubwaySim 2.
@@ Line 9: / Line 11: @@
 ----
 ===== Creating a Superstructure =====
 To make it as easy as possible for users to get started, we recommend using an existing Superstructure that is already included in the Modding SDK.
-However, for advanced users who want to understand how a Superstructure is created from scratch, the following steps explain the manual process.
+For advanced users who want to understand how a Superstructure is created from scratch, the following steps explain the manual process.
 ==== Creating a New Superstructure Asset ====
@@ Line 30: / Line 31: @@
 {{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super1.png?nolink&200|}}
-  * In the class selection window, search for **Super Structure Data Asset**
+In the class selection window:
+  * Search for **Super Structure Data Asset**
   * Select it and confirm
@@ Line 36: / Line 38: @@
 After creating the asset, name the Superstructure freely.
-We recommend choosing a name that reflects the type of track construction it represents (for example based on rail type or construction method).
+We recommend choosing a name that reflects the type of track construction it represents.
 ----
 ===== Ready-to-Use Superstructures =====
 Several preconfigured and ready-to-use Superstructures are already included in the SDK.
-These can be found under:
+They can be found under:
 `SubwaySim2_Modding / RailwaySystem / Superstructures`
-Please note that these Superstructures **do not include power rails** and are mainly intended as examples or templates.
+Please note:
+  * These Superstructures **do not include power rails**
+  * They are mainly intended as **examples or templates**
 ----
 ===== Migrating an Existing Superstructure =====
 For most use cases, we recommend migrating an existing Superstructure from the sample content.
-The default sample Superstructure can be found at:`Simuverse_SampleModMap / Infrastructure / RailwaySystem / DataAssets`
+The default sample Superstructure is located at:
+`Simuverse_SampleModMap / Infrastructure / RailwaySystem / DataAssets`
+The asset is named:
-The asset is named:`DL_SampleMapDefault`
+`DL_SampleMapDefault`
-The migration process works exactly as described in:[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:migrate_assets|Migrating Assets into a User Plugin]]
+The migration process works exactly as described in:
+[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:migrate_assets|Migrating Assets into a User Plugin]]
 ==== Important ====
 When migrating the Superstructure:
-  * **Only migrate assets from the plugin `Simuverse_SampleModMap`**
+  * **Only migrate assets from `Simuverse_SampleModMap`**
-  * **Do NOT migrate assets from the plugin `SubwaySim2_Modding`**
+  * **Do NOT migrate assets from `SubwaySim2_Modding`**
 {{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super3.png?nolink&400|}}
 Migrating from the wrong plugin can cause dependency issues and errors in your mod.
-----
 ==== Result After Migration ====
@@ Line 84: / Line 89: @@
 ----
-===== Explaining the Superstructure Contents =====
+===== Using Custom Meshes for Superstructures =====
-In this section, we explain how a **Superstructure Data Asset** is built and which information it contains.
+If you want to use **custom meshes** for your Superstructure (for example rails, clamps, sleepers, or ballast), it is highly recommended to base them on existing assets from the SDK.
-The Superstructure defines all fundamental properties required by the Railtool to generate tracks correctly.
+To do this, you can export the original meshes from Unreal Engine back into **FBX format** and use them as reference in your 3D software (e.g. Blender).
-It controls the visual appearance, physical layout, and functional behavior of the railway infrastructure.
-The Data Asset is divided into **three main sections**:
+This helps ensure:
+  * Correct origin placement
+  * Proper scale and orientation
+  * Compatibility with the Railtool and Superstructure system
-  * **Base Settings** – General track configuration and visuals
+A detailed guide on how to export Unreal assets can be found here:
-  * **Switches / Turnouts** – Parameters for automatically generated switches
-  * **Third Rail** – Configuration of the power rail system
-We will now go through these sections step by step.
+  * [[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:export_assets|Export Assets back to .fbx]]
+Using reference meshes greatly reduces alignment issues and avoids unexpected behavior when assigning custom assets to a Superstructure Data Asset.
 ----
+===== Superstructure Contents =====
+In this section, we explain how a **Superstructure Data Asset** is structured and which information it contains.
+The Superstructure defines all fundamental properties required by the Railtool to generate tracks correctly.
+It controls the visual appearance, physical layout, and functional behavior of the railway infrastructure.
+The Data Asset is divided into **three main sections**:
+  * **Base Settings**
+  * **Switches**
+  * **Third Rail**
+----
 ===== Base Settings =====
 The **Base Settings** section contains all fundamental information required to create standard track segments.
-These settings define how the track looks, how wide it is, and which meshes are used for rails, sleepers, and ballast.
 ==== Base Settings Overview ====
@@ Line 111: / Line 128: @@
 ^ Property ^ Description ^
 | **Rail Material** | Material applied to the rails and visible track geometry. |
-| **Clamp Normal** | Static Mesh used for standard rail clamps that hold the rails in place. |
+| **Clamp Normal** | Static Mesh used for standard rail clamps. |
-| **Guide Rails** | Defines additional guiding rails used in special track sections. |
+| **Guide Rails** | Additional guiding rails for special track sections. |
-| **Gauge** | Distance between the rails (track gauge). |
+| **Gauge** | Distance between the rails. |
 | **Sleeper Spacing** | Distance between individual sleepers. |
-| **Sleeper** | Static Mesh used for a standard sleeper. |
+| **Sleeper** | Static Mesh used for sleepers. |
 | **Ballast Offset** | XYZ offset applied to the ballast mesh. |
 | **Ballast** | Static Mesh used for the ballast bed. |
-----
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4.png?direct&800|}}
-===== Rail Material =====
+==== Rail Material ====
-Defines the material that is applied to the rail geometry.
