If you have a couple of parallel tracks the trackbed (pebbles) usually extend over the entirety of the track width, without the underground seen in between. Is it possible to widen this for the tracks for a certain route, or does this require a complete redesign of the tracks in 3D Studio Max e.g.
Not a route builder myself BUT if the game supports single track, then there are two things you can do: Create special track that is wider on one side Create a scenery item that is placed between the tracks - namely the pebbles Realistically after the track settles and eventually gets refreshed / reballasted, individual tracks will stand out, it's more of a matter of texturing. Some authors go easy and place tracks on the green default ground (grass) while better routes have an undertrack texture, too. Like elderly HSC: One more example from an even more elderly location, note the ground texture between the tracks: Real life example with a (height) gap between the tracks: There are wider beds, too. In TSC terms this real life shot would require a massive underbed, given it's a bit of elevation.
The situation as in the picture is the case, the underground strips I would like to be similar to the trackbed in color and preferably in height. There is probably not a paint tool that can do this and I don't know which specific track texture file needs to be changed and how this can be done.
I may get corrected but my point is, you're approaching it from the unusual (wrong) direction. You want the ground texture to match the tracks. You're trying to mix bright Kuju-era ground (seen on the ECML shot) with more modern, darker track. You should grab more modern ground textures and paint them under the tracks. I doubt it's ever going to be perfect, unless you specifically create it. It doesn't have to be ground texture, banking is another option. A more generic word would be a world object, like most rocks. So, in short, you have to make it. I agree that even the original NEC track + bed is looking awkward like that.
Thanks. I replaced the tracks with TS Tools, and the simplest solution would be a similar replacement with the help of TS Tools of some file attribute to make the underground change in an automated way. I need to look into that if doable. Edit: here is an improved version of the WashingtonBaltimore track I use with a broader trackbed, I may use it for NEC instead, the other sleepers are better looking but this trackbed is clearly the better option.
