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--- manual:subwaysim:map_construction:creating_superstructure [2026/01/05 10:31] – 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:
-The asset is named:`DL_SampleMapDefault`
+`Simuverse_SampleModMap / Infrastructure / RailwaySystem / DataAssets`
-The migration process works exactly as described in:[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:migrate_assets|Migrating Assets into a User Plugin]]
+The asset is named:
+`DL_SampleMapDefault`
+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&400|}}
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4.png?direct&800|}}
-----
 ==== 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 ====
 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 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
-In railway terminology, Guide Rails are commonly referred to as:
+They are also known as:
-  * **Guard Rails**
+  * Guard Rails
-  * **Guide Rails**
+  * Guide Rails
-  * **Zwangsschienen / Führungsschienen**
+  * Zwangsschienen / Führungsschienen
-They are used to guide wheelsets safely through complex track geometry.
+=== Guide Rail Data Layer ====
+Guide Rails are defined using a **Data Layer Asset**.
-=== Guide Rail Data Layer ===
+=== Guide Rail Parameters ====
-A Guide Rail is defined using a **Data Layer Asset**.
-This Data Layer can be assigned in the Railtool via the **Data Layer** functionality and controls how and where guide rails are generated along the track.
-For Guide Rails to work correctly, several parameters must be defined carefully.
-=== Guide Rail Parameters ===
-The following table lists all parameters of a Guide Rail Data Layer and explains their purpose.
 ^ Property ^ Description ^
-| **Name** | Name of the Guide Rail Data Layer asset. Used for identification inside the Railtool. |
+| **Name** | Name of the Data Layer asset. |
-| **Guide Rail Distance** | Distance from the standard rail profile to the guide rail. |
+| **Guide Rail Distance** | Distance from the standard rail. |
-| **Clamp** | Static Mesh used as the holder or clamp for the guide rail. |
+| **Clamp** | Holder mesh for the guide rail. |
-| **Material** | Material applied to the guide rail geometry. |
+| **Material** | Material applied to the guide rail. |
-| **Start Mesh** | Static Mesh placed at the beginning of the guide rail section. |
+| **Start Mesh** | Mesh at the beginning of the guide rail. |
-| **End Mesh** | Static Mesh placed at the end of the guide rail section. |
+| **End Mesh** | Mesh at the end of the guide rail. |
-| **Cm to UCoordinate** | Conversion factor from centimeters to Unreal texture coordinate units. |
+| **Cm to UCoordinate** | Conversion factor for UV mapping. |
-| **Profile** | Defines the cross-section shape of the guide rail using coordinates instead of a mesh. |
+| **Profile** | Procedural cross-section definition. |
-{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_1.png?direct&400|}}
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_1.png?direct&800|}}
+=== Guide Rail Profile ====
-=== Guide Rail Profile ===
+The profile defines the procedural geometry of the guide rail.
-The **Profile** defines the actual shape of the guide rail.
+=== Important Notes ====
-Unlike sleepers or ballast, the guide rail does **not** use a predefined Static Mesh.
-Instead, Unreal Engine generates the geometry procedurally based on profile coordinates.
-Multiple profile indices can be added or removed:
-  * Use the **+** button to add a new profile index
-  * Use the **Trash** icon to remove an index
-Each profile index contains the following parameters:
-^ Parameter ^ Description ^
-| **X** | X-coordinate of the profile point. |
-| **Y** | Y-coordinate of the profile point. |
-| **V** | UV position along the V-axis for texturing. |
-| **Hard Edge** | Defines whether the edge is smoothed or kept sharp. |
-By combining multiple profile indices, complex guide rail cross-sections can be created.
-=== Important Notes ===
   * All distances are defined in **Unreal Units (cm)**
-  * Guide Rail positioning must match the track gauge and wheel geometry
+  * Incorrect profiles may cause visual or collision issues
-  * Incorrect profile definitions can lead to visual artifacts or collision issues
-Guide Rails are an advanced feature and should be configured carefully.
-For most standard track layouts, they are optional, but essential for complex or high-speed track sections.
 ----
 ==== Gauge ====
-Defines the **track gauge**, which is the distance between the two rails.
+Defines the track gauge.
-The standard gauge is **1435 mm**.
+Standard gauge:
+  * **1435 mm**
-⚠️ Important:
+  * **143.5 cm (Unreal Units)**
-Unreal Engine units are **centimeters**, not millimeters.
-Conversion:
-  * 1435 mm = **143.5 cm**
-The value entered here **must be specified in Unreal units (cm)**.