+Defines the material applied to the rail geometry.
-This material controls the visual appearance of the rails, including color, roughness, and surface details.
-----
+==== Clamp Normal ====
-===== Clamp Normal =====
+Specifies the Static Mesh used for standard rail clamps.
-Specifies the Static Mesh used for standard rail clamps.
-These clamps are placed along the track and visually represent how the rails are fixed to the sleepers.
-----
-===== Guide Rails =====
+==== Guide Rails ====
-Guide Rails are additional rail elements used in specific track situations, such as:
+Guide Rails are additional rail elements used in:
   * Switches
   * Tight curves
   * Special track sections
-This setting is handled as a **separate sub-configuration**, allowing guide rails to be enabled or disabled depending on the track type.
+They are also known as:
+  * Guard Rails
+  * Guide Rails
+  * Zwangsschienen / Führungsschienen
-----
+=== Guide Rail Data Layer ====
-===== Gauge =====
+Guide Rails are defined using a **Data Layer Asset**.
-Defines the **track gauge**, which is the distance between the two rails.
+=== Guide Rail Parameters ====
+^ Property ^ Description ^
+| **Name** | Name of the Data Layer asset. |
+| **Guide Rail Distance** | Distance from the standard rail. |
+| **Clamp** | Holder mesh for the guide rail. |
+| **Material** | Material applied to the guide rail. |
+| **Start Mesh** | Mesh at the beginning of the guide rail. |
+| **End Mesh** | Mesh at the end of the guide rail. |
+| **Cm to UCoordinate** | Conversion factor for UV mapping. |
+| **Profile** | Procedural cross-section definition. |
-The standard gauge is **1435 mm**.
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_1.png?direct&800|}}
-⚠️ Important:
+=== Guide Rail Profile ====
-Unreal Engine units are **centimeters**, not millimeters.
-Conversion:
+The profile defines the procedural geometry of the guide rail.
-  * 1435 mm = **143.5 cm**
-The value entered here **must be specified in Unreal units (cm)**.
+=== Important Notes ====
-Incorrect gauge values will result in:
+  * All distances are defined in **Unreal Units (cm)**
-  * Incorrect wheel alignment
+  * Incorrect profiles may cause visual or collision issues
-  * Physics issues
-  * Visual inconsistencies
 ----
+==== Gauge ====
-===== Sleeper Spacing =====
+Defines the track gauge.
-Defines the distance between individual sleepers along the track.
+Standard gauge:
+  * **1435 mm**
+  * **143.5 cm (Unreal Units)**
-This value directly affects:
+----
-  * Track appearance
+==== Sleeper Spacing ====
-  * Performance (more sleepers = more meshes)
-The spacing value is also defined in **Unreal units (cm)**.
+Defines the distance between sleepers along the track.
 ----
+==== Sleeper ====
-===== Sleeper =====
+Defines the Static Mesh used for sleepers.
-Specifies the Static Mesh used as the standard sleeper.
+----
+==== Ballast Offset ====
-This mesh is repeated along the track at the defined sleeper spacing and forms the base support structure of the rails.
+Defines the XYZ offset of the ballast mesh.
 ----
+==== Ballast ====
-===== Ballast Offset =====
+Defines the Static Mesh used for the ballast bed.
-Defines the **XYZ offset** of the ballast mesh relative to the track center.
+----
+===== Switches =====
-This allows fine-tuning of the ballast position to ensure correct alignment with sleepers and rails.
+The **Switches** section defines meshes and parameters for automatically generated turnouts.
+==== Switches Overview ====
+^ Property ^ Description ^
+| **Switch Guard Dist** | Guide rail distance at switch exit. |
+| **Clamp Mini Inner** | Small clamp at switch start. |
+| **Clamp Blade** | Clamp for switch blades. |
+| **Clamp Guard** | Clamp for rails with guide rail. |
+| **Clamp Single Inner Half** | Inner single clamp. |
+| **Clamp Single Outer Half** | Outer single clamp. |
+| **Hollow Sleeper** | Sleeper with internal linkage. |
+| **Switch Motor** | Motor mesh. |
+| **Manual Switch Lever** | Blueprint for manual switches. |
+| **Switch Blade Throw Bar** | Blade linkage. |
+| **Clearance Marker Mesh** | Clearance marker mesh. |
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_2.png?direct&800|}}
 ----
+===== Third Rail =====
-===== Ballast =====
+The **Third Rail** section defines the power rail system for electric vehicles.
-Specifies the Static Mesh used for the ballast bed.
+If no Third Rail Data Layer is present, vehicles will display:
-The ballast mesh represents the gravel or stone foundation beneath the track and is an essential visual component of the railway infrastructure.
+**"No Power"**
+==== Third Rail Overview ====
+^ Property ^ Description ^
+| **Third Rail Begin** | Start mesh. |
+| **Third Rail Mid** | Looping mesh. |
+| **Third Rail End** | End mesh. |
+| **Third Rail Mount** | Holder mesh. |
+| **Third Rail Offset** | XYZ offset. |
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_3.png?direct&800|}}
+==== Important Notes ====
+<WRAP center round important>
+  * Third Rail Data Layers are required for powered tracks
+  * Incorrect offsets can lead to power loss or misalignment
+</WRAP>
 ----
+===== Next Step =====
+With the Superstructure configured, all fundamental data required for track generation is now available.
+In the next chapter, you will learn how to use the Railtool to actually place tracks, create curves, switches, and define railway layouts on your map.
+→ **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:laying_tracks|Laying Tracks]]**
 {{page>manual:footer}}