Real life dimensions look small in the Sim? (Dwarf Signal)

[Ryan93]

Hello Everybody. I have been slowly learning blender and the basics of 3d modelling. I have been attempting to create a 4 aspect dwarf signal based on measurements that I took in person. At this point, I have everything modeled to scale but my confusion comes after exporting to TS.

Note: The entire signal has been modeled with blender measurements set to imperial

I exported it as a basic scenery Item so I could see how it would show up in the sim and it honestly looks too small. The 1st picture shows it rendered in blender and the other three compare it next to the 4aspect signal from the Miami-WPB route. After measuring a CSX speed limit sign, I know the speed signs provided with Miami are much larger in the sim than in reality. So my question: am I going wrong somewhere or have these other objects been intentionally modeled on the large side for easier visibility?

4Aspect Dwarf Blender Render.jpg

Added screenshot for better size reference

4 aspect signal screenshot 4.JPG

Dwarf Signal Screenshot 4png conversion.jpg

A quick side note/dislaimer- This was just a project for me to get a good feel for what blender can do. As you can see, the model has way more detail (some of which may never be seen during normal game play) than necessary for such a small wayside signal. I am all for perfection and as such this model is not designed with performance in mind. I currently have no plans to release this model and it isn't even close to being a functioning signal (I'm not sure that I'll even get that far.)

Thoughts/suggestions/comments? Thanks

EDITED: Added screenshot for better size reference

[Ryan93]

Well Here's a quick update. I used a few scripts from the signals in RCAP and I've only been able to get a two track link signal to work. I'm lost when it comes to scripting but I was able to remove the left hand dashes to get the lunar aspect working (thanks to the excellent detail provided in the scripts.) I've removed some of the unnecessary small screw heads that would never be seen and I have also added some LOD lense 'disks' to make the signal more visible from further away.

I love it but I think it is only good for a special application (a single turnout where straight is the main line and the diverging route is a yard) because the diverging route would still show green if the speed limit is over 15 mph. It isn't working 100% though. The route in the pictures with the approach aspect is set for 15 mph but it still shows green when the signal ahead is not restricting. Again, this may be easily fixed in the scripting but that is beyond my abilities.

--Both the on and off lense textures and hood glow were taken from the signal textures in the RCAP so I do not take credit for creating those. I believe they were originally smm digital textures. All other texturing was done by me in blender and GIMP.

I'm still wondering if anybody can tell me whether or not things are intentionally modeled larger than life for better visibility in the sim. Here are a few pictures.

4 aspect signal working screenshot 1.JPG

4 aspect signal working screenshot 3.JPG

4 aspect signal working screenshot 4- lod disk 1.JPG

4 aspect signal working screenshot 5- lod disk 2.JPG

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

That looks quite good, Ryan.

It is difficult to get good and accurate drawings of railroad hardware, so I assume DTG and other creators use a lot of guesstimating.
You'll notice SMM and 3DTrains signals are also quite small. To have them visible, their lights need to be strong.

It your signals are the proper size, keep them that way.

PS: I'll respond to your PM later.