-Incorrect gauge values will result in:
-  * Incorrect wheel alignment
-  * Physics issues
-  * Visual inconsistencies
 ----
 ==== Sleeper Spacing ====
-Defines the distance between individual sleepers along the track.
+Defines the distance between sleepers along the track.
-This value directly affects:
-  * Track appearance
-  * Performance (more sleepers = more meshes)
-The spacing value is also defined in **Unreal units (cm)**.
 ----
 ==== Sleeper ====
-Specifies the Static Mesh used as the standard sleeper.
+Defines the Static Mesh used for sleepers.
-This mesh is repeated along the track at the defined sleeper spacing and forms the base support structure of the rails.
 ----
 ==== Ballast Offset ====
-Defines the **XYZ offset** of the ballast mesh relative to the track center.
+Defines the XYZ offset of the ballast mesh.
-This allows fine-tuning of the ballast position to ensure correct alignment with sleepers and rails.
 ----
 ==== Ballast ====
-Specifies the Static Mesh used for the ballast bed.
+Defines the Static Mesh used for the ballast bed.
-The ballast mesh represents the gravel or stone foundation beneath the track and is an essential visual component of the railway infrastructure.
 ----
 ===== Switches =====
-The **Switches** section defines all meshes and parameters required for **automatically generated switches (turnouts)** created by the Railtool.
+The **Switches** section defines meshes and parameters for automatically generated turnouts.
-This includes:
-  * Visual components of the switch
-  * Mechanical elements such as blades and throw bars
-  * Guide rails inside switch areas
-  * Optional motorized or manual control elements
-Guide rails within switches are **generated automatically** based on the parameters defined here.
-----
 ==== Switches Overview ====
 ^ Property ^ Description ^
-| **Switch Guard Dist** | Distance of the guide rail at the exit of the switch. |
+| **Switch Guard Dist** | Guide rail distance at switch exit. |
-| **Clamp Mini Inner** | Smaller clamp used at the beginning of a switch. |
+| **Clamp Mini Inner** | Small clamp at switch start. |
-| **Clamp Blade** | Clamp for rails including guidance for the switch blade. |
+| **Clamp Blade** | Clamp for switch blades. |
-| **Clamp Guard** | Clamp used for rails carrying an additional guide rail. |
+| **Clamp Guard** | Clamp for rails with guide rail. |
-| **Clamp Single Inner Half** | Single inner rail clamp for individual rail sections. |
+| **Clamp Single Inner Half** | Inner single clamp. |
-| **Clamp Single Outer Half** | Single outer rail clamp for individual rail sections. |
+| **Clamp Single Outer Half** | Outer single clamp. |
-| **Hollow Sleeper** | Sleeper mesh containing internal switch linkage. |
+| **Hollow Sleeper** | Sleeper with internal linkage. |
-| **Switch Motor** | Mesh for electrically driven switch motors. |
+| **Switch Motor** | Motor mesh. |
-| **Manual Switch Lever** | Blueprint used for manually operated switches. |
+| **Manual Switch Lever** | Blueprint for manual switches. |
-| **Switch Blade Throw Bar** | Mechanical linkage that moves the switch blade. |
+| **Switch Blade Throw Bar** | Blade linkage. |
-| **Clearance Marker Mesh** | Clearance marker automatically placed near switches. |
+| **Clearance Marker Mesh** | Clearance marker mesh. |
-{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_2.png?direct&400|}}
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_2.png?direct&800|}}
 ----
-==== Switch Guard Dist ====
-Defines the distance of the guide rail at the exit of the switch.
-This value controls how far the guide rail extends beyond the switch geometry to safely guide wheelsets after leaving the turnout.
-----
-==== Clamp Mini Inner ====
-Defines a smaller clamp mesh used at the **beginning of a switch**.
-This clamp is typically used where space is limited and standard clamps would collide with switch components.
-----
-==== Clamp Blade ====
-Defines the clamp mesh used for rails that include **guidance for the switch blade (tongue)**.
-This clamp ensures correct positioning and movement of the switch blade during operation.
-----
-==== Clamp Guard ====
-Defines the clamp mesh used for rail sections that also carry a **guide rail**.
-This clamp variant supports both the main rail and the guide rail simultaneously.
-----
-==== Clamp Single Inner Half ====
-Defines a single inner rail clamp used for individual inner rail sections.
-This is typically used in areas where only one rail needs to be clamped independently.
-----
-==== Clamp Single Outer Half ====
-Defines a single outer rail clamp used for individual outer rail sections.
-This allows more flexible placement of clamps in complex switch geometries.
-----
-==== Hollow Sleeper ====
-Defines the sleeper mesh that contains the **internal switch linkage**.
-This sleeper type is used in switch areas where mechanical components such as throw bars or rods are located inside the sleeper.
-----
-==== Switch Motor ====
-Defines the mesh used for an **electrically driven switch motor**.
-This mesh is placed automatically when creating motorized switches using the Railtool.
-----
-==== Manual Switch Lever ====
-Allows assigning a Blueprint used for **manual switch operation**.
-A ready-to-use Blueprint is provided:
-  * **BP_SwitchLever01**
-----
-==== Switch Blade Throw Bar ====
-Defines the mechanical linkage connected to the switch blade.
-The throw bar is responsible for physically moving the switch blade between its positions.
-----
-==== Clearance Marker Mesh ====
-Defines the mesh used for **clearance markers**.
-Clearance markers are placed automatically in areas where vehicles must remain clear to avoid collisions, indicating the safe clearance limit near switches.
-----
 ===== Third Rail =====
-The **Third Rail** section defines the power rail system used by vehicles with a **side-mounted current collector** and an active **PowerComponent**.
+The **Third Rail** section defines the power rail system for electric vehicles.
-The third rail is required for electric vehicles to receive power.
+If no Third Rail Data Layer is present, vehicles will display:
-If a track section does **not** contain a Third Rail Data Layer, affected vehicles will display the message:
 **"No Power"**
-in the in-game HUD.
-The Third Rail is implemented as a **Data Layer Asset**, similar to Guide Rails, and can be assigned using the Railtool’s Data Layer functionality.
-----
 ==== Third Rail Overview ====
 ^ Property ^ Description ^
-| **Third Rail Begin** | Static Mesh placed at the beginning of the third rail section. |
+| **Third Rail Begin** | Start mesh. |
-| **Third Rail Mid** | Looping Static Mesh used along the main length of the third rail. |
+| **Third Rail Mid** | Looping mesh. |
-| **Third Rail End** | Static Mesh placed at the end of the third rail section. |
+| **Third Rail End** | End mesh. |
-| **Third Rail Mount** | Mesh used as the holder for the third rail, placed individually on sleepers. |
+| **Third Rail Mount** | Holder mesh. |
-| **Third Rail Offset** | XYZ offset used to position the third rail relative to the track. |
+| **Third Rail Offset** | XYZ offset. |
-{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_3.png?direct&400|}}
+{{:manual:subwaysim:creating_superstructure:super4_3.png?direct&800|}}
-----
+==== Important Notes ====
-==== Third Rail Begin ====
+<WRAP center round important>
+  * Third Rail Data Layers are required for powered tracks
-Defines the Static Mesh placed at the **start** of a third rail section.
+  * Incorrect offsets can lead to power loss or misalignment
+</WRAP>
-This mesh visually represents the transition from a non-powered to a powered track segment.
 ----
-==== Third Rail Mid ====
+===== Next Step =====
-Defines the **looping Static Mesh** used for the main length of the third rail.
+With the Superstructure configured, all fundamental data required for track generation is now available.
-This mesh is repeated automatically along the track wherever the Third Rail Data Layer is active.
+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]]**
-==== Third Rail End ====
-Defines the Static Mesh placed at the **end** of a third rail section.
-This mesh visually represents the termination of the power rail.
-----
-==== Third Rail Mount ====
-Defines the mesh used as the **third rail holder**.
-⚠️ Important:
-The holder mesh must be a **single, individual mesh**, not a combined or grouped mesh.
-This is required so the holder can be placed correctly on each sleeper by the Railtool.
-----
-==== Third Rail Offset ====
-Defines the **XYZ offset** of the third rail relative to the track center.
-This allows precise positioning of the power rail to match:
-  * Vehicle current collector position
-  * Track gauge
-  * Regional infrastructure standards
-All offset values are defined in **Unreal Units (cm)**.
-----
-==== Important Notes ====
-<WRAP center round important>
-  * Third Rail Data Layers must be present on powered track sections
-  * Vehicles without a compatible current collector will ignore the third rail
-  * Incorrect offsets can lead to visual misalignment or loss of power detection
-The Third Rail configuration is essential for electric vehicles and must be set up carefully to ensure reliable power supply during gameplay.
-</WRAP>
 {{page>manual:footer}}